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	Bel Air's WHFC-FM (91.1) goes 24/7!

Harford County (August 12, 2003) -- I first met Buddy Deane in 1973 -- some nine years after his landmark television show came to an end. I was a young intern at WJZ and involved in the station's 25th anniversary production. It was to be a special edition of "The Larry Angel Show" featuring Buddy Deane, The New Century Platters, and members of The Committee. I walked out of the station's men's room and ran right into Mr. Deane, who was holding court in the narrow corridor surrounded by a dozen or more admirers. I first saw him from behind. He was a big man then, physically and otherwise, and I was genuinely awestruck. After all, he came into my home six days a week for nearly seven years, except for the occasional departure to Channel 11 for "Pete the Pirate" or "P.W. Doodle." I said hello, and that was it. I was like a star-struck groupie, and I took my place in the studio off-camera (actually sitting in Jerry Turner's chair on the news set) with the rest of the "go-fers," which was about all we interns were good for.

More than 20 years would pass before I'd see Buddy again. This time it was 1996. I was fortunate to be doing the morning show on WITH-AM -- a show I called "Wake Up, Baltimore" in honor of Mr. Deane, who'd used that title some 40 years earlier. Station officials had arranged for Buddy to call in from Arkansas and chat with me on the air. Everything went off without a hitch.

(L. to R.) Bill Evenson, Jack Gale, me, Buddy McGregor, Jack Wells, Bob Mathers, Buddy Deane, and Kevin Larkin. March 1996.

Buddy reminisced about his days in Baltimore, and we promoted WITH's upcoming 55th Anniversary Reunion, which was to take place in a few days. As things started to wind down, Buddy commented that he'd see me "real soon." A moment later, into the studio walked Buddy Deane, cell phone in hand, laughing heartily. All the while I thought he was in Arkansas, when in reality he was calling from the WITH lobby! He really pulled it over on me. And that's when I learned something about Buddy Deane. He had a marvelous sense of humor. He was big and loud, which could make him intimidating. And that gravely voice often made him out to be an old grizzly bear. In reality, he was an old teddy bear.

I was with Buddy Deane on May 17th at the Bel Air Oldies Concert. It was the first time we'd seen each other since 1997, and I noticed he'd shrunk a bit. I also couldn't help but see the cane that now supported his gait, which was also noticeably slower. "You don't remember me, do you," I asked him. "Sure I do," he growled back. Later that day, I'd have the distinction of playing the music for him as he judged a dance contest. I never dreamed it would be the last time I'd see him.

In broadcasting and the entertainment industry as a whole, it's often who you know, or being in the right place at the right time, that determines success. In the case of Buddy Deane, nothing could be further from the truth. Buddy reached out, recognized a void, and filled it like no one else from his era could do. He was an innovator, and his track record will forever distinguish him from the rest of us mere mortals.

In other news, a year ago we hinted that Aberdeen's WAMD-AM (970) was up for sale. Although denied at the time, we can now say with complete authority that WAMD is on the market -- asking price $200,000. "Captain Jim" McMahan is ready to hang it up, and for the price WAMD might be a good buy. However, the real estate has already been sold, meaning the buyer will have to relocate the station's studios and transmission towers. That complicates things and could add significantly to the final price. The station's license is set to expire in October, and a check of the FCC's web site confirmed that they applied for renewal in June. But with the real estate sold, one has to wonder how long McMahan (or a new owner) will have to relocate the studios and towers. It's almost certain to be an ambitious, expensive and time-consuming undertaking. WAMD could make arrangements with WWLG-AM (1370) to broadcast from their new Joppa tower site, which would no doubt improve their reception in southern Harford County. Relocating the studios would be another matter. But whatever Captain Jim or the new owners do, it will require FCC approval, which takes time. That, unfortunately, may be what WAMD is running out of. We'll monitor the situation and keep you posted.

WBAL-AM (1090) is switching from ABC to CBS News starting in October. This could make for an interesting situation, since WBAL programming is dominated by conservative talk, while the CBS network is known for its liberal agenda.

Bel Air's non-commercial WHFC-FM (91.1) is now streaming broadcasts on the Internet. WHFC's unique lineup can be heard on the Web 24 hours a day by accessing www.harfordvista.com/main, then clicking on the WHFC logo at the top of the page.

Personnel moves: As we reported last month, WBAL-TV (11) has confirmed that news anchor Sade Baderinwa is indeed headed to the Big Apple and WABC-TV. And as we also reported, veteran newsman Stan Stovall will be her replacement on 11's morning and noon newscasts. Stan's a very deserving guy and should work well with Marilyn Getas. Meanwhile, WBAL-TV news director Margaret Cronan resigned in July, citing "personal" reasons. At WJZ-TV (13), reporter Christa Delcamp is headed to a station in Boston, with reporter Sharon Lee assuming Delcamp's weekend anchor duties. And reporter Adam May has joined 13, coming from a station in Louisville. At WMAR-TV (2), Roosevelt Leftwich has traded his weekend anchor position for a field reporter's slot, with Terry Owens moving into the studio. Denise Dory has switched from the 11:00 pm anchor chair to the consumer unit, taking over for Joann Bauer. WMAR also welcomes reporter Tisha Thompson, formerly with a station in Paducah, KY. And former WJZ-TV (13) sports guy John Buren has changed course and is now a realtor with Long and Foster in Reisterstown. He'll probably make more money and won't have to worry about ratings any more. Look for John's column here on Harford Vista!

And finally, the Doctor is in -- "The Rock n' Roll Doctor," that is. Colorful radio personality Steve Cochran is making a comeback of sorts. Listen for the former WQSR jock Thursday nights at 9:00 on WHFC-FM (91.1) beginning September 11th.

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

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