Harford County (June 4, 2003) -- Seems like old times, as two former news anchors have returned to their old digs in recent weeks. First, Stan Stovall, late of WMAR-TV (2), rejoined WBAL-TV (11). Then Jeff Brand, the first-ever news anchor for WBFF-TV (45), returned to that Fox station after several years in New England. Both are excellent writers and presenters, and Baltimore television is all the better for having them.

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	Bel Air's WHFC-FM (91.1) goes 24/7 with New Age music overnight except Sundays, when classic radio shows will air from midnight to 7:00 am Monday morning. Remember, there's more to life than shock jocks, incendiary babble, endless commercials, and the same old songs over and over again.

Channel 11 continues to use Maryland State Troopers to deliver traffic information during their newscasts, and while the troopers' presentations have greatly improved, the use by WBAL of personnel specifically hired and trained to protect and serve remains, in my opinion, a serious misuse of state manpower resources. It's time for Governor Ehrlich and/or State Police Superintendent Ed Norris to step in and sever this arrangement, which is nothing more than a cushy detail for the troopers assigned and a misguided effort to save money by WBAL-TV. Further, the Traffic Pulse 11 graphics are poor at best. Route numbers on the maps are too small to read, and the green, yellow and red-colored icons that represent traffic flow are dizzying, reminding one of blood flowing through human arteries. Who needs traffic reports on television anyway? You can't watch and drive at the same time, although admittedly I've seen drivers doing much worse while behind the wheel.

Informed sources tell me that former WJZ-TV (13) sportscaster John Buren is interested in a news anchor or reporter position. Buren, who came off to many viewers as "cocky" during his 17 years at the WJZ sports desk, may be in for a long wait, considering the lack of openings and the abundance of experienced un- and under-employed TV journalists. Look how long it took for Stan Stovall to hook up with Channel 11.

Speaking of sports, veteran reporter and social activist Sam Lacy died in May at the age of 99. An excellent writer as well as civil rights crusader, Lacy was instrumental in tearing down racial barriers in pro sports through his journalistic efforts in the Afro-American newspapers. In addition, Lacy broke new ground as a weekend sports anchor on WBAL-TV during the 60s. A soft-spoken gentleman, Sam Lacy used his many gifts as a journalist in concert with his life experiences to pave the way for African-Americans in both professional sports and the mainstream media. He had skills, dignity, class and, above all, guts. It's unlikely we'll ever see anyone like him again.

Radio veteran Johnny Dark is celebrating 50 years in the medium. Dark, whose career began at Boston's WHIL-AM in 1953, is best remembered for his years at top-40 (then country) powerhouse WCAO-AM (600). Along the way, he made stops at Washington's WEAM-AM, and WWMX-FM in Baltimore. These days, "JD" calls Oldies 100 WBIG-FM (100.3) in DC his professional home.

Former WBAL-TV anchor Audrey Barnes has landed in the newsroom at WUSA-TV (9) in Washington. Since her rather sudden departure from Channel 11, Barnes has been working freelance at DC's WRC-TV (5) and WTTG-TV (5). She'll be a general assignment reporter for Channel 9.

Coming this way from DC is WTOP (1500 AM and 107.7 FM) reporter Susan Carter. Susan has been hired by WBAL-AM (1090), where she'll serve as a news anchor.

WHFC-FM (91.1) raised over $4,000 in pledges from listeners during it's spring fundraising drive in May. That may be enough to leave the Bel Air public radio station's program schedule intact for another six months. Final determination won't come until the station receives its FY '04 budget from Harford Community College.

Meanwhile, "The Ronnie Dove Show" has gone on hiatus for the summer, to accommodate the singer's upcoming concert schedule. Replacing him for the next 13 weeks is another singer and local legend, Tommy Vann. A resident of Abingdon, Vann's version of "Too Young" was a major hit back in 1966. Over the years, Vann and his groups, The Echoes and The Professionals, recorded for both Academy and Capitol Records. "The Tommy Vann Summer Show" airs Mondays from 8:00-9:00 pm through Labor Day on 91.1 WHFC.

And finally, as expected the FCC has changed its rules regarding media ownership, making big corporate broadcasters like Clear Channel very happy. Details of the FCC's action have been adequately covered in The Sun and other papers, the owners of which stand to be the principle beneficiaries. Critics say the commission decision represents another nail in the media diversity coffin, as well as fewer employment opportunities, as outlets merge and consolidate even further than they did following the "Telecommunications Act of 1996." Ironically, FCC chairman Michael Powell (son of Colin), who pushed for this latest action, is an attorney who formerly served in the Anti-Trust Division of the U.S. Department of Commerce. Go figure.

Have a question or comment? Email me at gwhelton@yahoo.com.

GH