Saturday, May 21, 2022

May 22 Radio History


➦In 1900...In New York City, the Associated Press was incorporated as a non-profit news cooperative.

The Associated Press was formed in May 1846 by five daily newspapers in New York City to share the cost of transmitting news of the Mexican–American War. The venture was organized by Moses Yale Beach (1800–68), second publisher of The Sun, joined by the New York Herald, the New York Courier and Enquirer, The Journal of Commerce, and the New York Evening Express. Some historians believe that the Tribune joined at this time; documents show it was a member in 1849. The New York Times became a member shortly after its founding in September 1851. Initially known as the New York Associated Press (NYAP), the organization faced competition from the Western Associated Press (1862), which criticized its monopolistic news gathering and price setting practices.



An investigation completed in 1892 by Victor Lawson, editor and publisher of the Chicago Daily News, revealed that several principals of the NYAP had entered into a secret agreement with United Press, a rival organization, to share NYAP news and the profits of reselling it. The revelations led to the demise of the NYAP and in December 1892, the Western Associated Press was incorporated in Illinois as The Associated Press. A 1900 Illinois Supreme Court decision (Inter Ocean Publishing Co. v. Associated Press)—that the AP was a public utility and operating in restraint of trade—resulted in AP's move from Chicago to New York City, where corporation laws were more favorable to cooperatives.

In 1945, the Supreme Court of the United States held in Associated Press v. United States that the AP had been violating the Sherman Antitrust Act by prohibiting member newspapers from selling or providing news to nonmember organizations as well as making it very difficult for nonmember newspapers to join the AP. The decision facilitated the growth of its main rival United Press International, headed by Hugh Baillie from 1935 to 1955.

AP entered the broadcast field in 1941 when it began distributing news to radio stations; it created its own radio network in 1974.

➦In 1922..WGR in Buffalo, NY signed-on...

The history of one of Buffalo's earliest radio stations has its roots at sea. On April 1, 1921 the Governor, a passenger ship, sank to the bottom of the Pacific Ocean after collision with a freighter, the West Hartland.

The passenger ship’s assigned radio call letters were WGR. Due to maritime superstition, the call sign was never reissued to another ship and reverted to a pool of available call signs for new radio stations.

That same year, the Federal Telephone & Telegraph Company (FTTC), headquartered in a sprawling manufacturing complex in North Buffalo, began marketing its first, completely assembled radio sets. To fill a radio void in the city, and to stimulate sales of their new "high-tech" products, the FTTC applied for (and received) a commercial radio license from the Department of Commerce. The station was named "WGR" after George Rand (founder of Remington Rand), a key investor in the FTTC.

WGR Transmitter Equipment Early '20s

On May 22, 1922, WGR's broadcast operations commenced, beginning nine decades of continuous service to Western New York and Southern Ontario. It is the oldest continuously operating station in Buffalo.
1738 Elmwood Avenue, Buffalo - Birthplace of WGR Radio

Published reports say that the first programs on WGR were: a clergyman’s lecture; a concert from Victor’s Furniture Store showroom; and a presentation on the advantages of a college education by Dr. Julian Park, from the University at Buffalo.

In the late 1940s, the station was bought by a consortium of Western New York families known as the WGR Corporation, which signed on WGR-TV (channel 2) in 1953. WGR Corporation bought several other television and radio stations in the 1950s, and eventually became known as Transcontinent Broadcasting. Transcontinent merged with Taft Broadcasting in 1964. Taft sold off WGR-TV in 1983 (it is now WGRZ-TV), but kept the radio station until 1987.

During its days as a full service radio station, its roster of personalities included "Buffalo Bob" Smith, later famous for TV's Howdy Doody children's show, and popular national TV and nightclub comedian Foster Brooks.

The station's longtime music format combining Adult Top 40 hits and rock oldies and featured some of Buffalo's top radio personalities, talk hosts and news reporters including Stan Roberts, Frank Benny, Tom Donahue, Randy Michaels, Jim Scott, Jerry Reo, Shane, Joe Galuski, Tom Langmyer, George Hamberger, Tom Shannon, John Otto, Chuck Lakefield, Don Dussias, Lauri Githens, Wayne Smith, Sandy Kozel, Jane Tomczak, Craig Matthews and Tom Bauerle. WGR gradually evolved to news/talk during the late 1980s.

In 1987, Taft sold the station to Rich Communications, which was part of the Robert Rich family's business holdings, which also included a major processed-food company and a venture applying for a National League expansion baseball franchise (for which WGR was projected to be flagship station of the team's projected network). Although the Rich interests were the National League's choice for the new franchise they dropped out of the competition for an expansion team (which ultimately went to Denver, Colorado (Colorado Rockies) for cost reasons. Soon after, WGR was eventually spun off to new owners.

Today,  WGR 550 AM is owned by Audacy and airs Sports.

➦In 1955…Jack Benny's broadcast run of live network radio programs ended after 23 years. His TV show aired from 1952-1965.

Benny first appeared on radio as a guest of Ed Sullivan in March 1932. He was then given his own show later that year, with Canada Dry Ginger Ale as a sponsor —The Canada Dry Ginger Ale Program, beginning May 2, 1932, on the NBC Blue Network and continuing there for six months until October 26, moving the show to CBS on October 30. With Ted Weems leading the band, Benny stayed on CBS until January 26, 1933.

Arriving at NBC on March 17, Benny did The Chevrolet Program until April 1, 1934. He continued with The General Tire Revue for the rest of that season, and in the fall of 1934, for General Foods as The Jell-O Program Starring Jack Benny (1934–42) and, when sales of Jell-O were affected by sugar rationing during World War II, The Grape Nuts Flakes Program Starring Jack Benny (later the Grape Nuts and Grape Nuts Flakes Program) (1942–44). On October 1, 1944, the show became The Lucky Strike Program Starring Jack Benny, when American Tobacco's Lucky Strike cigarettes took over as his radio sponsor, through the mid-1950s. By that time, the practice of using the sponsor's name as the title began to fade.

The show returned to CBS on January 2, 1949, as part of CBS president William S. Paley's "raid" of NBC talent in 1948-49. There it stayed for the remainder of its radio run, which ended on May 22, 1955. CBS aired repeats of previous 1953-55 radio episodes from 1956 to 1958 as The Best of Benny for State Farm Insurance, who later sponsored his television program from 1960 through 1965.

➦In 1970...the Canadian Radio and Television Commission announced its guidelines for the amount of Canadian content played on radio stations. As of January 18, 1971, 30 per cent of musical selections would have to meet a formula encompassing composition, performance, recording, and song writing produced by Canadian talent. 

The time lag was a relief to many stations, as it allowed them time to build up a CRTC-friendly music library.

➦In 1972...Dave Herman started at WNEW 102.7 FM in NYC.  Herman interviews Elton John from 1976..

➦In 1998…Iconic Los Angeles radio disc jockey (KHJ, KMPC, KRTH) Robert W. Morgan died of lung cancer at age 60.

As a youth growing up in Galion, Ohio, Morgan's interest was piqued while listening to his favorite DJs on Cleveland's top forty giant KYW which would eventually lead to his first on-air job was at Wooster College in 1955 on WWST & WWST-FM, for an initial salary of $1 per hour.

In 1959 Morgan moved from college radio to KACY Port Hueneme, California where he hosted the over night show called Kegler's Spare Time with Bob Morgan live from the Wagon Wheel Bowl before moving on to a succession of brief stints beginning in 1961 at KTEE Carmel as the second half of a two-man classical music announcer on KTEE with Bob Elliott, a Marine Corps Heavyweight Champion who later went onto radio fame as "K.O. Bailey," then a short time later as the morning drive DJ and mid-day board op for the Arthur Godfrey Show at KMBY, Monterey, then a jump to KOMY Watsonville, then back to KMBY Monterey followed in 1962 at "K-MAKE", KMAK, Fresno where he first worked with program director Ron Jacobs. This was followed in 1963 by an eight-month stay at KROY Sacramento before finally landing his first major-market job in 1964 at KEWB, San Francisco. It was here that he met and worked with his lifelong friend "The Real" Don Steele.

On April 27, 1965 the careers of Morgan, Steele and programmer Ron Jacobs would gain superstar status when they joined the staff of KHJ 930 AM, Los Angeles almost overnight. Programming genius Bill Drake along with a staff of talented DJs called "Boss Jocks" had transformed a sleepy giant into the city's most dominant radio station. It was here that Morgan enjoyed his greatest on-air success as one of the original "Boss Jocks" on 93/KHJ which dominated the Top 40 radio market in Southern California from 1965 to 1973. Morgan's signature, "Good Morgan Boss Angeles!" to his devoted morning drive time audience would stay with him until the end of his career. It was also Morgan that voiced much of the "Boss Radio/93 KHJ station promos and imagery.

It was also during this time that Morgan co-produced and narrated the 48-hour History of Rock and Roll in 1969, a definitive on-air encyclopedia of Rock & Roll. It was the first-ever "rock-umentary" aired worldwide as a definitive history of the Rock & Roll genre—a "rockumentary," as producers Drake and Gene Chenault would call it—that would stretch from the early 1950s to 1989.

In 1970 Morgan made a surprise move from Los Angeles to WIND Radio Chicago where he remained in the morning slot until finally being enticed back to his KHJ morning show in 1972.

Until his departure from KHJ in October 1970, Morgan had commanded unparalleled radio ratings in Los Angeles. Morgan's return to his former time slot in L.A., which saw a significant spike upward for KHJ until he departed just a year later.

In 1973, Morgan and Steele walked out of KHJ and joined Bill Drake six months later at KIQQ-FM, Los Angeles. The ratings were sub-par, though, causing Morgan to leave the morning slot a year and a half later for weekends and fill-in slots at the prestigious KMPC Los Angeles. He did that for four years before legendary morning man Dick Whittinghill retired in 1980, allowing Morgan to go back to mornings. He stayed at KMPC until 1984. After a short stint at KMGG, Morgan returned to KMPC.

Morgan was heard in 1973 on Saturday night segments of the long-running NBC Radio program Monitor, an attempt to freshen that program's image. While with KMGG, he was at one time heard as a substitute host of American Top 40. During the mid to late 70s, Morgan also did his own one hour radio weekly special highlighting one artist or group per show. "Robert W. Morgan's Special of the Week" was often played on radio stations that also carried Casey Kasem's American Top 40 as the same company, Watermark, distributed both.

The year 1992 would signal the twilight years of Morgan's distinguished radio broadcast career when he signed on as the morning show host of "oldies" K-EARTH 101 where he again enjoyed solid ratings in the Los Angeles market before announcing in May 1997 that he was suffering from lung cancer.

According to L.A. radio personality Bob Shannon, Morgan told his listeners, "It could have something to do with the two packs a day cigarette habit I had for the last 35 years." In an emotional on-air statement, Morgan stated that he was taking some time off to fight the disease full-time. His friend and colleague Don Steele died, also of lung cancer, in August 1997. Morgan continued to do broadcasts from his home studio until 1998.

On January 9, 1998, K-EARTH 101 held a retirement tribute for Morgan at the Museum of Television and Radio in Beverly Hills. The tribute included a re-dedication of his Star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame, and a three-hour broadcast from the museum’s theater, hosted by Gary Owens and Morgan's KRTH co-host, Joni Caryl. It concluded with a thirty minute retrospective on Morgan’s career, narrated by Dick Clark.

Morgan died on May 22, 1998. He was 60 years old. Morgan was married twice and was survived by a daughter.

Bernie Taupin (72) w/Elton John

🎂HAPPY BIRTHDAYS:

  • Pianist Peter Nero is 88. 
  • Actor-director Richard Benjamin is 84. 
  • Actor Frank Converse is 84. 
  • Actor Barbara Parkins (“Peyton Place,” ″Valley of the Dolls”) is 80. 
  • Songwriter Bernie Taupin is 72. 
  • Actor Al Corley (“Dynasty”) is 67. 
  • Singer Morrissey is 63. 
  • Actor Ann Cusack (“Jeff Foxworthy Show,” ″A League of Their Own”) is 61. 
  • Bassist Dana Williams of Diamond Rio is 61. 
  • Guitarist Jesse Valenzuela of Gin Blossoms is 60. 
  • Molly Ephraim is 36
    Actor Mark Christopher Lawrence (“Chuck”) is 58. 
  • Singer Johnny Gill is 56. 
  • Bassist Dan Roberts of Crash Test Dummies is 55. 
  • Actor Brooke Smith (“Grey’s Anatomy,” ″The Silence of the Lambs”) is 55. 
  • Actor Michael Kelly (“House of Cards”) is 53. 
  • Model Naomi Campbell is 52. 
  • Actor Anna Belknap (“CSI: NY”) is 50. 
  • Singer Donell Jones is 49. 
  • Actor Sean Gunn (“Guardians of the Galaxy,” ″Gilmore Girls”) is 48. 
  • Actor A.J. Langer (“Private Practice”) is 48. 
  • Actor Ginnifer Goodwin (“Once Upon a Time”) is 44. 
  • Singer Vivian Green is 43. Actor Maggie Q (“Insurgent,” ″Divergent”) is 43. 
  • Actor Molly Ephraim (“Last Man Standing”) is 36. 
  • Actor Anna Baryshnikov (“Superior Donuts”) is 30. 
  • Actor Camren Bicondova (“Gotham”) is 23.

Philly Radio: Preston & Steve's New Deal Is Quite Lengthy


Preston & Steve have signed a multiyear contract extension to keep their top-rated morning drive radio program on WMMR 93.3 FM, parent company Beasley Media Group said Thursday. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, according to the Philly Business-Journal.

The deal with Naples, Florida-based Beasley will keep Preston Elliot and Steve Morrison on WMMR through 2030, enabling them to celebrate their 25th anniversary with the station.

The duo have held the top spot in the local ratings since arriving at the rock station in May 2005 with their blend of comedy and music that includes interviews, celebrity impersonations, unusual news stories, and numerous running gags. The show airs weekdays from 6 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

In addition, the pair produce daily full show and highlight episode podcasts, daily/weekly video programs and maintain a remarkable world-wide social media audience.

“Since the day we bought WMMR our goal has been to have Preston and Steve be a part of the station and the Beasley Family for as long as they’d like to be,” Beasley Media Group President Bruce Beasley said in a statement. “This is a huge step in that direction. They are truly the gold standard by which you can measure all other shows.”

In a statement, Preston & Steve said, “Amongst the multitude of things we have to feel blessed for, the fact that we will be able to continue to work for a company we are proud of alongside people we respect and admire is beyond humbling.”

Preston & Steve got their start at the now-defunct modern rock station 103.9 WDRE-FM, working with co-host Marilyn Russell. They departed in 1997 for Y100 (WPLY-FM) with several of their co-workers due to a format change. After four years there, Russell left the show and the independently owned station was sold to Radio One. After being unable to agree to terms for a new contract with Radio One, Preston & Steve signed a deal with WMMR’s former parent company, Greater Media, to launch a morning show there.

They were subsequently sued by Radio One over their non-compete clause, but a a judge ruled that they were no longer in competition with WPLY because that station had switched formats. The duo signed new contracts in 2006 and 2011.

They are past recipients of the National Association of Broadcasters’ prestigious Service to America Award and are 2021 National Radio Hall of Fame inductees.

WMMR is second in overall ratings to iHeart Media’s urban adult contemporary station 105.3 WDAS-FM. Beasley also owns classic rock station 102.9 (WMGK-FM), pop station 95.7 BEN FM, sports talk station 97.5 The Fanatic (WPEN) and country station 92.5 XTU (WXTU-FM). The entire cluster of stations is situated in Bala Cynwyd. Beasley owns 61 radio stations across the U.S.

NJ Radio: Marc Chernoff Joins The Boss' Morning Show

Mark Chernoff

Press Communications classic rock 107-1 The Boss (WWZY/WBHX) Monmouth Ocean welcomes iconic broadcaster, programmer and New York City area radio fixture Mark Chernoff to the cast of “Robby & Rochelle in the morning” as sports anchor. 

Mark will be heard weekday mornings delivering the latest tri-state area sports + pulling swing shifts on the station.

Chernoff spent decades as Program Director for WXRK, WFAN & WNEW New York, was VP of sports for CBS Radio and earlier in his career programmed influential rock outlet WDHA. More recently, he was heard as a host on WCBS-FM.

“Every research study indicates local radio’s strengths are its personalities and its connection to the community it serves. Whether it’s entertainment from Rochelle and I, local information from our news anchor Dianne DeOliveira, weather from our staff meteorologist “Nor’easter” Nick Pittman, traffic from the legendary Joe Nolan and now sports from Mark, listeners to 107-1 The Boss in the morning will hear everything New Jersey and New York live and we’ll have fun doing it! Mark is exceptional talent and a brilliant strategic mind I’ve long respected, thrilled to have him join our team of outstanding broadcasters at Press!”

Chernoff added, “I’m looking forward to getting back on the radio at 107-1 The Boss and to be able to live in both the Sports and Rock worlds. Many thanks to Robby and Rochelle for inviting me into THEIR world”.

Cleveland Radio: The Jeremiah Show Starts Monday On WAKS


iHeartMedia’s WAKS 96.5 KISS FM, Cleveland’s #1 Hit Music Station, announced Friday the debut of “The Jeremiah Show,” launching on Monday, May 23rd. “The Jeremiah Show” will broadcast weekdays from 2 – 6 p.m.

Jeremiah Widner
Jeremiah’s fast-paced, music-intensive, lifestyle-driven, local afternoon drive show will originate from iHeartMedia’s Cleveland studios.

“We’re thrilled to launch ‘The Jeremiah Show’ on KISS FM,” said Keith Kennedy, Regional Senior Vice President of Programming for iHeartMedia Cleveland. “Jeremiah is a known Cleveland entity and it’s incredible to have a home-grown talent live in our studios promoting all things Cleveland.”

“It’s such a cool moment to get to be on the station I listened to growing up,” said Jeremiah. “I’m very excited to be on such a legendary station here in Cleveland. Being on the same station as Elvis Duran is an honor. His support and guidance of our launch has been inspiring.”

Jeremiah Widmer was born and raised in Rittman, Ohio, and graduated from The University of Akron. His voice has been heard on the Northeast Ohio airwaves since 2012, including hosting a successful morning show in Cleveland for the last five years. 

Bay Area Radio: Bay Country Adds Emily To Line-Up

Emily Harlan
Alpha Media’s Bay Country, 94.5 KBAY FM and 92.1 KKDV FM,  announced Friday Emily Harlan as host of midday (M-F 10am-2pm) on the two signals. Emily made her debut in the daypart on Bay Country today.

In addition to hosting midday on Bay Country, Emily is also the In-Arena and digital media host for the San Jose Sharks and was previously a host and reporter for Fox Sports San Diego. Emily says, “I could not be more thrilled and proud to be joining the incredible team at Alpha Media. As a big fan of country music, it’s a dream come true to take on this new role with Bay Country right here in San Jose. I’m looking forward to connecting with country music fans all over the Bay Area!”

Alpha Media Silicon Valley Market Manager David Drutz shares, “Emily is a natural fit for the big plans we have for Bay Country and I’m incredibly excited for country music fans throughout the Bay Area to get to know her. There’s no question the Bay Country audience will think as highly of Emily as we do.”

Albuquerque Radio: Cumulus Stations Host Community Fire Relief Drive


Cumulus Media announces that Cumulus Albuquerque will hold a Fire Relief Drive on Saturday, May 21st, to benefit The Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) and provide emergency relief to people affected by the massive Hermits Peak and Calf Canyon fires in New Mexico. 

The citywide collection of needed supplies will be held Saturday from 8:00am to 4:00pm in the east parking lot of Cottonwood Mall, 10000 Coors Bypass NW, Albuquerque, NM. Cumulus Albuquerque on-air personalities and promotions staff will be on hand to collect donations of toiletries, clothing, baby items and certain non-perishable food items, which will be delivered to a Salvation Army-operated facility in Las Vegas, NM, by Just Sprinklers drivers and trucks.

Jeff Berry, Vice President/Market Manager, Cumulus Albuquerque, said: "We feel for the communities devastated by fires across our state and are honored to help get supplies to the people who need them most. This is all possible because of our community partners and listeners, who have come together with our radio stations and team to get these products to impacted communities as quickly as possible."

Captain Jeff Williams, EDS Incident Commander, The Salvation Army, said: “The Salvation Army is extremely grateful to Cumulus Albuquerque for launching this drive. The generously donated items from this drive will bring much-needed comfort to our New Mexico neighbors affected by this devastating wildfire event. We are truly blessed.”

John Seaver, Owner, Just Sprinklers, said: "An outpouring from our Albuquerque community is what is needed now to be able to fill up our trucks and assist The Salvation Army at this time of need. I believe we can all answer the call and help offer immediate relief to our neighbors across New Mexico."

The Hermits Peak-Calf Canyon fire is now the largest wildfire in New Mexico history and is roughly 34% contained, having burned over 300,000 acres. 

U-K Radio: Weekly Radio Reach At 89 Percent


The numbers are in for Q1 2022 RAJAR and show almost 50m adults in the UK continue to listen to the radio, reports Radio Today.

Commercial radio has recorded a record audience of 37.2m – the first time the number has exceeded 37 million giving it over three million more in total audience than BBC radio.

Global leads the commercial radio market in all measures, with a record-breaking 25.8m weekly listeners, 242m hours and 24% share.

Share of listening time also increased for commercial radio to 48.4%, up from 48% in the previous quarter. While BBC share is still slightly higher, its share of listening fell back quarter on quarter from 49.9% to 49.2%.

Total digital listening is now 67.9% of all radio listening. This is mainly accounted for by DAB at 41.1%, but also online which has grown to a new high of 22.4% on average

Smart speaker listening has been recorded separately for the first time this quarter and can be seen to represent almost half of online listening at nearly 10%

Digital platforms now account for 72% of all commercial radio listening and 65% of all BBC radio listening.

Ashley Tabor-King OBE, Founder & Executive President of Global, said:  “It’s an enormous privilege to have millions of people tuning in to our brands every day in increasing numbers. In these challenging times every single Globaller does their absolute best to bring our listeners news and analysis, relaxation and feel good entertainment as well as the very best hit music. News and nostalgia are fuelling growth and we are here for our audiences every step of the way, constantly looking to innovate and build more of what people love.”

May 21 Radio History


➦In 1916...entertainer Dennis Day born, Owen Patrick Eugene McNulty (Died at age 72 of Lou Gehrig's Disease – June 22, 1988). He was a singer, radio, television and film personality and comedian of Irish descent.

Dennis Day
Day appeared for the first time on Jack Benny's radio show on October 8, 1939. He remained associated with Benny's radio and television programs until Benny's death in 1974. Mary Livingstone, Benny's wife, brought the singer to Benny's attention after hearing Day on the radio during a visit to New York.

Besides singing, Day was a mimic. On the Benny program, Day performed impressions of various celebrities of the era, including Ronald Colman, Jimmy Durante and James Stewart.

From 1944 through 1946 he served in the United States Navy as a Lieutenant. While in service he was temporarily replaced on the Benny radio program by fellow tenor Larry Stevens. On his return to civilian life, he continued to work with Benny while also starring on his own NBC show, A Day in the Life of Dennis Day (1946–1951).

On Benny's show, Day's having two programs in comparison to Benny's one was the subject of numerous jokes and gags, usually revolving around Day rubbing Benny's, and sometimes other cast members' and guest stars' noses in that fact (e.g., "Dennis, why do you have two horns on your bicycle?" "Why shouldn't I? I've got two shows!"). His last radio series was a comedy and variety show that aired on NBC's Sunday afternoon schedule during the 1954–55 season.

He went on to star in his own NBC radio sitcom (Dennis Day Show.) On TV he appeared in 237 episodes of the Benny Show, plus about a dozen guest acting gigs.

➦In 1931...WOR radio in New York City premiered The Witch’s Tale. Beginning in 1934 the pioneering horror show was broadcast on the Mutual Broadcasting System (of which WOR was the flagship station) where it aired until 1938.

➦In 1955...Comedian Ernie Kovacs started a daily morning radio show at WABC 770 AM NYC.  While working at WABC-AM as a morning-drive radio announcer and doing a mid-morning television series for NBC, Kovacs claimed to dislike eating breakfast alone while his wife, Edie Adams, was sleeping after her Broadway performances. His solution was to hire a taxi driver to come into their apartment with his own key and make breakfast for them both, then take Kovacs to the WABC studios.

While working in Vermont in 1939, he became so seriously ill with pneumonia and pleurisy that his doctors didn't expect him to survive. During the next year and a half, his comedic talents developed as he entertained both doctors and patients with his antics during stays at several hospitals.  While hospitalized, Kovacs developed a lifelong love of classical music by the gift of a radio, which he kept tuned to WQXR. By the time he was released, Kovacs went back to Trenton NJ, living with his mother in a two-room apartment. He began work as a cigar salesman, which resulted in a lifelong cigar-smoking habit.

Kovacs's first paid entertainment work was during 1941 as an announcer for Trenton's radio station WTTM. He spent the next nine years with WTTM, becoming the station's director of special events.

➦In 1960...KFAX 1100 AM in San Francisco debuted a news and information format. It’s the first new radio format without a single record. No music anywhere. The format consists of a 15-minute newscast on the hour, a five-minute summary on the half-hour, plus news analysis commentary, editorial and features to fill-out each hour. (KFAX is still on-air, owened by Salem Media, and airs Christian teaching programs.)

➦In 1961...Capital Cities Broadcasting Corp. purchased easy listening WPAT 930 AM  in Paterson, NJ for $5 million. It's  the first company purchase of a station outside a “capital city.” They own WTEN-TV/WROW-AM - Albany, WPRO-TV/Radio -Providence and WTVD-TV/Raleigh-Durham. WPAT is a successful station serving the New York area.  In 1986, following the Cap Cities purchase of ABC, WPAT was sold to Park Communications.

Donna Reed, Carl Betz, Bob Crane

➦In 1963...It was announced that Los Angeles radio personality Bob Crane would be a regular on the “Donna Reed Show” in the Fall. Bob slowly built his acting career ever since he began doing mornings on KNX 1070 AM in 1956.

Barry Gray
➦In 1966..."two-way talk radio" was making a name for itself and was a viable format on some stations. On the East Coast, Barry Gray is one of the best-known two-way radio hosts. He aired his show on WMCA 570 AM from 11p to 1a.

Gray signed a new four year contract with WMCA. The new arrangement is expected to give Gray $150,000 annually - a 50% raise!

WMCA was anxious to keep the high-rated talker. One reason, WCBS 880 AM made a bid for his services. Gray will actually split the show’s profits - 50/50. At the going rate (and his show is sold-out between 11p and 1a).

Bob Grant
➦In 1971...Los Angeles radio talk transplant Bob Grant was airing an afternoon talk show over WMCA 570 NYC. Grant said that New York is not like Los Angeles, where he spent many a year doing telephone talk radio over KABC and KLAC.

“L.A. radio is really hip compared to New York. Here the scene is very provincial and ethnic and liberal. Being a conservative, I am referred to by most of my callers as the house right-winger or fascist. Actually, it gets pretty funny because they do more yelling at me than engaging in useful debate. The audience in Los Angeles was much more sophisticated. Since WMCA started Dialog Radio, it’s really shot up in the ratings, we’ve gone from around 12th to third in the market.  One of the things WMCA is big on, though, is newsmaker calls and I do a lot of them."

➦In 1973...singer and bandleader Vaughn Monroe died shortly after stomach surgery at age 61. An immensely popular performer on radio and records, Monroe had more than 50 hits on the Billboard charts in the pre-rock ‘n’ roll era. Among his number-one records were 1945′s “There I’ve Said It Again” — revived by Bobby Vinton in 1963 — and 1949′s “Ghost Riders in the Sky.”

➦In 1975...More than ever, disco music was spilling over to Top 40 radio.

The influence of the Discotheque – big in New York, was spreading. Disco records have been breaking into the top-40 more and more because of the initial play at discos. The so-called discotheque came to the U.S. from France during the early 1960’s, but the current trend came from gay clubs. Tom Moulton, who wrote about the disco scene for Billboard – summed it up by saying New York is the hub of America’s disco scene. “The disco scene has doubled in New York in the last two years. New discos are opening all the time. In the New York area there are about 600 discos and about 30 key discos that you can look at to find out what songs are popular.”

 ➦In 1980...FCC re-aligned AM Clear Channel Stations.

The FCC voted to limit the coverage of so-called “clear channel” AM stations to 750 miles. The restriction covers 25 clear channel stations including KFI, Los Angeles, WCBS, WABC, WNBC in New York City, WLS, WBBM and WMAQ, Chicago and WSM - the home of the Grand Ol’ Opry in Nashville. These stations were “protected” so that their nighttime signals can be heard in outlying areas, providing radio service to rural communities at night where there was no radio service. The FCC modified the rules in the mid-40’s, to allow new nighttime stations to operate on some of the channels, but the distance between stations was far away (WABC- KOB, Albuquerque) and only two operated (at the most) on one channel at night in the continental USA. Some channels still remain clear, such as WCCO in Minneapolis and WSM, which can still be picked-up thousands of miles away from Nashville.

The new rules allowed smaller stations to broadcast at night, thereby “interfering” with the distant broadcasts. The FCC says it will make room for 125 more nighttime AM stations.

Other stations with clear channel status - WSB - Atlanta, WBAP - Ft Worth, WLW  - Cincinnati, WJR - Detroit, KDKA - Pittsburgh, KMOX - St Louis, WWWE - Cleveland, WHAM, Rochester, WCAU - Philadelphia, WOAI - San Antonio, WHO - Des Moines, WOR - New York, WWL - New Orleans, KSL - Salt Lake City, WBZ - Boston.

Certain medium wave frequencies were set aside under the North American Radio Broadcasting Agreement (NARBA) for night time use by only one or two specific AM stations, covering a wide area via skywave propagation; these frequencies were known as the clear channels, and the stations on them are thus clear-channel stations. Where only one station was assigned to a clear channel, the treaty provides that it must operate with a nominal power of 50 kilowatts or more; stations on the other clear channels, with two or more stations, must use between 10 kW and 50 kW, and most often use a directional antenna so as not to interfere with each other. In addition to the frequencies, the treaty also specified the specific locations where stations on this second kind of channel (known as class I-B) could be built.

Some of the original NARBA signatories, including the United States, Canada and Mexico, have implemented bilateral agreements that supersede its terms, eliminating among other things the distinction between the two kinds of clear channel: the original "I-A", "I-B", and "I-N" station classes are now all included in class A.

Clear-channel stations, unlike all other AM stations in North America, have a secondary service area—that is, they are entitled to protection from interference to their nighttime skywave signals. Other stations are entitled, at most, to protection from nighttime interference in their primary service area — that which is covered by their ground wave signal.

Bill Champlin is 75

🎂HAPPY BIRTHDAYS:

  • Singer Ron Isley of the Isley Brothers is 81. 
  • Keyboardist Bill Champlin (Chicago) is 75. 
  • Actor Carol Potter (“Beverly Hills, 90210,” ″Sunset Beach”) is 74. 
  • Singer Leo Sayer is 74. 
  • Comedian and former U.S. Senator Al Franken is 71. 
  • Actor Mr. T is 70. 
  • Drummer Stan Lynch (Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers) is 67. 
  • Ashlie Brillault is 35
    Actor Judge Reinhold is 65. 
  • Actor-director Nick Cassavetes (“The Notebook”) is 63. 
  • Actor Lisa Edelstein (“House”) is 56. 
  • Actor Fairuza Balk (“The Waterboy”) is 48. 
  • Singer-guitarist Mikel Jollet of Airborne Toxic Event is 48. 
  • Rapper Havoc of Mobb Deep is 48. 
  • Drummer Tony LoGerfo of Lukas Nelson and Promise of the Real is 39. 
  • Actor Sunkrish Bala (“Castle”) is 38. 
  • Actor David Ajala (“Star Trek: Discovery,” “Black Box”) is 36. 
  • Actor Ashlie Brillault (“Lizzie McGuire”) is 35. 
  • Country singer Cody Johnson is 35. 
  • Actor Scott Leavenworth (“7th Heaven”) is 32. 
  • Actor Sarah Ramos (“Parenthood,” ″American Dreams”) is 31.

Friday, May 20, 2022

CNN Shake-Up Continues


Another change at CNN on the digital editorial front.

CNN Digital editor-in-chief and svp Meredith Artley is leaving the company.


Meredith Artley
Based out of Atlanta, Artley joined CNN in 2009 and has led a global team of more than 350 digital reporters, producers and editors that made one of the world’s most widely-read digital media brands.

Her specific duties included overseeing the creation, programming and publishing of content across all CNN Digital properties including CNN.com, CNNi.com, CNN Politics and CNN Business across mobile, social, desktop and a variety of emerging platforms and products.

Before joining CNN, Artley led digital editorial efforts, strategies and teams for the Los Angeles Times, the Paris-based International Herald Tribune and The New York Times.

Philly Radio: WMMR, Preston & Steve Sign Long-Term Deal


Beasley Media Group announces legendary WMMR 93.3 FM Morning Personalities Preston and Steve have signed a multiyear extension to their contract that will keep them on the air in Philadelphia through 2030, enabling them to celebrate their 25th anniversary with the station!

A ratings powerhouse, Preston Elliot and Steve Morrison have maintained the top morning show position in Philadelphia since they joined the station back in May of 2005. In addition, the pair produce daily full show and highlight episode podcasts, daily/weekly video programs and maintain a remarkable world-wide social media audience.

Past recipients of the National Association of Broadcasters’ prestigious Service to America Award and 2021 National Radio Hall of Fame Inductees, the duo is known for their philanthropic efforts throughout the Philadelphia region. The annual I Bleed for Preston and Steve event has been recognized as the nation’s largest single day blood drive. In addition, the duo’s 2021 Camp Out for Hunger, the nation’s biggest single-site food drive, produced over 2.3 million pounds of food and over 1 million in cash for Philabundance.

“Amongst the multitude of things we have to feel blessed for, the fact that we will be able to continue to work for a company we are proud of alongside people we respect and admire is beyond humbling,” said Preston and Steve. “We could not be more excited.”

“Since the day we bought WMMR our goal has been to have Preston and Steve be a part of the station and the Beasley Family for as long as they’d like to be,” said Beasley Media Group President Bruce Beasley. “This is a huge step in that direction. They are truly the “gold standard” by which you can measure all other shows!”

“I am blown away daily by the level of their show,” said Vice President and Market Manager Joe Bell. “The preparation, the content and their ability to connect with the audience…it’s truly amazing.”

“Recent studies highlight the essential role personalities play in radio’s future,” added Beasley Vice President of Talent Development and WMMR-FM Program Director, Bill Weston. “Having The Preston and Steve Show locked in as WMMR’s morning is just fantastic news.”

D/FW Radio: Danny Balis EXITS The Ticket

Danny Balis
Danny Balis says goodbye Friday to KTCK The Ticket after almost 23 years

Balis has been producer of the afternoon drive-time show The Hardline since August 1999.

The Black Cloud (so nicknamed because of his dark humor, hatred of anything other people like and tendency to occasionally lose his temper with callers) announced his departure just before Dallas Mavs’ game one against the Golden State Warriors Wednesday.

Hardline host Corby Davidson,  who started at the station about the same time, spent the following segment fighting back tears (“I’ll try not to get choked up here,” he says) and reminiscing about the past two decades.

“People will never know, truthfully, what … bizarro things you and I went through together here,” Corby said on Wednesday’s show. “Wondering if we were even funny … bringing our marriages and divorces and losses to the air … and you talk about drama … these have been our formative years.”

Because they started as the youngest members at the station, Davidson and Balis have been perpetually viewed as the station’s wild and crazy punks, they joked. The job has allowed them to keep up that party-guy reputation into their 50s.

“Will I miss it? Hell yes I will,” Balis says. “I regret nothing.”

He says he doesn’t see himself doing the job into his 60s, so he has decided now is the time to focus on other interests.

In non-Ticket life, Danny Balis is a serious musician, co-owns the Twilight Lounge and has a talented grown son, Joshua Balis.  He’s also been at the center of multiple tragedies in Dallas music community. He was roommates/bandmates with Carter Albrecht and bandmates with Chadwick Murray and Trey Johnson, all of whom met with devastatingly young deaths.

The official station announcement notes that Balis has made an “undeniable impact” on the show.

NPR’s Masking Mandate Encourages Staffers To Report Violators


National Public Radio is encouraging staffers to squeal on each other if they do not comply with the company’s Draconian mask-wearing policy in the office, reports The NY Post.

According to a strongly-worded memo sent out Thursday, NPR employees are not only required to wear masks in the office, but if they see someone who isn’t complying with the mandate, they are encouraged to correct their coworker or rat them out to higher-ups.

“If you notice someone who has forgotten their mask, you might tell them, “Hey, you forgot your mask,” the memo said, adding they can also let a superior know so they can “remind” them or they can get human resources involved. Repeat offenses could lead to the maskless offender getting fired.

The strict policy is a departure from the majority of COVID safety policies in offices and public places across the country. In Washington, DC, where NPR is headquartered, mask mandates in gyms, restaurants and stores were dropped in March.

In the memo, the company said reminding employees to wear a mask is “actually helping” them because they aren’t “intentionally trying to evade the rules.” The bizarre missive advocates for employees to say “thank you” for the reminder if they are violating the rule.

For coworkers who do not want to confront mask violators, the company has a system where they can secretly snitch on others.

“You can also share an anonymous concern via the EthicsPoint system… and HR will address your concern promptly but that’s not the best option for an immediate fix,” the memo said, underscoring that if the masking requirement is not followed, employees may face “disciplinary action, up to and including termination.”

The rules do not apply to employees who are working alone in the studio or in an office with the door closed. The company will also permit workers to take off their masks momentarily when “actively” eating or drinking, the note said.

For any other maskless exceptions, workers must get special permission “in advance,” the company said.

Hope Media, WAY Media Complete Merger


Leadership from Hope Media Group, home to one of Houston’s top radio stations KSBJ, and WAY Media have announced the official close of their merger into a single media organization, headquartered in Houston. 

This merger combines the rich heritage of two like-minded organizations, who together engage an audience of more than 4 million individuals worldwide with positive multimedia content over radio and online mediums.

The merger received a unanimous vote in January from each organization’s board of directors. Now operating as Hope Media Group, KSBJ and the WayFM network will continue to serve their respective audiences under the existing brand names. It was a merger of equals and a cash-free transaction.

“We’re thrilled to officially join forces with Way Media to expand our combined impact,” said Joe Paulo, President/CEO of the merged entity. “This merger is much more than a business matter. Aligning our efforts is a positive shift within Christian media to create and share uplifting content that encourages and inspires audiences across the country. We could not be more excited for this next chapter as our media brands continue to be a beacon of Hope for all.”

WAY Media’s former interim CEO Tim Dukes serves as the Chief Operating Officer of Hope Media Group. “Our vision is to integrate the best of both ministries to enhance our impact for the cause of Christ,” said Dukes. “As we advance God’s kingdom together as Hope Media Group, we look forward to continuing to serve our existing audiences with excellence.”

“The newly merged entity combines leadership from both organizations creating an ideal team eager for the challenge to impact a much broader group of listeners,” concluded Paulo. Key priorities include programming, development, media operations and innovation.

The senior leadership team will consist of:
  • Joe Paulo, President & CEO
  • Tim Dukes, Chief Operating Officer
  • Desiree Gonzalez, Chief Financial Officer
  • Ron Harrell, Chief of Programming
  • Jim Marshall, Chief of Media Operations
  • Elaine Welcome, Chief of Administration/General Manager – Houston
  • Shawn Farrington, Chief of Innovation
  • Paul Martin, Chief of Development
The newly merged Hope Media Group brings together two organizations with a combined 75 years of ministry and media experience, beginning in 1982 with KSBJ/Houston and 1987 with WAYJ/Fort Myers.

Mick Hubert, Florida Gators Radio Voice Retiring


The Florida Gators radio voice Mick Hubert is calling it a career after 33 years.

Mick Hubert
The Florida Gators website reports he will be retiring this weekend following the UF baseball series with South Carolina. Hubert replaced David Steele in 1989 and has called every Florida football game since.

He is the only broadcaster in history to call national championship wins for the same school in college football (three), men’s basketball (two), and baseball (one).

Hubert considers his call of Danny Wuerffel’s touchdown pass to Chris Doering at Kentucky in 1993 as the one that “put him on the map” in Gator Nation.

“I’ve probably listened to that over 100 times in my life,” former UF athletic director Jeremy Foley said. “You could feel his passion. He wasn’t just calling that as a play-by-play guy. He was calling it as a Gator. That’s the magic he brought to a Gator broadcast.”


Amarillo TX Radio: KGNA Reaches 100 Year Milestone


This week, Alpha Media's N/T KGNC in Amarillo celebrates 100 years of broadcasting, reports Newschannel 10.

“1922 May 16th was the first day and they applied for a 10,000 watt transmitter and it got accepted,” said David Lovejoy, radio personality. “KGNC was the first source of media in this area.”

Not only was it one of the first stations to sign on in the country, but KGNC became a booming regional media outlet after World War 2. A booming radio station with 10,000 watts of power became a game changer for this region.

“We reach as far as Clovis, New Mexico, Wichita Falls, up into Oklahoma, parts of Central Oklahoma,” Lovejoy said “It made the difference in weather, in news and safety, that’s what the focus of it is.”

Over the decades KGNC has been a mainstay as a source for news and we’ve had an important partnership in weather.

“Having grown up rural, I listened to KGNC AM when that was the only station we could get,” said Amarillo Mayor Ginger Nelson. “It’s had a lot of impact for a lot of years, and a lot of people with community heart wanting to better our community through news, through connection, through music, arts, and culture so it’s had a gigantic impact.”

Lovejoy said that the radio station reflects the community.

“It shows that it’s really a community radio station, it always has been, its been about the community,” Lovejoy said.

And some of the radio pioneers at KGNC were actually the inspiration for others to pursue a career in broadcasting.

“I loved radio, I was just mesmerized by it, but there was just one thing missing to me, and that was a woman,” said Morgan Tanner, radio personality. “I never heard a woman on air, until the first time I ever heard Ruby Lewis on KGNC. I was like ‘oh my gosh, it’s a woman on the radio.’ If she can do this then I can too.”

And after a century of broadcasting at KGNC, some fundamentals remain the same.

April '22 PPMs Day 4: Austin, Nashville, Memphis +9 More Markets

Nielsen on Thursday, May 19, 2022 released the final batch of April 2022 PPM data for the following markets:


32  Austin

38  Raleigh-Durham NC

39  Indianapolis

40  Nashville

42  Milwaukee-Racine

44  Providence-Warwick-Pawtucket

45  Norfolk-Virginia Beach- Newport News

46  Jacksonville FL

47  West Palm Beach-Boca Raton

48  Greensboro-Winston-Salem-High Point NC

51  Memphis

52  Hartford-New Britain-Middletown CT


📻Click Here To View Topline Numbers from Subscribing Nielsen Stations.

Wake-Up Call: Mariupol Troops Listed As POWs


The hundreds of Ukrainian fighters who surrendered to Russian forces this week after holding out for months out at a sprawling steel plant in Mariupol have been registered by the Red Cross, which gathered their names, dates of birth and closest relative, AP reports. Amid fears that Russians might inflict reprisals on them, Amnesty International tweeted that as prisoners of war, they, quote, "must not be subjected to any form of torture or ill-treatment." More than 1,700 Ukrainian soldiers evacuated from the steel plant this week and surrendered to Russian forces, but an undisclosed number still remain in the bunkers and tunnel under the plant.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in his nightly address yesterday that Russian troops were intensifying their attacks in the eastern Donbas region, saying, "It is hell there and that’s not an exaggeration." He mentioned a, quote, "brutal and completely senseless bombardment of Severodonetsk," where he said 12 people were killed and dozens wounded in one day. He also said many people had been killed in Russian strikes on the village of Desna in the northeastern Chernihiv region, where rescuers were still going through the rubble.
 

Meanwhile, a captured Russian soldier testified in the first war crimes trial held by Ukraine that he shot an unarmed 62-year-old civilian man in the head on an officer's order in the early days after the invasion. The 21-year-old, Sergeant Vadim Shishimarin, said he disobeyed a first order, but felt he had no choice but to carry the order out when it was repeated by another officer, saying he was told the man could pinpoint the Russian troops' location to Ukrainian forces. Shishimarin apologized to the victim’s widow and pleaded for her forgiveness. The prosecutor asked for a life sentence. Two other captured Russian soldiers appeared in court in another part of Ukraine yesterday on war crimes charges that they shelled civilians. As did Shishimarin, both pled guilty.
 

Senate Approves $40 Billion Aid Package for Ukraine: The Senate overwhelmingly approved a $40 billion package of military and economic aid for Ukraine and its allies after the House passed it last week. President Biden is expected to quickly sign it.

Finland Prez, Sweden PM Meet with Biden at White House: The president of Finland and prime minister of Sweden met with President Biden at the White House yeserday, days after they applied to join NATO in the face of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. With Finland's President Sauli Niinistö and Sweden's Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson at his side, Biden called the applications "momentous, and said both countries, quote, "meet every NATO requirement and then some."

➤BIDEN ARRIVES IN SOUTH KOREA TODAY FOR START OF SIX-DAY ASIAN TRIP: President Biden will arrive in South Korea today (May 20th) to kick off a six-day Asian trip during which he will also visit Japan. He will meet with newly-elected South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, and will also meet with other leaders of the Indo-Pacific strategic alliance known as the Quad, a group that includes the U.S., Australia, India and Japan. Topics will include trade, strengthening the global supply chain, and concerns about North Korea's nuclear program and its explosion of Covid-19 cases. Biden also wants a message sent to China of Russia's experience in Ukraine giving Beijing pause about its own ambitions in the Pacific.
 

➤CDC RECOMMENDS KIDS AGES 5 TO 11 GET COVID-19 VACCINE BOOSTER: Days after the Food and Drug Administration gave its approval for booster shots of Pfizer's Covid-19 vaccine for children ages 5 to 11, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention yesterday recommended a booster for this age group, at least five months after their second original vaccine shot. Pfizer currently makes the only Covid vaccine available for children of any age in the U.S.
 

➤OKLAHOMA PASSES NATION'S STRICTEST ABORTION BAN: Oklahoma lawmakers passed the nation's strictest abortion ban yesterday barring all abortions with exceptions only if a pregnant woman's life is at risk and in cases of rape and incest that are reported to law enforcement. This comes after Oklahoma's governor signed a ban earlier this month banning abortion after six weeks, but now even that would be eliminated. Governor Kevin Sitt has said he will sign any anti-abortion legislation, and it would go into effect immediately. Like the law that went into effect in Texas last year that bans abortions after six weeks, this Oklahoma legislation would allow private citizens to sue abortion providers or anyone who helps a woman obtain an abortion. This measure was passed in the wake of the leak of a draft Supreme Court opinion that indicates the high court is poised to overturn the five-decade-old Roe v. Wade decision legalizing abortion nationwide.

 🍔WISCONSIN MAN MARKS 50 YEARS OF DAILY BIG MAC MEALS: He really has been lovin’ it. A Wisconsin man who previously earned a Guinness World Record for most Big Macs eaten in a lifetime just celebrated another milestone: 50 years of eating a Big Mac nearly every day. Don Gorske of Fond du Lac earned his record in 1999 when was confirmed to have eaten 15,490 of the McDonald’s sandwiches during his life, and the record was most recently updated in August 2021, when his total surpassed 32,340. He’s now celebrating 50 years of eating a Big Mac almost every day since May 17th, 1972. He says he often eats two of the sandwiches on a given day, and has missed only eight days in his 50-year streak. He says he’s tried burgers from other fast food restaurants, but nothing has proven as good to him as the Big Mac. 

📲STUDY..TO CUT BACK ON SCREEN TIME, TURN OFF FACIAL RECOGNITION, SET YOUR SMARTPHONE TO BLACK AND WHITE:  If you spend too much time staring at your phone you could try cutting back on your screen time. McGill University researchers found there are ten strategies to help you do that. They include: 1) reducing non-essential notifications; 2) enable screen time tracking and set time limits for particular apps; 3) keep your phone on silent (with vibrate off) while sleeping and out of reach when going to bed; 4) set your screen to greyscale—a study found this makes smartphones “less gratifying”; 5) hide social media apps in a folder off of your home screen (or even delete them); 6) keep your phone on silent, face down, out of sight, and out of reach when not in use throughout the day; 7) make it harder to unlock—disable Touch ID and use a password instead; 8) turn down your screen brightness and change the color warmth to filter out blue light; 9) if you can do the task on a computer, try to keep it on the computer, and 10) leave your phone at home when you can. Lead study author Jay Olson says, “Most of the participants spent four to five hours per day on their phones. The intervention reduced this by about an hour per day, sometimes freeing up the equivalent of an entire full-time work week per month.”

🐶YOUR DOG IS NOT READY FOR YOU TO RETURN TO THE OFFICE:  More than 23 million US households added a cat or dog during the pandemic, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. And many of those animals have never known what it’s like to be left alone all day. But now that many are returning to their offices, the animals have to adjust. Kate Senisi is the director of training at School for Dogs in Manhattan and says, “We’ve had a lot of separation cases coming through.” She says dogs who were used to being left alone before the pandemic tend to adjust relatively quickly, “But for the pandemic puppies—they haven’t been left at all, and now they’re at a sensitive age, adolescence. It can be pretty difficult. They have to be taught these new skills.” She also adds that you should not give your dog a special toy only when you leave, because then the toy will become a trigger for distress. Pam Reid, vice president of the ASPCA’s behavioral science team says dogs who are suddenly left alone may feel “confused, lonely and wondering why everyone is rushing out the door instead of spending time at home." She suggests short practice separations before the big return to the workplace, and scheduling walks and meals to accommodate the future work schedule.

🏀CELTICS DEFEAT HEAT 127-102 TO EVEN EASTERN CONF. FINALS AT 1-1: The Boston Celtics defeated the Miami Heat 127-102 last night in Miami to even up the NBA Eastern Conference Finals at 1-1. Jayson Tatum led Boston with 27 points and Marcus Smart and Jaylen Brown each had 24. The Celtics had been behind by 10 points in the first quarter, but then went on a 60-21 run over the next 18 minutes, giving them a 70-45 halftime lead. Game 3 is Saturday in Boston.

🏒NHL PLAYOFFS: Results from second-round games yesterday:
  • Tampa Bay Lightning 4, Florida Panthers 1 - Tampa Bay leads series 2-0
  • St. Louis Blues 4, Colorado Avalanche 1 - Series tied at 1-1

🏈FISHER FIRES BACK AFTER SABAN ACCUSES TEXAS A&M OF 'BUYING' PLAYERS WITH NIL DEALS: Texas A&M head football coach Jimbo Fisher fired back yesterday at Nick Saban after the legendary Alabama coach had the night before essentially accused the Aggies of "buying" players with name, image and likeness (NIL) deals. Fisher declared, "It’s despicable that a reputable head coach can come out and say this when he doesn’t get his way or things don’t go his way," calling Saban a "narcissist" and declaring, "Some people think they're God." Fisher also said Saban had called him after he made the comments but he didn't take the call, saying, "We're done. He showed you who he is." For his part, while he continued to criticize the effect the NIL deals are having on colllege football yesterday, Saban told ESPN he shouldn't have singled out any schools, as he did with Texas A&M and also with Jackson State.

 
🏌MCILROY IN THE LEAD AFTER PGA CHAMPIONSHIP'S OPENING ROUND: Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland is at the top of the leaderboard after the opening round of the PGA Championship yesterday at Southern Hills in Oklahoma. He shot a 5-under 65, giving him a one stroke lead over Americans Will Zalatoris and Tom Hoge in second place. The day wasn't as good for Tiger Woods, who'd hoped that his right leg that was severely injured in a February 2021 car crash would hold up better at the PGA Championship than it did over the four days of the Master's last month. But he ended the first round with a 4-over 74, and could be seen limping and appearing at times to be in pain as he played.

⚾METS ACE SCHERZER HAS STRAINED OBLIQUE MUSCLE, OUT SIX TO EIGHT WEEKS: New York Mets ace Max Scherzer has a strained oblique muscle in his left side and is expected to be out for six to eight weeks. The three-time Cy Young Award winner had an MRI yesterday, the day after he pulled himself out of a game against the St. Louis Cardinals in the sixth inning after suffering the injury when he made a pitch.

⚾PADRES MANAGER SET TO RETURN TODAY AFTER SURGERY: San Diego Padres manager Bob Melvin is planning to be back with the team tonight for the start of their series against the San Francisco Giants after having been away since having prostate surgery on May 11th. The Padres have said no cancer was found. Bench coach Ryan Christenson managed in Melvin's absence.