January 2002

Madeline Halkovich has accomplished a feat not easily achieved in the radio industry; she has managed to stay at one station for 50 years.

Yesterday, Buckley Radio switched its four Hartford-area AM stations from an adult standards format to news-talk. The new lineup includes WDRC morning host Brad Davis, Dr. Joy Browne, and the Dolans.  

For the first time in several years, B104.7 (WBBS) is not alone at the top of the Arbitron ratings for Syracuse. In 12+ numbers for the fall quarter, B104.7 shares it’s familiar number one ranking with fellow Clear Channel station 570 WSYR.

Clear Channel Communications has cleared one more hurdle in its quest to acquire The Ackerley Group. In a special meeting held yesterday, Ackerley shareholders approved a plan to merge with the country’s largest radio group.

Syracuse University recently honored five local individuals for “exemplifying the spirit, life, and teachings” of Martin Luther King Jr. Included in the group of this year’s recipients of Unsung Hero and Heroine Awards is Cora Thomas, host of Saturday Morning Gospel on WSIV AM 1540 and Sunday Morning Gospel on WAER FM 88.

AllAccess.com has honored 93Q (WNTQ) with its ‘Web Site of the Week’ award this week. Based in California, All Access Music Group is a leading national Internet source for radio industry news and information. Archive article reposted with help from volunteer Ashley Caster

Y94FM’s Pete Michaels and Brenda Bissett will be on stage next month at the Crouse-Hinds concert theater as part of the Upstate New York Ballet’s production of Cinderella.

Rush Limbaugh kicked off his afternoon talk show today by saying, “You’re listening to Rush Limbaugh… and so am I.” Limbaugh confirmed last week’s reports that activation of a cochlear implant was successful and that he can hear about 90% of conversations.  

Matt Drudge is reporting that conservative talk show host Rush Limbaugh has regained 80% of his hearing in one ear. Drudge quotes Limbaugh’s brother David as saying that he was able to talk with Rush on the phone after his implant was activated earlier this week in Los Angeles.

The Public Radio International series This American Life is headed to the Persian Gulf this weekend to gather interviews for a special episode of the show.