Harford County (October 19, 2002) -- Summer radio ratings were released October 16th, and country powerhouse WPOC-FM (93.1) held on firmly to the number one spot with a 7.8 rating. That's up from the 7.6 they registered in the spring. Urban WERQ-FM (92.3) remained in second place with a strong 7.3, while WBAL-AM (1090) hung on to the third position with a 6.1. Tied for fourth were WWIN-FM (95.9) and WLIF-FM (101.9) at 5.3. They were followed by WXYV-FM (105.7) in sixth with a 4.5, oldies WQSR-FM (102.7) seventh with 4.1, and WWMX-FM (106.5) eighth with 3.8. Rounding out the top ten were gospel station WCAO-AM (600), 98Rock WIYY-FM (97.9), and alternative WHFS-FM (99.1) all tied at 3.5. Each rating point represents approximately 3,900 listeners per quarter hour. Noteworthy was the summer performance of pop and big band station WWLG-AM (1370), which improved in one ratings period from a 1.4 to a 2.5, good for 15th place. The station's recent power increase and music selection by Baltimore radio veteran Niles Seaberg are credited for the big jump in listenership. On the flip side, oldies station WQSR-FM continues its extended slide since peaking at 5.7 last fall, shortly after moving from 105.7 to 102.7. The frequency change was designed to get the station's signal (and Ravens football broadcasts) to the affluent DC suburbs, where higher advertising rates can be demanded. However, the numbers reflect a loss of more than 6,000 listeners in just nine months. Could it be listeners are finally tiring of the same old 600 songs?
Kudos to WBAL-TV (11) management on the hiring of Sarah Caldwell to replace sportscaster Chris Ely. Caldwell made the transition from Philadelphia's Channel 29 with apparent ease. Her in-depth knowledge of the local teams makes her sound like a native, and her on-air delivery is minus the constant fumbles and stumbles of Ely, who couldn't seem to get through a single broadcast without tripping over his tongue. Look for Sarah to wind up on a major network in the not-too-distant future.
On a sadder note, Jeff Abrams, Director of News Operations for WBAL-TV, died October 10. Abrams suffered an apparent heart attack while jogging. He was 46.
WJZ-TV (13) "personality" Marty Bass recently marked his 25th anniversary on Television Hill. Just goes to show some people can get used to a toothache.
WAMD-AM (970) has lost program director Dennis Hill. The former Baltimore City Police spokesman has left the Aberdeen oldies station for a teaching position at the Broadcast Institute of Maryland. WAMD is now voice tracking (automation) during Hill's former 9:00 am to 2:00 pm time slot.
Local talk show host Tom Marr of WCBM-AM (680) has a new gig in The Big Apple. Marr can now be heard on New York's WOR-AM (710) weeknights from 7:00 to 9:00 pm. A former newsman and Orioles broadcaster in his days with the old WFBR, Marr will continue to occupy the 9:00 am to noon time slot on WCBM.
WOCT-FM (104.3) is now WXFB-FM, reviving the B-104.3 station imager. The classic rock station has consistently struggled with ratings over the past several years, and the identity makeover is Clear Channel's latest attempt to boost listenership. Unofficially, the 104.3 frequency has had the most call letter changes in the history of Baltimore radio. Signing on in the late 1940's as WITH-FM, it was Maryland's pioneer FM station, with local legend Jack Wells serving as its first announcer. A series of format and call letter changes began in the 1970s, when the station became WDJQ-FM. Since then, it's been WBSB-FM, WSSF-FM, WOCT-FM, and now WXFB-FM. Me thinks if it's the same old contents in a new package, it will continue to struggle for ratings and recognition.
Public radio station WHFC-FM (91.1) holds its fall fundraiser, "Every Listener Counts," October 20 - November 2. During the drive, the station hopes to convince every listener to make a donation, in any amount. Surprisingly, WHFC's share of public money amounts to 17.2 cents per Harford County household per year. Kind of makes the term "public radio" a bit of a misnomer. Listeners can make a pledge by calling 410-836-4305. Credit cards are accepted. For the first time, invoices will be mailed to those who make a phone pledge. Otherwise, checks and money orders may be mailed directly to WHFC-FM at 401 Thomas Run Road, Bel Air, MD 21015. The station has some nice thank-you gifts, including a new ceramic coffee mug and a portfolio suitable for work or school use. More information and a program listing can be found at www.whfc.cjb.net.
And finally, long live The Impulse. After a dozen years of service to Harford County, The Impulse has folded. Officially, the paper merged with The Pennysaver. However, employees of the Bel Air-based Impulse have been let go.
On the local arts and entertainment scene, The Nutcracker will be presented November 29 - December 1 at the Amoss Center on the Harford Community College campus. The number for ticket information is 410-836-4211.
The Festival of Trees takes place November 30 to December 7 at the Havre de Grace Community Center. There is an admission charge. 410-939-3303.
And the annual Bel Air Christmas Parade takes place Sunday, December 1 beginning at 3:30 pm. The parade will follow along Main Street in downtown Bel Air.
Have a question or comment about this column or local media? Email me at gwhelton@yahoo.com.
GH
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