2010 National Radio Club/World TV FM DX Association Convention

Joint Convention August 26-29, 2010
Rochester, New York
Brookwood Inn – Bushnell’s Basin/Pittsford, NY

by John R. Malicky

OH ROCHESTER!
Like Jack Benny’s butler of his past radio and television programs, Rochester 2010 served us well! We congratulate the WNYC, the Western New York Convention Committee, of Scott Fybush, LisaFybush,Jerry Bond, Greg Coniglio, Rick Lucas, and Jim Renfrew for their ‘A+’ efforts and ‘grreat convention’! With several references in this story, the time seemed like yesterday when the ‘Magnificent Seven’ hosted Batavia(NY) 2004. Not listed this time, two members who were part of that committee, Saul Chernos and Nolan Stephanys’ assistance was still appreciated this weekend. In the NRC’s 77th year, this would be the first time a convention was held in Rochester, though the third, or fifth, in the area, with nine others, from 1940-1964, held in Buffalo and its suburbs of Tonawanda and Williamsville, that were in western New York.  Rochester 2010 Committee 4 of 6 – Rick Lucas, Scott Fybush, Lisa Fybush, Jerry Bond August 29, 2010

What, No “Beer Barrel Polka”?!
Amazingly, though no one seemed to mind, this may have been the first convention ever or in many years that did not have alcohol. While that might have been the only item or source lacking, all other details seemed well covered. So too, long gone are the days of bowling and playing cards that are now replaced by laptops and cell phones. However, there are two characteristics that are always necessary, either in great demand or short in supply, during these conventions, rest and time. So even as most of the committee were away in August in some form or another, like registrar/auction collector Greg Coniglio’s business trip or maybe location scouting for Morocco 2011, everything in The Beatles’ song had ‘all come together.’ In appreciation for their assistance, from the Rochester Convention and Visitors’ Bureau (Visit Rochester), was the fabulous stay at the Brookwood, though they request you keep your euros. With their spacious and luxurious rooms, at Route 96; 800 Pittsford-Victor Road, they offer free self-serve breakfasts, so kick back and take off a load. And thanks to all those at our venues, plus to those on the broadcast tours as well, even the forecast by TV 8’s Brian Neudorff, for ordering each day sunny, blue, and swell! Scott & Eli Fybush August 29, 2010 at Brookwood Inn

“Put Our Obsession With Radio To Work For You”
Always a wealth of information, along with his employment at WXXI, his media businesses as this slogan is derived from “Fybush Media,” and devoted family man, Scott Fybush seems to be or is ‘a step ahead’ in his passion for the radio/television media. Having designed the program featuring a colorful front of Rochester area radio call signs and slogans, the pamphlet contained our itinerary, detailed directions, AM/FM/TV band scans, area attractions, and family tours. One could say that this program and convention is a culmination or byproduct of an extensive career path. Or just providing fun for everyone this weekend! Or maybe it’s in your ‘blood’ that this journey began in 1989 as a volunteer reader for WXXI’s “Reachout Radio,” the radio reading service for the blind. To be followed as a news intern at WKOX-1200 Framingham, MA and as a news director at WBRS-100.1 Brandeis University in Waltham, MA from 1990-91 and news reporter/weekend anchor at WCAP-980 Lowell, MA from 1991-92 all the while attending Brandeis those three years and graduating with a B.A. in History in 1992.
Then from 1992 to 1997, along with some ‘stringing’ or corresponding for the AP, ABC, ‘ABCD,’ BBC, ‘MLB,’ CBS, and CNN, Scott was ‘called up to the majors’ as a news writer and editor at 1030 WBZ Boston, coordinated ‘BZ’s 75th anniversary celebration in 1996, and in the same year ‘coordinated’ his own anniversary, now at 14 years, by marrying Lisa on May 14! As a club member for 16 years and TV/FM member for 10, our first time to meet Scott during his New England days was at Nashua ’94 when he coordinated an impressive visit to WBZ’s, now 70 years old on July 27, tower and transmitter site, a two tower directional signal west, at Hull, Massachusetts. Though as a youth in Rochester when he was right within sight of the 4-tower AM 1370 site, WSAY, and in his ‘backyard’ was the 3 tower Top 40 “waxie”, WAXC-1460, now WHIC, that the ‘site’ and ‘Kodak moment’ exposure led to this fascination and ‘all things considered’ with the media. A few years later, the clinching moment that hit the ‘circuit’ was a tour of TV 10 WHEC. Now with Lisa’s help, with thousands of photographs from over two decades of travel, is the yearly edition of Scott’s colorful and informative “Tower Site Calendar.” At 1,500 copies a year, “you have to know how to market it, was Scott’s response when at a past convention DX News Editor Paul Swearingen had commented as to how one arrives to sell this idea. A valued item in broadcast trade, even as a low bid auction item this year, the serious nature set aside, in jest-bah Paul and Scott mentioned, “this calendar is worth considerably worth more than that…so if it was worth more, I could sell more!” Even so, unsatisfied with the printing and color images of the 2011 version sold at Rochester, via the mail a buyer received a second higher quality one revealing the truth of their ‘pride of the calendar’! This, a correlation for a certain New York baseball team!

“Follow the Yellow Brick Road”
As Scott’s career path continued, four present broadcast services were developed or associated with along with the eventual return to Rochester. The first service in 1994 began as Editor/Publisher of “Northeast (U.S. and eastern Canada) Radio Watch.” In 2001, “Fybush Media” was created that as a broadcast consultant with freelance writing. In 2002 as a news editor, Scott created “100000watts.com” while in 2006, he became an editor for “The Radio Journal,” www.theradiojournal.com. Still, other employment began when for two years in 1997 Scott was an assignment editor for “R News (Time Warner Cable), Rochester” and reporter for “R News” for three years until 2001. As a contributing writer to “Radio World,” Scott was there from 1999-2006. Now a most fulfilling endeavor since 2004 has been Scott’s work at WXXI, the public voice, as a fill-in news anchor and reporter, a co-creator and host of “Mixed Media,” a ‘live’ event host; and contributing talent for TV-21’s pledge drive. On occasion, he might be selling popcorn, too! Friend to several of the trade in the state, Scott’s contact with Dave Radigan, President of WEBO-1330 Owego, Bill Jaker, Producer of WSKG TV 49/89.3 Binghamton, Aaron Reed, GM of WEOS-89.7 Geneva, Dick Reeves, PD of WACK-1420 Newark, and Steve Cichon, Reporter at WGR-550 Buffalo either led to a tour or phone contact. As there’s no truth to any monetary residuals, at “fybush.com” or in person, Scott is a friend to the club and a “source for broadcasting information”!

“But Rochester, Tell Me Something About Yourself!”
“Well Mr. Benny..,” as a revolutionary war soldier, Colonel Nathaniel Rochester was given and found a settlement in 1811 that was known as Rochesterville. A ‘veal’ cut/let go, by 1817 the town of Rochester became incorporated and was soon termed “The Flour City” for its milling industries. ‘A rose by any other name’, by the later twentieth century, Rochester became known as “The Flower City” because of its nurseries, parks, and fruit and garden industries. Two of the largest parks are the Durand-Eastman and Highland which here in May has the world’s largest display of Lilacs spread over 15 acres and over 528 varieties. ‘Variety is the spice of life’ and who better to capture the moments on film in the late 1800s was George Eastman, the founder of the world famous Eastman-Kodak Company. As father of modern photography and inventor of motion picture film, Eastman’s home has become an international museum. Like Westinghouse and Carnegie to Pittsburgh, Eastman contributed mightily to Rochester’s arts, education, and music. With the renowned Eastman School of Music within the University of Rochester, there’s also the 88 year old
Humboldt St. WROC-TV 8 August 27, 2010
recently renovated in 2009 Eastman Theatre that WXXI-TV featured, “Restoring a Masterpiece.” A masterpiece within, on July 10, 2010 a day long visit by bus led to the 136 year old venerable Chautauqua Institution and Lake located in the southwest corner of New York state for “Public Radio Day” hosted by Pittsburgh’s WQED-89.3 Jim Cunningham and Buffalo’s WNED-94.5 Ed Simone featuring the Chautauqua Symphony and an all Beethoven concert, the Piano Concerto #3 and Symphony #5. Another simpler feature near The Hall of Philosophy was a historic posterboard display of photos celebrating Eastman-Kodak. “And Boss..,” also here is The Susan B. Anthony House named for the political activist and civil rights leader. Other, more civil, sites here include the High Falls on the Genesee River and District, the 140 year old Erie Canal, and perhaps the world’s largest collection of toys, dolls, and games in the Strong National Museum of Play. With cries of “play ball,” for many years the Rochester Red Wings of the International League have now as the farm team of the Minnesota Twins and for a ‘full count,’ the Baltimore Orioles. ‘Let it snow, let it snow’ with an average a year of 56 inches which means it’s time to go indoors and watch the American Hockey League’s Rochester Americans, farm team of the Florida Panthers. Finally, not Marilyn, Monroe County and the Rochester area, with a population just over one million, ranks 56th in Arbitron’s with a 39 station market (11 AM/28 FM) and fits in line directionally between Buffalo (# 53) and Syracuse (# 84), but within the three has the only unlimited 50 kW station, WHAM-1180, and the same limitless warmth and spirit that now contributes to our story!

“Who’s On First, What’s On Second”
Licensed by the committee, a ‘plate’ on the program containing both club’s acronyms “20 NEW YORK 10/ NRC – WTFDA/ EMPIRE STATE” headlines the beginning of the convention schedule for Day One, Thursday, August 26. (Before we start, here’s a quiz within a line either in military or AM/PM Daylight time:–as a set of AM call letters will be given. If you can, guess the hours. Example: “We arrived at KMOX hours.” – 1120. Answers at the end!) First up at WEUP hours is a pre-convention dinner at Portofino Restaurant, 2171 West Henrietta Road. In the second spot at WLW hours, there’s baseball at Frontier Field between the Rochester Red Wings and Pawtucket Red Sox. With the Wings’ games heard on WHTK-1280/107.3 and day games on WYSL-1040/92.1, the final score which was just fine for 36 year member Ray Arruda (KB1EVX), his Pawsox 3 Wings 1. However, it’s not about the losing, but the winning attitude and endurance at One Morrie Silver Way. For as the team can trace its roots to 1888 and 1928 as the Red Wings, it’s when the great Hall of Famer Stan Musial played here for part of the 1941 season before his callup and 22 year place in history with the St. Louis Cardinals that the late Morrie Silver’s place in Wings’ history is also one ‘for the ages.’ In tribute outside the home plate gate is a statue of a young boy looking up to Mr. Silver. Below them is a plaque dedicated to his efforts for saving baseball here in 1957 when he led efforts for selling public shares to buy the team from the Cardinals. The stock share symbolized “the desire to preserve baseball for future generations and our beloved community.” Later in 1968, “Silver Stadium” was named in his honor as is for the last 14 years his Family Scholarship Fund that’s provided over $65k to worthy employees, ages 18-25, for pursuant to study at a college, university, or vocational school. As Morrie Silver’s legacy “can be compared to Abner Doubleday’s role in the sport…he did not create it, but simply ensured it would last.”

“Calling All Cars/I Can See Clearly Now”
After the assemblage of cars and drivers from the (Jerry) Bond Bus Company and (Rick) Lucas Cab on Day Two, Friday, August 27, our procession arrives around KOMO hours at 100 Chestnut Street downtown inside the HSBC(Hong Kong-Shanghai Banking Corporation) Building and home to Rochester’s Clear Channel Radio seven-station operation with two that simulcast. To the 17th floor and sounds where the studios are ‘in the round’ and the whole area, “like a palace for us,” mentions 1180 News Director Randy Gorbman. While large glass windows offer great views of the city and ‘the neon lights (that) are pretty,’ other offers or ‘cues’ take place when any of the staff like to ‘stick’ around during a ‘break’ and play pool on the table in the middle of the room. Previously home to CBS/Infinity’s 96.5, 97.9, 94.1, and 101.3, all four were sold in 2007 though the latter two remained under an LMA (licensed managed agreement) until 2009 when that April Clear Channel moved in. Their former location beginning with WHAM in the mid 1980s was located in the Midtown Plaza that’s now being demolished. Before this and following NRC Enfield(CT) ’83, on September sixth a photograph was taken of WHAM’s 350 East Avenue address, an impressive view that showed their large vertical call sign on the front of the building along with their FM, WHFM-98.9 that’s now Entercom’s WBZA. Licensed on July 11, 1922, the “WHAM” call meaning came from an idea George Eastman chose that as a word would sound the same in any language. In broadcast language, when WHFM signed on in 1939, listeners either tuned to the WH’AM’ band or the WH’FM’ band! As a ‘roving band’, in 2004 we visited the 1180 tower site southwest of downtown and south of state route 252 along Brook Road. ‘One and one equals number one’ in the local ratings for 1180 with Fox and CBS News affiliations and local news coverage 24/7 and a full one hour news block at 5 PM. Having a full time busy news staff and a news production room, “1180 WHAM” also has “a nice synergy” relying for “on the spot” reporting and phone interviews with TV 13 WHAM reporters even without corporate affiliations. WHAM even files reports for other northeast Clear Channel stations, WTAG-580 Worchester, MA and WELI-960 New Haven, CT. Plus, with a long standing at least 16 year news talk format, dependable local hosts now include “Beth & Chet” from 5-9 AM and Bob Lonsberry 11-2 PM along with national hosts like Rush, Glenn Beck, and others. Also with Buffalo Bills football in the fall, the “Sports leader” has sports talk from 6-8 PM with Democrat & Cronicle columnist Bob Mathews. Matt Basile (bee-sel), Director of Marketing credits the other stations here also like the soon to be 63 year voice (both 11/22-jrm) WHTK-1280 (ex WVET and WRTK) and its FM repeater at 107.3 featuring sports talk/Fox Sports and popular 3-6 PM local host John Detollio who wouldn’t be ‘lyin’ that he’s a big fan of Penn State football’s “JoePa”, Joe Paterno; take “The Drive” WDVI-100.5 for modern AC music; while its always bright on Adult Contemporary “102.3 Sunny FM” WVOR; or ‘seal it with’ “Kiss FM” WKGS-106.7 Top 40/CHR; and classic hits/progressive rocker ‘sly like’ “The Fox 95.1” WFXF. A Fox-FM feature carrying over from the’20th Century’ is legendary personality “Brother Wease” aka Allan Leven who wakes Rochester up from 6-10 with his ‘weasy’ rough voice that to his friends as a youth was also known as “Weasel.” “Brother Wease” who has been here about 2 years after a 30 year stint at WCMF-96.5 ‘cues’ the end of our enjoyable ‘stint’ at CCR thanking everyone as now we must ‘clear’ out of here!

“The ‘ROC’ of Rochester”
Visiting 201 Humboldt Street, at Broadcast Center and TV Eight, soon watching the news on WROC, at noon will really be great! “Three minutes to air.” Around WGPA also here is Sinclair Broadcasting’s WUHF TV 31 that TV 8’s Irving, Texas based Nexstar Broadcasting, “provides services for WUHF through an outsourcing agreement.” Affiliated with CBS and Fox networks respectively, TV 8 is found digitally at RF 45 while TV 31 is at RF 28. As TV 8’s ERP (effective radiated power) is one megawatt, their third service is RochesterHomepage.net. That the building has had many different stories, owners, and philosophies only adds to the intrigue of WROC. ‘Make it so number one’ when as the original owner Stromberg-Carlson’s first intent was to only house WHAM radio that they also made plans to build studios for WHAM TV 6. While as 1180 would move here in 1947 from downtown, television service, with their tower still today on Pinnacle Hill, would sign on two years later June 11, 1949. Our host, eight year WROC CE Eric Melenbacker (Kk2POP) explained that when ground was broken in October, 1945 and construction began of this large brick building in 1946, he quipped that, “both of us were conceived at the same time!” ‘Twenty five or six to four’ or take the ‘2’ and multiply by ‘4’ when TV 8 or 6 in their early years was affiliated with the NBC and ABC networks. By July, 1956 they would be acquired by Transcontinent TV Corporation while in these years change calls to WROC and flip channels with TV 6 moving to Schenectady and TV 5 coming to Rochester. Then in 1962 new owner Veterans Broadcasting was involved in three dramatic decisions, first by making major adjustments forcing out Genesee’s WHAM/WHFM, adding their stations WVET-1280/97.9 while changing their calls to WROC, and on September 9th watched as again WROC TV flipped channels with TV 5 moving to WHEN-Syracuse and TV 8 coming to Rochester. Three years later in March, 1965, Veterans would sell all three stations to Rust Craft Broadcasting of NY. In our ‘briefing’ in the reception area, we stood near a somewhat long and circular paneled hallway dubbed “Mahogany Row” where offices are now, but until 1980-81 were the radio studios. During the 1960s and 70s, Mr. M. recalled spinning records as the Board Operator in the room next to the piano playing Earl Jarrett on his morning show on 1280 AM. In TV and radio’s heyday of local personalities, Mr. M. mentioned a few of those people who worked and came through here like “Skipper Sam” and Bob Keith. ‘Those were the days my friends,’ and really nothing like that today as local television, along with their affiliations, becomes more of a “news driven product.” ‘Dedicated to the one I love’ are awards and honors in TV 8’s lobby along with a license plate for “WROC TV 8 RADIO” and a plaque to honor 21 year TV 8 CE John Coon from June, 2002 that’s on the side of a RCA ITE television camera as we continue to ‘lobby’ for more about TV 8.

“The Caterpillar and the Butterfly – That Was Then and This Is Now”
At Broadcast Center, “two minutes to air,” the metamorphosis continued physically and the analog to digital transfer as the old vestibule stage entrance near the end of the building became offices for the newsroom, assignment editors and desks, on air talent, reporters, and photographers. Meanwhile, the middle of the building now houses cameras and editing. Everything, including news and reports, is digitally produced using the term “air speed” eliminating all tape or teletype except what’s left as achieved footage which also has been transferred. When the conversion began, Nexstar wanted their bandwidth into a two gigahertz area which the FCC accepted taking 2 channels from WROC downsizing the spread of how wide their channel was to now 7 channels and decreasing their bandwidth from 18 to 12 channels. Meanwhile by this downsizing, Nexstar had to provide all their stations with new transmitters and receivers. With the great impact of digital, whereas, when WROC analog TV used a subcarrier for the audio, if the video wasn’t just right, it would impact on the audio. Now in some cases for on site news reporting with digital, the signal can reach further with a cluster of information that’s .gathered better at the receiver. When the digital conversion began in 2002 with the FCC reducing the channels from 68 to 51, WROC was assigned (radio frequency) RF 45 as Nexstar opted not to perform a “build out” to return to channel 8. While there, the same could not be said for local stations TV 10 WHEC and TV 13 WHAM were offered channels 58 and 59 respectively, but under the new rules opted to return to channels 10 and 13. Also, now with more streamlining as in TV 8’s case, as Nexstar controls most computer functions, WROC still can assist stations in Nexstar’s eleven station northeast market while each one handles their own accounting and traffic. As for network programming and a point that doesn’t help our audio service members, with more continuation of prime time show at the top of the hour, by FCC rule the ID must be given visually during the hour, but not necessarily in audio and on top of the hour. In a case like CBS, this visual only ID at a local break is given approximately 45 minutes past the hour. “Thirty seconds to air.” Unable to visit Master Control, we did tour the Sub Control Room which many years ago was Master Control. In Sub Control, there’s an upper level for the audio technician, producer, and director and a lower level for the video technician, graphics coordinator and television with their bank of monitors. These banks or racks of monitors once contained tube type equipment that Veterans Broadcasting installed. ‘Let the force be with us’ to see a Grass Valley 300 Video Switcher, a historical relic here that was used to change inputs of the cameras and a similar one that was also used in “Star Wars” for the bomb drop!

“And that’s the way it is…fifteen seconds to air,” as our group relocates to ‘studio theatre’ with about 60 seats in this television studio which had plans to be built as the radio studios with the TV studios located on the other side of the building. Above us, a large window that was the view from the sponsors room is now used as a conference roan. Off to the side is a former control room with a window that’s now used as the graphics department. “Now, News Eight at Noon…stand by, in three, two, one.”

“The 21 Varieties of WXXI”
I. First seen in MMIV, now at WGVA hours, our third visit today is where we’ll ‘forget all of (our) troubles and all of (our) cares and go downtown’ to CCLXXX State Street and the heart of cultural and intelligent exchange in Rochester, public broadcaster WXXI/wxxi.org . II. Since 1958 in one form or another, WXXI and the WXXI Public Broadcasting Council has been a service to Rochester. III. Beginning as the Rochester Area Educational Television Association producing programs for commercial stations, but not for themselves, as the first service WXXI TV 21 signed on the air on September 9, 1966. IV. Now in Digital Television, RF 16, WXXI Virtual 21 offers main PBS programs at 21.1, PBS “World” at 21.2, “Create” at 21.3, and “City 12” on cable for the city of Rochester. V. In a five story building built on land donated by the Kodak Company and designed by local architect Frank Grosso, WXXI moved into this new and present location in 1974. VI. Once property of the Briggs family foundry in 1876 and their opera house upstairs, the WXXI building is now part of the High Falls Historic District Walking Tour of XXIV (24) stops, at Number VI (6), of former mills and factories. VII. Signing on December 23, 1974, WXXI “Classical 91.5” now at 45 kW has local hosts weekdays and other programs from PRI (Public Radio International). VIII. ‘Say what’ began in 1936 as WSAY, then WRTK, 1370 AM was acquired in 1984 signing on as WXXI July 2 and now 24/7 with NPR news/talk, local hosts, and BBC World: Service. IX. Towers of power as both sites were visited in 2004, FM 91.5 and TV 21’s are at Pinnacle Hill while 1370’s 5000 watt day and night 4 tower site is at the old studios on French Road. X. With the addition of 1370, by the 1980s WXXI significantly expanded their facilities with another major renovation to come in 2002. XI. At 8 PM weeknights, 91.5’s “Syndicated Orchestral Series” includes the San Francisco Symphony, the Rochester Philharmonic, the New Jersey Symphony, the Chicago Symphony, and APM Symphony Cast. XII. Playing with the magic, flutes and other instruments assist
August 27, 2010 the summer Saturday operas of Los Angeles and San Francisco and the New York Met in the fall while on Sundays, it’s an ode to joy listening to the NY Philharmonic. XIII. For the past several years, WXXI’s large multicolored vertical call sign highlights the front of their building. XIV. In conjunction with the University of Rochester Broadcasting Corporation, WXXI began managing/operating WRUR-88.5 in 2004. XV. Now simulcasting AM 1370 and NPR’s “Morning Edition” 5-9 and “All Things Considered” 4-6 PM, WRUR also offers the “World Cafe” twice weekdays, Adult Alternative/AAA music during the day and early evenings, their students’ programs weeknights, and community programs, ethnic and specialty, on weekends. XVI. Earlier, added over 11 years ago and switching calls in 2009, WXXY-90.3, a’fifth service, the former WJSL Houghton College, now simulcasts AM 1370 from 5-8 AM and 4-6 PM and FM 91.5 all other times except 8-11 AM on Saturday. XVII. Then earlier in 2010, a sixth service added, WITH-90.1 Ithaca, NY “The Colleges of the Seneca” now has AAA music, simulcasts 88.5 at times, and is all classical on their HD2 signal. XVIII. A seventh and ongoing service is “Reachout Radio,” the reading service for the blind heard on 91.5’s subcarrier at 92 kHz. More about this and a ‘neat project’ of their HD3 service upcoming. XVIX. With even greater demand, there’s “WXXI On Demand” on digital cable 111 partnering with Time Warner Cable providing a large selection of locally produced WXXI programs. XX. One small step for television, one giant leap for TV 21 to be the first station locally to install a fully equipped color television production truck in 1974, utilize satellite transmission in 1978, install a satellite uplink in 1996, and launch a fully powered digital television signal in 2003. (W)XXI. ‘Calling all calls’ for confirmed receptions of WSAY on July 21, 1975 “The Friendly Station” signed by Gordon P. Brown P/GM and WXXI on April 12, 1986 signed by Lois Tipton Traffic/Operating Coordinator. Coordinating these facts, that’s the WXXI 21 Moments in History!
“Live from the (Empire State) Studios, this is the Noon News. Good afternoon everyone, thank you for joining us, I’m Kristina Irwin. Our top story, there was much anticipation and appreciation for our Chief Engineer Eric Melenbacker from a tour group today of radio and television enthusiasts who stopped to visit during their convention, Rochester 2010. Not partial to his excitement, group host Scott Fybush commented, ‘though we could only stay for part of the news, thanks for having us!’ Brian checks in with us now with a brief look at our afternoon forecast. And what an afternoon and evening those folks still have, with a few clouds, comfortably cool, sunny, as we’ll hit 73 degrees. Saying best regards for now, I’m Meteorologist Brian Neudorff for News Eight!”
JRM [John Malicky] and WROC-TV Meteorologist Brian Neudorff August 27, 2010

“Staying Connected”
“This is WXXI AM Rochester and WXXI FM HD2 Rochester. It’s One PM…stay tuned for ‘1370 Connection’ with your host Bob Smith..(followed by light jazzy music).” On a scale of one to ten, this was a ‘XXI’ for this ‘live’ one hour show heard weekdays and hosted by XXII(22) year talk show host veteran Bob Smith. At WXXI for 27 years and having started his career, age 17, at WVBR-93.5 Ithaca, NY, at 3000 watts and ‘six dollars a holler’, Mr. Smith’s easygoing style, in the words of DXAS member Mark Jones, “is as a moderator, not an opinionated person.” From Mr. Smith, “Connections” is “an interview driven program (as we) keep listening to the listeners and always find something new,” by keeping tab on current topics and scheduling guests. Plus, “what you hear on the air is only the beginning… in so much… that for every hour, there’s 3-4 hours of research, reading, more research, phone calls, and making contacts that makes a show work.” Some hosts with ‘open phone’ shows can ‘wing it’, but not Mr. “BS” where there’s no ‘bs’ here! Adding, his prep time makes him feel confident, never nervous, because he’s too excited, enjoying what he does and what is his “heart and soul” because at WXXI, “we love what we do!”

“A Smithsonian Instant(tution)”
‘All we need is love’, as Mr. Smith continues, “and so do our guests today who can tell us from a listener’s and viewer’s point of view just what’s on the air today, how it’s changed and what they think of it. They are the National Radio Club leaders, John Malicky from Pittsburgh, Mark Jones from Vicksburg, Mississippi, and Scott Fybush, our colleague here at WXXI…Later in the second half hour, Scott will be joined by Neil Kazaross from (Barrington) Illinois, and Wayne Ryan from (Brantford) Ontario. To reach us, phone 585-263-WXXI(9994) or write an e-mail at ‘askandtalk@wxxi.org.’ Joined by the other audience of members and the pizza for lunch-.in the adjoining studio, several ‘toppings’ were covered along with some questions and input from callers. Some of the topics that were discussed as according to Mark the ‘excitement’ of radio is no longer there, partly due now to the lack of money, when in the 1960s, there were the Top 40 formats and the personalities that everyone wanted to hear such as Dick Biondi, Joey Reynolds, Sandy Beach, ‘Stormy Weather’, or Jeff Kaye. However, Mark felt radio has changed for the better with more formats to choose from as opposed to the ’60s which were limited. He added that even urban formats have prospered because with a cluster of stations that revenue can support that station which might not be so true years ago. ‘Alias (for) Smith and Jones’, Bob agreed mentioning one urban station locally, WDKX-103.9, survives even by itself because it’s ‘live & local’, adding, “it is what Top 40 used to be.” Citing his own stations, WVBG-1490/105.5, Mark added that for advertising dollars, small commercial stations depend on this source even more while somewhat basing their format and music on that revenue while large market stations can base their music research on Arbitron’s. To which Scott added, “radio still works when you can make it work.” Also, that to a young teenager today, “we have to give them the ‘content’ that they care about in radio,” while not losing a new generation to I-Tunes, MP3s, etc. To which Bob added, “is it frustration that Bruce Springsteen wrote a song after watching television, a possible correlation to radio, “57 Channels and Nothing On”, to which Scott replied, “it’s almost an infinite number of channels beyond 570 and potentially nothing on!” Is it ‘much ado about nothing’ or IS it more difficult finding good young people to work in radio and is the magic still there? One example of hearing and meeting a young personality was last evening on a ‘magical mystery tour’ of the state fair in Syracuse was exuberant Mike Cauchon of “93Q,” WNTQ-93.1. (Now this timeout from our sponsor, Genesee Cream Ale non-alcoholic beverage. ?!) “And we’re back.” To our hobby, Scott said, “Here’s two different clubs, a venerable one in the NRC whose members in our early days hearing musical stations WABC, WLS, and WKBW that along with the DX also captured our attention with their great programming. (On the flip side) is the WTFDA whose younger members are not in (the hobby) so much for the programming, but more for the challenge of reception and the technology.” Scott added that commercial radio and companies like Clear Channel here are still doing quality work. A change of thought was my comment regarding the expansion of sports radio with two and almost three stations in every large market. Regarding the technical aspect, Bob said that a decent to good radio can receive quality signals like WXXI’s 1370 AM and HD2, “which sounds like mono FM.” However, while HD has been a success on FM, it has not been on AM as Scott added out of close to 5,000 (or 4,000) nighttime AM stations now only 84 are left using HD. Neil added that with the IBOC adjacent ‘hiss’ on AM negates the average distant listener’s habit tuning most likely to FM. A former country radio personality and singer, DXAS member Wayne offered that the great AM stations like WSM, WLW, and KMOX still provide equally great listening. Not music for his ears, Scott commented that there are many terribly manufactured ‘sounding AM’ radios with their narrow audio band and no treble especially in cars. Bob responded that Chevrolet’s Delco radios are good receivers adding, “either buy a good radio or a Chevrolet!” To conclude our show, with media and corporate divestiture or bankruptcy, Scott said, “nothing thus far has been so big as to be untouchable.” “..that’s Perspective, I’m your host Lionel Osborne.” WXXI’s Technical Director was John Anders. “The views expressed (do) not necessarily represent those of WXXI, Staff, Management, or Underwriters…This (story) is meant for the private use of our audience…” ‘For a copy of this program, please send $20 to/ 995 Shadycrest Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15216 in care of WXXI Radio. Please send comments to PO Box 30021, Rochester, NY 14603.’ “Please specify the topic, date, and time of the broadcast. The rebroadcast of this show will be heard tonight at 11 PM. Thank you!”

“The Pride of Vicksburg”
While our introductions were presented during “Connections,” one story and career that captured our interest is that of Mark Jones. A Vicksburg, Mississippi native, an NPR “Morning Edition” fan, and ’60s music enthusiast, Mark’s ‘long and winding road’ completed a full ‘kilocycle’ when he acquired WVBG AM and FM of Vicksburg. This WVBG story began five years ago when Mark acquired the licenses of 3 FM stations from an FCC auction in 2004. All new permits, Mark sold the first two, KZBR-97.1 La Jara/Alamosa, CO and KABD-107.7 Ipswich/Aberdeen, SD, while keeping 105.5 FM signing this Redwood, MS station on in 2005 now with a format of oldies or “Classic Hits” and Mississippi State/Warren Central HS football in the fall. Then in 2006 from owner Carl Haynes, Mark added the 58 year old former WVIM and WLIFL 1490 changing the present WRTM call also to WVBG now with a format of news and talk, with local shows less negatively opinionated and more positive discussions, and Ole Miss/Vicksburg HS football in the fall. With the slogan, “V 105.5 FM”, Mark can be reached at “mark@vicksburgv105.com” or “1102 Newit Vick Drive, Vicksburg, MS 39183,” donations accepted! A unique and ‘classy’ discovery, while 1490 AM’s ownership is under “Owensville Communications, LLC,” 105.5 FM belongs to “Lendsi Radio, LLC” and named for Mark and wife Linas’ daughter! Lina is also the GM to the FM. When we first met Mark and Lina at NRC Dallas 2003, Mark owned KEZP-104.3 Bunkie/Alexandria, LA. No real correlation, but when Alice Cooper hit the charts in 1972, Mark also made his ‘mark’ the same year while still in high school reading the news and on air personality at the former WMPA, now WWZQ, 1240 AM-Aberdeen, MS. ‘All aboard’, while attending and graduating from Millsap College, as Mark worked in sales gaining experience, he first was at WRBC (now WOAD)-1300, Jackson, MS, then to the now silent KLPL-1050 Lake Providence, LA, then returned to Vicksburg at then WJFL, moved up as manager and sales executive at the now silent WDDT-900 Greenville, MS, then onto partial ownership in 1979 for seven years at the now silent WZBR-1520/1170 Amory, MS. Meanwhile, in 1981, Mark’s first full ownership started at the former KKBA, now KODK-92.7 Kingsville, TX, then four years later acquired interest at WBOP-980 Pensacola, FL which he changed to WCHZ, now WRNE, along with the city of license to Gulf Breeze with some interest at the former WNVY, now WDWR, 1230 Pensacola. Continuing as ‘the leader of the pack’, in 1987, Mark moved west to ‘show me the money’ at Missouri’s KZBR, now KXMO, 95.3 in Owensville and in 1989 at KDBB-104.3 Bonne Terre, then completing the cycle at KEZP and now WVBG. Recently, a text from Ft. Knox suggested the acronym for WVBG’s 105.5 classic hits stand for “We’re Vicksburg Best in Gold,” but it’s only a rumor! However, what is true and setting a ‘gold standard’ for southern hospitality, we salute Mark and Lina Jones!

“WXXI and Conditional Access”
Following “1370 Connection”, we continued the tour of WXXI as we first met Ruth Phinney, Program Director for 91.5, “Reachout Radio,” and who introduced us to “Conditional Access,” a new and special project. As one of three test cities in the country, Rochester and WXXI have been given clearance to test the reception of a HD3 “talking radio” built by Dyce Electronics. WXXI started transmission last week to 40 locally chosen visually impaired citizens to use these receivers. Still a work in progress, so far as the only receiver ‘off the shelf,’ it also can help the impaired set the time and station. WXXI hopes they’re moving in the right direction for this access. Another proud feature we found winding down their show was the ‘most beautiful sound in town’ of WXXI’s signal from an HD2 receiver. Before ‘signing off’ this visit, we also meet WXXI’s Kent Hatfield, Vice President of Technology and Operations and for the second time, Nolan Stephany, Engineering Supervisor who led tours of Master Control for all functions of TV and radio from the console area of the control mechanisms, the screen wall, the monitor of video broadcasting to the work stations for inserting modern media data into broadcast productions. Also with a tour of the TV Center’s Studio C, we said ‘c’ you later thanking the staff of WXXI for ‘connecting’ us!
We are “Nat Radio Club” Engineer Nolan Stephany WXXI

“A Close Encounter of Five Kinds at the Towers of Power”
From 2004 and WTFDA’s visit in 2003, we return again to Rochester’s Pinnacle Hill and the five tower TV/FM array. A few miles southeast of the city 748 feet above terrain in Brighton are three impressive transmission towers for Rochester’s five TV stations and two towers for FM stations. The first encounter is the former Stromberg-Carlson 61 year old two story brick transmitter building for WROC TV 8 which contains an Aerodyne transmitter with model name Quantum QXD1. Adjacent to the building is Tower #1 for which the top antenna, before the digital switch, was shared by analog TV 8 and WHEC TV 10 has now just RF 10. Below this is a back mounted antenna, a temporary tower for WHEC DT 58 while mounted on the left side is the WROC RF channel 45 directional antenna. For years since 1962 and ending with the digital switch, a combiner for TV’s 8 and 10 was installed at the base of Tower *1 feeding both signals to a shared channel 9 batwing antenna at the top. The next encounter nearby is the 30 year old ‘goalpost’ Tower #2(similar to Pittsburgh’s WQED TV 13/WQEX TV) that was used for analog WXXI TV 21 and WUHF TV 31.  As those posts and supporting bar will soon be removed, a new antenna will be mounted on top for WXXI RF 16 as currently on the back is the RF 16 antenna. As for radio, mounted near the top on the side is WXXI-91.5’s 6.bay antenna with 91.5 HD 2 bays off the line, mounted lower and two years removed from atop the Hyatt Hotel downtown is WRUR-88.5’s 3 bay antenna, and mounted a little lower on the right side is a one bay WYSL-92.1 (W221CL) translator. Our third encounter on the left is the 48 year old former WOKR TV 13 Tower *3 that since 2005 is WHAM RF 13. The forth encounter is the 320 foot seven year old American Tower behind the first three that belongs to WUHF TV 31/RF 28 with the four year old side mounted antennas for WCMF-96.5 and WPXY-97.9 and their Harris FM transmitters using a Shively combiner feeding the tower. Built by Pinnacle Hill Associates, in 1987 at 200 feet and behind the first four self supporting towers is our fifth encounter, or tower number five, that has the former WAQB, now WINE-94.1 “The Zone” that’s one third of the local Stephens Media, WFKL “Fickle 93.3 and WRMM “Warm 101.3, and the soon to be mounted antenna of WKGS-106.7. ‘Cha-cha-cha-changes’ also occurring below tower #3 in a little ravine will soon be the removal of TV 31rs analog transmitter building. Also, since 2004, not at this site and for the land’s greater value, WHIC-1460’s three self supporting towers formerly on South Winton Road were removed and replaced with three ‘skinny’ guyed towers in Henrietta, NY with the studios relocating to Buffalo and relaying  Attica, New York’s WLOF-101.7. With the dealings from ‘Scotttrade’, we thank Chief Engineers’ John Cunliffe (WUHF), Joe Fleming (WCMF, WPXY), Eric Melenbacker (WROC), and Engineer Nolan Stephany (WXXI) for all of these ‘close encounters’!

“Have A Holley, Jolly Cookout”
Following our pizza party in 2004, this time nearing WICC eastern daylight hours, we’ve relocated to Holley, NY and the home of 43 year member Jim Renfrew who’s since relocated from Byron, NY! About an hour west of Rochester, we ‘received’ a picturesque scene for group photos and a listener’s dream for Jim’s Heathkit and Drake R8B receivers amongst the trees and beverages, longwires and liquids. Once on the news staff of WRCU-90.1 and a 1976 graduate of Colgate University in Hamilton, NY, Jim continuingly ‘brushes up’ on administrative duties as the 27 year minister of his Presbyterian Church in Bryon. Also as the former IDXD (International DX Digest) Editor with seven countries heard, Jim’s international listening also extends to FM and TV with an eighty plus percent QSL return rate. Always good for his return rate and hoping to ‘cook out’ some good DX tests for fall and winter, NRC/IRCA (west coast based International Radio Club of America) Test Coordinator Saul Chernos channels his duties tonight just to food preparation! A classic feast, fit for a station in Seattle, “Classical 98.1 KING; serving us joyfully, not like a station in Lebanon, Indiana, “RadioMom”/ac 91.1 WIRE, is friend Ivanka, Jim’s wife Robin, and young Emily! Keeping things at AM 590, WARM, it’s Jim’s “Friday Night Warm Up Quiz” which was WONN, AM 1230 Lakeland FL, by another Jim, Mr. Pizzi of Palmyra, NY who once jacked at WSAY and was a cameraman for WXXI TV. Like our snacks, here’s some “Jeopardy” themed sample questions! Of names, “Eli, Eana, and Elieanna”, “What DXing nickname would go well with Scott’s son, Greg Coniglio’s daughter, and Jim Renfrew’s granddaughter? – E-Skip!” A term for long distance FM reception. Next, “Big Sky Country and 26.2 miles.” Question, “What is KOFI Kalispell, Montana and VOA Marathon, Florida?” The answer, “What two US stations on 1180 were once WHAM’s only competition at night.” Question, “What is WHEN 620 Syracuse and a peace protest?” The answer, “Which station first interviewed Jim on the air and for what in 1967.” Question, “What is WASB-1590 (Brockport), WDCX-990, and WHAM-1180?” The answer, “What AM tower sites are closest to Jim’s home.” And finally under a starry sky, here’s a member Jerry Starr “Starrnack” question, “Thank you Mr. Renfrew, a fondue, and a fond adieu?” Answer, “Name our host and kind comment, an appetizer, and a departing message!”

“A Fourmost Seminar”
At the Brookwood on Day Three, Saturday morning August 28, Rochester 2010 served us with an optional entrée at WBEN hours, the “DX Workshops” conducted by an ‘all star’ lineup of members from both clubs. Leading off at first, Neil Kazaross, an expert of antenna construction, diagnosed a variety of longwave, pennant, and loop antenna configurations for AM reception while briefly explaining FM antennas as well. Sliding into second, John Johnson showed a 40 years worth of slides of the western US TV stations he has visited beginning from channel 2 up into UHF and also had radio slides, but had to conclude his ‘broadcast’ day. Now with a ‘public service announcement’ for ‘KSTD’ or as Senior Technical Director, “jjohnson@ktvq.com,” John has worked at the 56 year old KTVQ TV 2 (ex KOOK TV) in Billings, Montana for 38 years, was a charter member of the IRCA in 1961, ‘presided’ over their 1963 Denver convention, and became an NRC member and husband to wife Nancy in 1996! Buffalo, NY native and an IRCA and 40 year NRC member, Nancy worked at KWOK (exKGHO) 1490 and KBRW-1450 Aberdeen/Hoquian, Washington. Experts in radio, TV, DX, Genealogy, and Friendliness, their web address is “www.johninmontana.com.” Third up from the Doug ‘out’, Mr. Smith was a fine ‘speaker in the house’ presenting a broadcaster’s-eye view of the digital TV transition including what took place behind the scenes, why the ‘virtual channel’ system was implemented, and what’s happening now with the push for increased power levels. ‘Treasuring’ these talks and ‘cleaning up’ this morning was Chris Black who demonstrated the Perseus software-based radio, showing how a featureless box connected to a computer can become a phenomenally versatile medium/shortwave receiver. Combined with a computer, the Perseus can capture the entire medium-wave band, allowing a DXer to literally “record the radio frequency spectrum” and ‘paint it black’ or play it back later, just as if he is tuning around ‘live.’ The files can also be sent to other DXers while Chris can be home on Cape Cod and ‘tune’ a recording that might have come from Vancouver Island or New Zealand. Why it’s become 21st century DXing! Residing in South Yarmouth, MA, Chris also has hosted a few DX GTGs ‘Get ToGethers’ around Thanksgiving following those that were held for over 20 years at Ray Arruda’s “Lower Deck”, a basement designed to resemble a ship! Before we go ‘aweigh,’ with Neil as a fine representative for the club, we cast a ‘yes’ vote for all these CJND(Chris/John/Neil/Doug) Speakers!

“The Days of Wine and Roses”
At WTAM hours, for a Family Tour and more, coordinator Lisa Fybush along with Lina Jones with daughters Ariel/Lendsi respectively received a different beverage at “The Big House,” unlike the University of Michigan’s football stadium, the Casa Larga (large) Winery a few ‘strawberry fields’ north of the inn at 2287 Turk Hill Road in Fairport,WY “www.casalarga.com.” “Oh Rochester, could you please bring some of that fine wine when in the early 1970s Andrew Colaruotolo acquired a 45 acreage that now grows 14 styles of grapes to produce 20 different wines.” “Yes sir Mr. B, Mr. C., reminded as a youth in Italy how his family made wine, would enjoy that you have some which was first released in 1974 here, upon his family’s urging, entering his first bottle in the New York State Fair.” “And Mr. Benny, did you know that this acreage, halfway between Canandaigua Lake and Lake Ontario, is on soil of an Ontario sandy loam that’s an ideal place to grow grapes for two reasons. First, it’s one of the highest points in the county that contributes to a well draining soil keeping the roots nice and dry and second, there’s a nice breeze to keep the foliage dry.” “Also Boss, grapes and berries thrive with less water because it makes the juices inside more concentrated, so if they’re lacking water, there will be more flavor compounds. Another noticeable difference will be a higher alcohol content because of the increase in sugar levels that occurs with greater amounts of sunshine.”

“A Taste of the Good Life”
“But Rochester, how is this delicious wine made?” “Well Mr. Benny, this approximately 12 step process begins in mid September when the grapes, tart and thick skinned unlike table grapes, are harvested by machine paddles gently shaking/slapping them, while straddling each row of vines, into large bins. Also, to keep birds and crows from eating them,-the ‘Michigan Wolverine’ fight song is played! Bye, bye, birdie! Once inside the building, the grapes are unloaded into large vats or storage tanks.” “What Rochester, then they’re stomped on?” “No Mr. Benny, next they are placed in a Stemmer/Crusher machine which destems the grapes after the initial crushing, then they are placed into a bladder press where a huge balloon, contracting and expanding, further crushes them. It is at this process, that for white wines the grapes go directory to the bladder press while for red wines those grapes go into a fiberglass bin first, then to the press. In this fiberglass bin, the juices, red, blue/black, and purple, are left to sit longer soaking up more color. Also, the health benefits of red wine is from the skin of the grape, not the juice. From there, each tank or bin has a spigot releasing the grape juices, with holes in the floor, through connecting hoses into fermentation tanks downstairs, a pretty cool place, literally. Next, the two wine makers that are employed here let the juice stay in these tanks for four to six weeks.” “Well Rochester, can I drink the wine now?” “Oh no Mr. Benny, the next step is a chemical process beginning with the addition of French yeast that forms with the juice and natural sugars to form alcohol. For the driest of wines, the yeast is left to fully combine with the sugars until there is no sugars remaining. For sweeter to dryer wines, the makers vary the amount of yeast remaining and combining with the sugars, then adds a small amount of sulphur dioxide which stops the fermentation process leaving whatever sugar in the juice. The next step and not like a present is ‘wrapping the wine.’ This begins with the removal of wine/juice sediment or ‘lees’, the spent yeast and separating or ‘wrapping’ it from the juice by pumping the juice from tank to tank up to 5 times to officially become, ‘the ESPN Sports station you hear on 940 kHz in Brookfield, Connecticut,’ WINE! Next is the home for wines, the aging process where the majority of reds are aged in stainless steel tanks for fruitier sweeter tastes while whites are left in oak casks for less sweeter tastes. From here, the wines are pumped into 255 gallon oak casks as generally the first six inches of the wine will soak 1/8th inch into the oak. For taste, the wine maker removes a waxy cup on top and at his discretion this determines how long to age the wine from 4 months to 1 1/2 years. As all the wine making equipment comes from Italy, most casks are imported also as each would imply for different tastes. The casks from France reflect an elegant taste, Eastern European like Hungary and Yugoslavia or of that area reflect a spicier taste, while American have a harsher taste. Of course at no time is air allowed into the formation or the bottling that otherwise you’d have 255 gallons of red wine thinner!” “Oh really Rochester, but is there anything else?’
“Well Mr. Benny, in the final process, a hose is connected to the casks or barrels, the wine drained into jugs, then pumped into bottles along witha filtration process, CO2/carbon dioxide is inserted to seal out air, then they’re corked, foil wrapped, labeled, and stored, tilted, to further keep out air. The wine as a finished product generally takes about four years to be made while the year of the wine is the time when the grapes are harvested. Currently, Casa Larga is a medium to medium/large New York winery producing 26,000 cases a year. Generally, white and red wines respectively are bottled in dark inverted bottom ones or clear flat bottom ones. The different wines, merlot, cabernet, and Chardonnay refer to the grapes while wines like tapestry and Lilac Hill are not grapes, but invented names. Champagne takes the process even further, up to 6 years, as a second helping of yeast is added, the wine is racked, a riddling rack, as the lees is flash frozen into a powder, immediately popped, quickly sealed, sent to a mixer, wire aged/coiled, and stored.” “And Mr. Benny, at Casa Larga, they even let us sample six varieties of wine, four whites, ‘tre Blanc, CLV Chardonnay, Lilac Hill, Bianco, and two reds, Tapestry and a 2006 Pinot Noir. Plus, as you might know, white wines are served with fish or any lighter colored foods while reds served with meats and dark foods. A ‘rose by any other name,’ we thanked Mary our Tour Guide for this taste of ‘la dolce vita,’ the good life!” “Now Boss, do you want some wine for dinner with the salmon and rice I’m making?” “No Rochester, I’ll just have some milk and cookies, chao everyone!”

“Do You Hear What I Hear?”
Following a break, a fast one, lunch or otherwise, our visit, a visual and aural spectacle, at KQV hours, was a return trip since 2004 to the Antique Wireless Association (AWA) Electronic Communication Museum on routes 5 and 20, 2 South Avenue, in Bloomfield, NY. At “www.antiquewireless.org,” their wireless station is call sign “2AN.” Located 20 miles south of Rochester, they share space with the East Bloomfield Historical Society in a three story 176 year old building that’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Here for 35 years occupying two floors and limited to about 2,200 square feet, the AWA, founded in 1952, will move next year, their fourth overall, one mile east to an established three building complex.

“A, B, C, It’s Easy As One, Two, Three”
For the AWA, this complex will have Building #1, at nearly 10,000 square feet and formally an antiques mall, that will house all exhibits and collections. Building #2 will become a storage area that already has five bays on the first floor and will have a media center, books, magazines, films, etc., on the second floor along with a meeting room, all at 3600 square feet. Building #3, at nearly 5,000 square feet, will have a machine and woodworking area for exhibit construction and house artifacts and exhibits not on display brought over from the Annex Building nearby that was sold to East Bloomfield Township. Once known as the Academy Building and a boarding school for youths, climbing the stairs to the second and third floor displays at the current AWA Museum will also be a memory. For now, it is still a chance to see and experiences the displays of receivers, Atwater Kents, Philco, Stromberg-Carlson, and Western Electric to name a few, a tube tester, a 1949 WROC (WHAM) TV camera, radio tubes, televisions, a copy of “Radio News” from February 1923, posters including “Listen (to) The Voice of (Harvey) Firestone Every Monday Night over NBC WEAF Coast to Coast Network,” headphones and microphones, photographs, loop antennas, and a 1936 G.E. “22UB800” tube requiring 3,000 amps for the 500,000 watt signal of WLW! Nearby, a 1950 music band LP played the intro to “Guest Star” with host Rod O’Connor presented by the U.S. Treasury Dept. to purchase savings bonds through the payroll plans at work. Amazingly, during this writing, the USTD announced they’re phasing out the printed version in 2011 and that bonds will only be available in electronic form online! Also, while this album was played, these ‘jingles’ were a reminder from similar ones heard on a CD of WGY-810’s broadcast of the 1960 Game 7 World Series between the Pirates and Yankees heard every October 13 at the old Forbes Field ‘Wall.’ The only difference is that’s a reproduction with the AWA’s recording an original. What’s also original on the third floor, besides an eerie likeness of a Marconi ship station (1901-1907) and a United Wireless Telegraph Company(1909) shore installation station, are the 90 year outlawed spark gap, quench gap, and rotary transmitters that when activated provide sparks and the accompanying loud noise. Providing a ‘low spark of high heeled (toys)’, we thank our hosts Robert Hopday (N2EVG) Deputy Director, Ronald Roach (W2FUI) Operations Manager, and newly ‘annexed’ NRC member, Roy Wildermuth (W2IT)Assistant Curator for a ‘wired’ display!

“You Are Not Just A Customer, You Are Our Special Guest”
At WIP hours, “bene'”, very good, and excellent would describe the cuisine and our buffet style Convention Dinner at Mario’s Italian Restaurant (www.mariosit.com), 2740 Monroe Avenue in Rochester. This headline is the slogan tagline heard on the air and printed on the back of the business cards from Owners Anthony J. and Danny J. Daniele. Outside Ballroom B for the dinner, the restaurant’s exterior almost reminds one of Italy with a large white stone facade, terra cotta roofs including a large front entrance one, a few mini-statues on the exterior, and an ornate female fountain maid in the parking area. Our special guest and 2010 Convention Speaker, WXXI’s Mr. Bob Smith could also use this slogan for his show and listeners. “Truly one of us,” with a warm and easy mannered style and each show developed like a story, Mr. Smith said his broadcast career would be shaped by “Brother Wease,” and national talk hosts like Larry King and the late Tom Synder. That radio, broadcasting, and the history would be so very important helped when it would create a highlight just before the fall of the Iron Curtain in 1989 the interview of Radio Moscow’s Vladimir Posnar in Russia and relaying this ‘live’ to listeners in Rochester!. From when 80% of listeners in 1970 tuned to AM where now broadcasting is becoming more ‘narrowcasted’ and technology, internet, and satellite more prevalent, it is Bob’s goal and others to make radio more compelling, listenable, and “giving you the content you want.” Also, as most local TV stations have programmed to make their news have a more “local and informed” feel that this model can, “teach us in radio how to do it better.” And ‘nobody does it better’ for example than Classic Hits WCBS-FM 101.1 who, “took the axe to its hard drive,” brought back their local personalities and went from #22 to #2 (Arbitron 5.7 share March 2010) challenging #1 “LiteFM 106.7” WLTW (7.7 share).  A local example is “Legends 102.7” WLGZ who’s now #5 after switching from an automated religious format (an upcoming story) to ‘live and local’ “ClassicHits.” While it’s probable Rochester will soon have a full time Hispanic station, it is important that WXXI and WHAM, “who have two complete news operations in Rochester compels them to do well enough so that combined they are the most listened to stations in a 6-county market.” To be ‘or not to be,’ “local and supersizing your community makes you successful.” ‘With a 21 Gun WXYT Salute’, we thank Bob Smith whose moral of the story, “is returning to what drew us into broadcasting towards the future, we will ‘live long and prosper’ and 30 years from now, all of you who love radio will still have plenty to talk about at NRC(WTFDA)!” For a transcript, please send $21 to Mr. Smith!

“There’s No Business Like Club Business”
Around WEEU hours, we’ve ‘come together’ for a joint Meeting of the Room and NRC Business at the Brookwood Inn. Instantly, reporting as Board of Director Chairman, Wayne Heinen first said that longtime club Treasurer Dick Truax is recovering well, feeling better than in the past twenty years following a quadruple bypass after a heart attack. A BIG 73s Dick! Next, two increases, one good that of Dick and the NRC Treasury, the other not so good that of the impending USPS postage increase in January that hopefully won’t affect subscription rates. Third, like $20 worth of ‘hotcakes’, the 31st AM Radio Log is going, going, gone, like a Willie Mays homerun, sold out here at Rochester. Fourth, also selling out is the DX News printer, Benjamin Printing, in Watertown, NY, but fortunately the DXN and our sales rep were ‘traded’ to The Coughlin Printing Group for a distant listening ‘DXer to be named later’! Fifth, while still looking for more members to fill in for posts on the DXAS, ‘solid like a rock’ Audio Service Coordinator Fred Vobbe (W8HDU), VP/CE for WLIO TV 35 in Lima, Ohio (and host to NRC ’87, 2000, 2002) was recognized for his new position as Director of Engineering, Broadcast Division for Block Communications, Inc. now overseeing nine TV stations! A most coordinated and vocal leader, Fred has become more involved with his local school music program announcing the band at the start and halftime football high school shows. ‘Fight on, for USC, what could this mean, for WNRC?!’ Sixth and ‘U Stand Corrected’ that it is the end for an amazing and dedicated 22 1/2 year/663 issue ‘Barry Bonds like’ homerun record, that may never be broken with no steroids, only coffee/tea breaks, for outgoing DX News Editor, and retired English teacher, Paul Swearingen! While Paul will administer e-DXN, accepting his new role as Editor in ‘As the DXN Turns’ is David Yocis of Shannondale/Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, “Roll On Mountaineer!” Seventh, a salute was given to regular DDXD contributor Kraig Krist of Manassas, VA who ‘signed on’ 1 1/2 year ago as PHP Expert. Eighth, acknowledgements were presented to all those involved, Bob Smolarek, 39 year member Harry Hayes, myself, Paul, and Wayne, for obtaining, sorting, transportation, and eventual scanning of our original and late member Kermit Geary’s over 6,000 QSL and almost full from 1933 DX News collection. As pointed out that this scan could take “a hundred and twenty years” or in age, Wayne cried out, ‘help, I need somebody, help, not just anybody, help!’ The Annual Member Recognition Plaque — Wayne Heinen presenting, Paul Swearingen accepting on behalf of Shawn Alexrod who was not present. Finally and helping our image is the club membership at 675 which is for the NRC, DXAS, and e-DXN, appreciation for the dinner at Mario’s and the 2010 Committee and helpers, and our appreciation to Wayne and Joan Heinen and Buddy for ALL their work and being our ‘doggone good buddies’!

“Gentlemen, Start Your Engines/It’s Not KRAP, It’s The NRC Auction”
Also for ladies and the WTFDA, following a station break, the always enjoyable, entertaining, and worthwhile club(s), NRC/WTFDA Auction commenced at, not weird, WURD hours. With honorable members Jim Renfrew and Paul Swearingen as auctioneers and 46 year member Jerry Bond as Recorder, the bidding was, well, it was there! With comments like, “does the radio work… oh come on it’s (the) auction,” to, “this radio has 5 bands, 5 bands, it’s worth more than one with 4 bands!” Also that everything here, “you need to complete your audio/visual library,” you never know for sure. Even if it wasn’t a Westinghouse, we could be sure some good items like a Grundig antenna ($36) and Sangean receiver ($35) sold for a good price while a combination of a Weird Al Yankovic VHS tape/ Monty Python 2 DVD set/$100 Las Vegas poker chip actually sold ($15) for a decent price! Along with some WXXI items, “Remember When… Rochester Memories”, a rare misprinted Friday August 28, 2010 “Connection” show cd, and some ‘raiders of the closet’ mugs, final proceeds were CCLV($255). This is ‘WNYC the 2010 Convention Station now leaving the air. Tune in tomorrow as we bring you the best in club conventions.’

“KNOW Your Current Events/WHAT Is Your Answer?” (answers at the end)
At WIOO hours on Day Four, Sunday, August 29, 2010, as we QUIZzed member and author George Green of Akron, Ohio, he agreed that it’s time for the 2010 DX edition! A 15 question quiz with 62 possible answers, our winner, Doug Smith, is from what city that has the Country Music Hall of Fame, with 36 correct answers edging, by one, Frank Merrill who’s from which town that’s home to Western Illinois University? The winner today must host next year’s convention! Or the assignment to write the 2011 Quiz and a free membership to the club of his choice. Now a sampling of the questions. Match Game 2010 TV match-up: List the TV channel here in Rochester that used to be co-owned by stations on each of the following frequencies? 1180/1280/1460 (Bonus question not on the quiz: What are the current call letters of each local frequency? Some answers are in this story.) Know your Rochester radio! The major AM Top 40 station in Rochester at 950 had the calls? What frequency was used by the station in Rochester on 990 before it moved to 990? (Bonus question: What is 990 AM current call letters?) The actual city of license for the 106.7 here (and the call) here is? What were the calls of the station owned by Gordon Brown which is now known as WXXI? Finally, besides Scott’s, what book has a final sale today, whose get-well cards will we sign, and what ham/radio term that means ‘best regards’ to departing members today? Answers starting with the headline: KNOW-91.1 Minneapolis/St. Paul, WHAT-1340 Philadelphia, Nashville, Macomb, Channels 13/6 8/10 10, WHAM/WHTK/WHIC, WBBF, 680, WDCX, Irondequoit, WKGS, WSAY, Bruce Elving’s 2010 FM Atlas, Phil Bytheway of Seattle and Fred and Mary Jo Norquist of South Carolina, 73s!

“Your Home in the Country-CJ Country”
Around WEBO hours, here’s a 2010 Convention optional visit and question, if you were in western New York between Rochester and Buffalo, which station plays any country favorites-traditional, bluegrass, classic, and currents, signs off to protect WRVA, has a friendly staff, and has an open house visit today? Answer: WCJW-1140 Warsaw! Who will learn more than a group of four including Jerry Bond, Neil Kazaross, and Jim Pizzi as we arrive at the 37 year old ‘classic’ ranch home with a two tower directional array that is about an hour southwest of The Flower City and located off route 20A at 3258 Merchant Road. A good buy, WCJW signed on as a kilowatt day timer in 1973 by former WJR-Detroit engineer John Weeks (WCJW) and after this ‘initial’ ownership was sold in 1984, the year of the Los Angeles Summer Olympics, to a ‘gold medal’ owner, Lloyd Lane. At 2500 watts currently using a Harris Gates Two transmitter and an ITA phasing unit, there’s also a 10kw Harris DX-10 transmitter ‘on deck’, all in the room behind the studios. With a permit to upgrade to 8000 watts, the DX-10 has a call sign “WP3XEN” which came from “The City of Brotherly Love” when it was used for testing by WPEN-950 before they went to 25kw daytime. About two years ago and spreading ‘the love of ‘CJ Country everywhere, three translators, W279BO 103.7 Warsaw/100.9 Nunda-Geneseo/105.5 Batavia, were added. Adding to the feel of the music are several signed photos of country stars along with a Nashville HOF dedication (5/17/01) in the hallway. As for “CJ Country”, their hall of fame line-up includes Lloyd’s show (with Steve) from 6-9 AM, “When Radio Was” and Tradio from 9-11, “The Classic Cafe” from 11-2 PM, and PD/Music Director Lee Richey’s “Afternoon Drive” from 2-6. Along with Fox and local, there’s high school sports, Blair Garner’s “After Midnight” for 5 hours, and MRN’s (Motor Racing Network) NASCAR on “Western New York’s Racin’ Station.” Also here weeknights 6-10 hosting a “Classic Country” request show and weekends is an enthusiastic five year personality Corey Wolcott who now listens for the 30 second satellite cues and countdown at 2 PM to “one of racing’s most demanding courses,” the NASCAR 2.7 mile NAPA Auto Parts 200 at the “Cirque de Villenueve” (Sur-quee jeh Vill-nue) public park and race track in Montreal. If you “Said, Boris,” you win as Boris Said did, driving a Ford as he ‘fordged’ his way winning over $100k edging second place driver Max Papis by .012 seconds! During a ‘tire change,’ Corey directs our attention to the multi-colored lit Google system board adjacent to the studio board which contains local cues for ads on “hot keys.” To avert any ‘hot tempers’ and verify information, each advertiser’s time is written and logged. Logging the weather information off the air above the studio board, my message is that it’s always ‘warm and sunny at this well-oiled operation!’ Finally before departing posthaste, the pre-race American and Canadian anthems, sung in English and French, is heard just as a second tour group arrives, the Canadian (Ontario) team of Wayne Ryan and Dave Whatmough along with American citizen Frank Merrill who proclaimed, “O Canada!” Obviously “a small town station with a big time feel,” we thank Corey, Lloyd, and everyone at “CJ Country” for a winning team!

“Avon Calling/ Whistle(WYSL) While You Work”
Following the air checks of “America’s Best Music,” nostalgic, “850 WYLF Penn Yan”, “The Talk Station-820 AM WWLZ Horseheads/Elmira”, and “Vintage favorites from AM 740 Zoomer Radio (CFZM-Toronto with Gene Stevens),” we tune just after WWRL hours to hear, “This hour of the Bill Nojay Show is a rebroadcast of an earlier program… daily podcasts… are available for download at wysl1040.com ..this is FM dot 92 point one and NewsPower 1040 WYSL.” Not pre-recorded, but ‘live and in-color’ from the beautiful studios of downtown Avon, it’s President/CEO Bob Savage! Actually just south of “Ah-vin” at County Road 19, 5620 South Lima Road in a modern ranch style building, we again meet former ’80s 96.1 exWHTX personality, 2004 Speaker, and the radio aficionado (no relation to national host Michael Savage) Mr. Savage who proudly announces, during his busy work schedule even on a Sunday, the impressive new changes to WYSL. They were the 20 kW daytime power upgrade from a previous 2500 watts (night power at 500 watts) along with a Nautel transmitter, a fairly immense totally efficient Kintronics phasing unit, and beginning this year, the 99 watt 92.1 translator. Now with two more tighter different directional patterns using a 4 tower array, WYSL added an addition to house the phasing unit. Mr. Savage even directed praise to all who helped such as Mark Humphrey WCJW CE and the Kintronics staff, Tom King, Bobby Cox, and Bill Sistman-“the grandmaster of AM directional.” Leading us in the right direction to WYSL’s full service news/talk and upcoming college sports, we thank Bob’s ‘civilized’ approach and continued service when we ‘came calling!’

“So Long, Farewell!”
Returning to Rochester, we bid 73s to Neil, Jim, Jerry, and all those who enjoyed the 2010 Convention. Seen in 2004, we’ll again pass by, on Rochester’s eastern side, the four tower arrays of WXXI, WHTK, and WROC. Also noted of their passing was WCJW’s “Hartz The Wonder Dog” and WYSL’s English sheepdog “Daisy.” Not to be passed though are one more day of visits.

“Hey Sport, What’s the Buzz, Beelieve it, This Hit Music is Classic!”
“Your attention please, there’s more on Day Five on Monday, August 30, 2010, the first of four visits, an addendum to 2010.” Not to be sometimes confused with “intercom,” Rochester’s Fab Five at 70 Commercial Street downtown is the first stop, following a stay at the Bond Inn with thanks to Lucy and Michael, that is also located at 192 Mill Street, the High Falls Walking Tour Stop #10. Located one street behind the front entrance of WXXI, this six story building began in the early 1880s as the J.K. Hunt Paperbox Company, then in 1926 became the printing firm, Canfield & Tack until 1988 when it was transformed eleven years later into premium office space. Could it be the ghosts of formats past or an actual story that following the mid 1940s when the printing company’s lockman died leaving his lunch pail and sweater behind was said to haunt the southwest corner of the third floor as reports mentioned his belongings moved about on his return visits! An undaunting presence moving about today is Entercom Rochester’s CE Joseph Fleming, one of the 4 Pinnacle Hill engineers, who’s been with his company ten years and oversaw his stations move here in the fall of 2002. With the addition of two FMs, “Classic Rock” WCMF-96.5 and “98 PXY-The Number One Hit Music (chr) Station” WPXY-97.9, from CBS/Infinity in 2007, they joined “Today’s Country” WBEE-92.5, “All Kinds of Rock (WBZA)98.9 The Buzz”, and “Sportsradio 950 ESPN” WROC. Once the 1960s/70s powerhouse, WBBF/WROC now yields to the FMs, “who’ve become the prevalent ones in the ratings,” an example of 4 stations helping to support their AM sister. ‘Believe it or not’ are the supportive and favorable comments of the open air architecture and loft-like space featuring the 14 foot ceilings with 4 foot wide by 10 foot sectioned brick arches that offers a pleasing and ribbon flowing effect bringing life to a historic structure and eliciting a pleasant relaxed working atmosphere! ‘All for one and one for all’ could describe this “Marketing Results Group” which has expanded from two floors, moving the sales department to three, providing the office staff and air personality workspace on the second, and locating the studios and reception area on the first. In all, 11 on-air and production studios amongst 17,000 square feet of space. With a pleasant encounter amongst personalities Dan Borrello of “96.5 CMF” and “98 PXY’s” Sandy Waters, we thank radio fan Joe Fleming for an Entertaining Entercom Encounter!

“All in the Family”
A-Cross town east of Rochester at the intersection of Creek Street and 2494 Browncroft Boulevard, route 286, at KDKA hours, this next ‘Legendary’ visit of two stations is unique for two reasons. At their juncture, WDCX-990 and WLGZ-102.7 still physically exist side-by-side, but under separate ownership. While each station remains part of the Crawford family of broadcasting, it is here that son Don Crawford of Texas split the two purchasing 102.7 FM from his father this year on January first adding to his 6 station network now and licensed under DJRA Broadcasting(Don JR.). On the flip side and based in Blue Bell, PA, Mr. Don Crawford Sr., Crawford Broadcasting or CBC, is now the owner of WDCX and 22 other stations from the west coast to the western New York area and rents the space from WLGZ. During the visit of NRC 2004 was the sight of 990 AM’s 6 tower site (5kw/2.5kw directional 24/7) just west of Brockport while the format WLGZ “Legends 990” aired an adult standard playlist. Licensed to Webster, NY, for many years WDCZ/WRCI 102.7 aired a Christian format up to 2007 when they took the calls WLGZ and the standard format while briefly simulcasting with the short-lived calls of WRCI-990 in 2008. Then ‘the cow jumped over the moon’ when in 2009 AM 990 WDCX appeared and now, with company station WDCX-99.5 Buffalo controlling operations, air the Religious Teaching/Contemporary Christian format. Still, from early morning to 3 PM, WDCX-990 airs locally based and produced programs, then simulcasts 99.5 FM’s Neil Boron Show from 3-6 PM weekdays with a ‘focus on family’ concerns within Bible scripture mentions Mr. Earl Schillinger, Operations Manager and Morning Host. On any given morning or afternoon overlooking the intersection outside from the second floor 102.7 FM studios is a witness to dangerous accidents, but it was no accident when the “Legends” format moved to FM that by this summer, their ratings, according to “All Access”, increased to a 12 plus share tying them for number four station with WPXY. From 12 year employee, Afternoon Personality and Program Director Mark Shuttleworth, this was ‘worth it’ to basically tweak their format as “Classic Hits”, a more upbeat style of music from the early 60s to the 80s. Also helping “Legends 102.7” is the fact they’re ‘live’ 6AM to midnight and 70% on weekends. So as calm, cool, and collected were Eric and Mark, there’s almost an “Adventures About” turn when meeting this program’s host, the effervescent K.B. Cooper, two year Morning Personality on 102.7 FM! Just returning from a coordinated listener group trip to Alaska, she did not ‘bear’ false witness to the creature, nor can she be anything except like an enthusiastic drill sergeant who can, “wake you up and get you out the door.” Think of “Alka-Seltzer” and ginger ale! No wonder “Legends” ratings are up as told she once reminded, though a little more subdued, the personality Eva Dee at CHWO-740 in 2004 during a visit of 30 members into those studios, why the unexpected thrill and energy from that moment equaled one of her! As, ‘the thrill is gone’, we wish Life AM 990 and Legends 102.7 a long life!

“The Son Will Come Out Tomorrow (and Today)”
Around WGHT hours, our third visit is just south of Brockport, New York at 6675 Fourth Section Road, route 31, the “Sonshine Radio Network” station, 1590 AM WASB, “Walking Along Sonshine Boulevard.” On air in the early 1970s at this original studio is the five tower array (1000 watts 24/7 directional) that is removed somewhat from the highway. Once licensed for 1560, WASB originally stood for Albion-Spencerport-Brockport. Now and for the past 20 years, their format, originating from here and simulcasting with Canandaigua’s WRSB-1310 “Walking Right-Along Sonshine Boulevard”, is Christian based with teachings and some music. Under the family name, Dr. Daniel Wolfe, Owner/GM has placed the stations under the license of his deceased mother, Marilyn Wolfe. A small operation, but large in ‘heart’, during this hot 94 degree day, we thank Program Director Gail Reed for the ‘walk’ through tour and the bottle of Arizona Tea that also quenched the thirst while walking under the “Sonshine”!

“Lock, Stock, and Barrel”
As we hope you have been able to ‘receive’ these stories striving for an FM 99.9% to AM 1000%, finally, ’tis the final visit today at WLVL hours at WLVL! This is a medium wave radio fan’s dream having found it all: the towers (2), transmitter, the original building and calls, a beautifully manicured tree-lined property and paved parking lot, an AM only operation, their colorful sign, arrival before the end of business day, a pleasant staff, an enthusiastic and welcoming tour(just like all the other visits), and even the American flag! With a history of years past of someone going over the nearby Falls in a ‘barrel’, taking ‘stock’ of all this is at “Niagara County’s only Radio Station and proud of it, Hometown 1340 WLVL Lockport!” At 320 Michigan Street in roughly a one block area, WLVL “We LoVe Lockport” went on the air May 8, 1947 as WUSJ, the 110 year old “Union Sun & Journal” newspaper’s access to the airwaves. However, after the 70’s, the FCC demand that newspapers couldn’t control the media in different formats, WUSJ was sold and presently are owned by Culver Communications, Inc. Interestingly and in homage to the original station, their large white cinder block building still has the old calls etched above the front door. Also, in those early days the station had FM 99.3, but dropped the FM within a couple of years. For a much longer time, local channel 1340 AM was one of the few local channel stations that was directional, but that has changed. With local and ABC News, talk, “Tradio”, high school sports, Fox Sports at night, and the syndicated Neal Bortz Show {and Beatle tunes) ‘6 days a week’, WLVL also relies on their local channel ‘he ain’t heavy he’s my’ brother, “Hometown 1230 WECK” Cheektowaga/ Buffalo simulcasting “The Brad Riter Show – Buffalo’s most entertaining host where sports and real life meet” from 4-7 PM. Meeting in real life here, Advertising Sales Rep Ted Saraf claims, “WLVL covers everywhere we need to…and doesn’t need to compete with Buffalo…or climb the corporate ladder to get(programs)on the air as we are a small town and proud of it!” Yeah! Backing those comments, WLVL was recognized by The American Legion as “New York Radio Station of the Year” in 1991 and 1992. Like ‘a candle in the wind’, celebrating another moment today is Ted’s birthday! His fascination with history, Ted’s personal project has been a station retrospective and upcoming synopsis. From another historical perspective and located about 20 miles northeast of downtown Buffalo, Lockport derived its name from the Erie Canal’s five locks built from 1825 to 1829 that overcame the difference in elevation along the Niagara Escarpment. Of another elevation, Lockport also boasts one of the widest bridges in the world located downtown within walking distance of the locks. As an upside down railroad bridge, it’s built with the supporting structures facing downward to hinder competing canal shipping. Unlike that hindrance, we thank Tea, WLVL, all the contributors, and all the stations and their access these five days hoping you enjoyed this ‘serving’ of Rochester 2010! “Good night folks, we’ll be seeing you soon!”

“NRC/WTFDA ROCHESTER 2010 CREDITS”
(60 Person Crew)
Executive Producer: Scott Fybush & Eli)NY
Assistant to the Executive Producer: Lisa Fybush & Ariel)NY
Executive Director: Wayne Heinen)CO
Assistant to the Executive Director: Joan Heinen)CO
Associate Directors: Jerry Bond)NY Greg Coniglio)NY Rick Lucas)NY
Housing Coordinator: Jim Renfrew)NY
Assistant to the Housing Coordinator: Robin Dunnington)NY
Associate Assistant: Emily George)NY
Engineer: Nolan Stephany)NY
Cameras: Peter Luskey)NY Ken Lyon)NY Jim Pizzi)NY
Moderator: Bob Smith)NY
Curator: Roy Wildermuth)NY
Audio Service Specialist: Jon German)NY
Head Chef: Saul Chernos)ON
Assistant to the Head Chef: Ivanka Knezevic)ON
Managing Editor: Paul Swearingen)KS
Incoming Managing Editor: David Yocis)WV
Antenna Service Coordinator: Neil Kazaross)IL
Digital TV Coordinator: Doug Smith)TN
International DX Software Coordinator: Chris Black)MA
Digital Photographer: David Gordon)CA
Guest Services Scout: David Jones)TN
General Manager: Mark Jones)MS
Assistant to the General Manager: Lina Jones & Lendsi)MS
Travel Coordinators: George Greene)OH Bob Smolarek)NJ Ernie Wesolowski)NE
Assistants to the Travel Coordinators: Warren Greenberg)FL Mike Lantz)FL
Senior Technical Director: John Johnson)MT
Assistant to the Senior Technical Director: Nancy Johnson)MT
Guest Service Coordinator: Ray Arruda)MA
Assistant to the Guest Service Coordinator: Arlene Arruda)MA
Client Service Coordinator: Bob Stonier)NJ
Assistant to the Client Service Coordinator: Patti Stonier)NJ
Honorary Guest Specialists: Walt Breville)MO Wayne Ryan)ON Dave Whatmough)ON
Special Dental Coordinator: Bob Seaman)PA
Senior Artist: Harry Hayes)PA
Vintage Arts/Music Coordinator: Frank Merrill)IL
Senior Play-by-Play Announcer: Bob Antoniuk)NJ
Connecting Agent: Brian May)CT
Talent Manager: Mark Sylor)NH
Assistant to the Talent Manager: Janice Sylor)NH
Senior Writer: John Malicky)PA
Special Assistant Directors: Glenn Cooper)MA Jeff Lehmann)MA Robert Grant)MI Nick Langan)NJ
Michael Temme-Soifer)NJ Steven Walko)NJ Dave Niemann)PA
K-9/Feline Friends: Buddy)CO Gracie)NJ Marley)NY
Special NRC 2010 Member of the Year Award: Shawn Axelrod)MB
“Time” Answers From “Oh Rochester!”
1. WEUP-1700 Huntsville; AL 5PM
2. WLW-700 Cincinnati 7PM
3. KOMO-1000 Seattle 10AM
4. WGPA-1100 Bethlehem, PA 11AM
5. WGVA-1240 Geneva, NY 12:40PM Roman #: 2004/280
6. WICC-600 Bridgeport, CT 6PM(WARM-590 Scranton)
7. WBEN-930 Buffalo 9:30AM
8. WTAM-1100 Cleveland 11AM
9. KQV-1410 Pittsburgh 2:10PM
10. WIP-610 Philadelphia 6:10 PM
11. WEEU-830 Reading, PA 8:30 PM
12. WURD-900 Philadelphia 9 PM
13. WIOO-1000 Carlisle, PA 10AM
14. WEB0-1330 Owego, NY 1:30 PM
15. WWRL-1600 New York 4PM
16. KDKA-1020 Pittsburgh 10:20AM (KDKA: 11/2/10 90 years!)
17. WGHT-1500 Pompton Lakes, NJ 3PM
18. WLVL-1340 Lockport, NY 3:40 PM