Northwest Broadcasters - Recent News Archives 2011

NORTHWEST BROADCASTERS

RECENT NEWS ARCHIVES - 2011

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12/31/11 - An advance copy of the January 2012 edition of Clay's Corner, prepared by Clay Freinwald for the Seattle Chapter of the Society of Broadcast Engineers newsletter The Waveguide is offered here as a courtesy to our readers.

12/30/11 - Recently licensed community station CKTZ-FM 89.5 Cortes Island, testing since December 8, begins regular programming today. It will operate 24/7 with over 30 volunteer DJs, serving the Discovery Islands as well as nearby areas of Vancouver Island and the mainland along with a live Internet stream. The station is authorized to operate with an ERP of 80 watts non-directional at 104.3 meters HAAT at 50-05-35 124-58-49.

12/29/11 - KVI AM 570 Seattle wil continue with Christmas music until 5 a.m. December 31. It will then stunt with syndicated talk shows until 6 a.m. Tuesday, January 3 when Mark Christopher launches the new lifestyle-talk format.

12/29/11 - A memorial service will be held for Vancouver broadcaster Dave Abbott at the PAL Theatre, 581 Cardero, Vancouver at 2:00 p.m. Friday, January 6th. Abbott died December 18 at age 74.

12/29/11 - Seattle market KSTW-TV analog translator K62FS Port Townsend has been shut down. There are no plans to replace the 28,400 watt transmitter.

12/29/11 - Soft AC KRWM-FM 106.9 moves into a strong first place with a 9.2 share, News/Talk KIRO-FM 97.3 is second with 5.2 and Active Rock KISW-FM 99.9 is third with 4.7 in the Arbitron December 2011 Seattle-Tacoma PPM. Radio Online KJR/KNBQ-FM simulcast info from All Access Music Group

12/29/11 - Gabriola Island Co-op Radio CKGI-FM 98.7 ramps up fund raising to get its new transmitter on the air. CRTC approval was given last month. Chris Koehn, Nanaimo Daily News

12/28/11 - The FCC has granted Educational Media Foundation a minor modification to construction permit for KLWA-FM 101.3 Westport. ERP will increase from 1.2 to 4 kW and HAAT will increase from -6 to 49 meters non-directional at the existing transmitter location of 46-53-4 124-00-44. FCC data

12/27/11 - Rudy Penitsch, whose career included cinematographer, still photographer, film librarian and silk screen artist, died December 3 at St. Michael's Centre in Burnaby at age 93. He joined the staff of CBC Vancouver in 1964, initially as a cameraman assistant then film librarian. He also served as videographer on a number of episodes of the CBC Vancouver comedy production Dr. Bundolo's Pandemonium Medicine Show. A memorial gathering will be held January 7, 2012 at 1033 Marinaside Crescent, Vancouver. Sun/Province obituary

12/24/11 - An obituary has been published for Vancouver broadcaster Dave Abbott, who died December 18 at age 74. He had a very successful career in radio and television for over 30 years at CJOR, CKNW, CJVI Victoria, CBC and CKVU-TV. Sun/Province obituary

12/24/11 - KLOP-FM 88.1 Ocean Park is reportedly operating with its new 76 kW ERP directional transmitter. The FCC granted its license to cover on December 21. FCC data

12/24/11 - Former Vancouver market CKNW AM 980 reporter Brett Mineer made his on-air debut at CTV Two CIVI-TV Victoria Thursday. He started at 'NW in 2008 after three years in Kamloops radio and TV, before being released by the station at the end of August.

12/23/11 - Battery fumes forced cancellation of Breakfast Television this morning on Citytv CKVU-TV Vancouver. The crew had to evacuate the West 2nd studio following the malfunction of batteries charging in a construction lift. Mike Lloyd, News1130

12/22/11 - Seattle-based Fisher Communications will lease Fisher Plaza from Hines Global REIT until December 31, 2023, with its 2012 monthly base rent set at $284,178. Fisher announced sale of the complex last week for $160 million. Fisher SEC Filing

12/20/11 - Vancouver market Classic Rock CFMI-FM 101.1 has announced that Mike Eckford will join The Bro Jake Morning Show effective January 3, replacing Mike Reno, who has left to go back on the road with his band Loverboy. Except for a short run as co-host of Breakfast Television on Citytv CKVU-TV Vancouver in the early 2000s, Eckford has co-hosted Urban Rush on cable TV since 1997. Broadcaster Magazine

12/19/11 - The CRTC has now allowed the sale of Shore 104.3 CHHR-FM Vancouver to Astral Media. The acquisition is set to be completed early next year for approximately $13.4 million. In late September the Commission denied an application for a transfer of shares and change of effective control of CHHR-FM from Shore Media Group to Astral Media, ruling that the beginning of the transaction between the two parties occurred within the first two years from the launch of the station, which is not normally allowed under its regulations. Astral release Previous decision

12/19/11 - Veteran Vancouver broadcaster Dave Abbott died around 9 p.m. last night at St. Paul's Hospital. He was 74. Beginning in the 1960s he hosted talk shows at CJOR, CKNW, CKST and CKVU-TV, and at CJVI Victoria. More recently he hosted Travel Diary at CKBD and a public affairs program at KVOS-TV Bellingham. He won numerous awards during his career and last year was inducted into the BC Entertainment Hall of Fame. Vancouver has lost a truly great broadcaster. Craig Takeuchi, straight.com David Abbott background

12/17/11 - Vancouver's Charted Songs '56 to '78 by Brian Tarling has recently been released. The 654-page book is a compilation of 7,700 hits by just under 2,400 different artists, as they appeared on CJOR, CKWX, CFUN, CKVN and CKLG surveys. Details

12/16/11 - Seattle-based Fisher Communications announced today that it has completed the sale of Fisher Plaza to Hines Global REIT, Inc. for $160 million cash. The closing of the transaction concludes a process that began in early 2008. Fisher release

12/15/11 - Former KING-TV Seattle news anchor Brad Goode has been hired by rival KOMO-TV to co-anchor its morning newscast. He left KING last summer over terms of a new contract, and went to work for CNBC. Molly Shen moves to co-anchor the 5 p.m. news at KOMO. KOMO News

12/15/11 - Q101 CKMQ-FM 101.1 Merritt PD and morning host Brian Wiebe becomes the Assistant Instructor for the Radio Program and Operations Manager of Evolution CFML-FM 107.9 at BC Institute of Technology, replacing retiring John Oliver. Oliver has been with BCIT since 2001 and has worked in the metro Vancouver radio market since 1979. Robin Poon, Merritt News

12/15/11 - Loverboy lead singer Mike Reno, who has been an integral part of the morning Bro Jake Show on Vancouver market Classic Rock CFMI-FM 101.1 for the last year, performs his final duties at the station Friday. Loverboy starts a 100-plus date tour in 2012.

12/15/11 - Seattle TV clown J.P. Patches, aka Chris Weddes, now 83, will have the future education center of the North Transfer Station in Fremont named after him. In the local show, aired from 1958 to 1981, Julius Pierpont Patches lived in a shack at the city dump, of which he was the mayor. Vanessa Ho, Seattle P-I

12/14/11 - KAFE-FM 104.1 Bellingham is the latest station to go all-Christmas.

12/13/11 - Toronto-based Stuart McLean, host of The Vinyl Caf�, introduced to the U.S. by KUOW-FM 94.9 Seattle, appears December 13 at the Paramount Theatre. Tim Keogh, Seattle Times

12/13/11 - Former CKDA and CHEK-TV Victoria reporter/anchor/news director Andy Stephen, who died November 22 at age 84, was the area's first "electronic" reporter who carried a microphone instead of a notebook and was highly successful, with a stable of contacts, political and bureaucratic. Jim Hume, Times Colonist

12/12/11 - The FCC has granted a CP to Bates Technical College for a DTV replacement translator for KBTC-TV Tacoma to operate on channel 16 with an ERP of 1 kW directional at 187 meters HAAT in Seattle at 47-36-57 122-18-26. FCC data

12/12/11 - The FCC has granted a modification of construction permit to Centro Familiar Cristiano for KRUM-LD, changing the channel from 23 to 24 and its community of license from Olympia to Renton. The CP mod grants an ERP increase to 4.25 kW directional at 256 meters HAAT at 47-36-55 122-18-33. FCC data

12/12/11 - The FCC has granted a modification of construction permit to Educational Media Foundation for KLOP-FM 88.1 Ocean Park. ERP will increase from .55 kW non-directional at 318.2 meters HAAT at 46-41-46 123-46-17 to 76 kW directional 690 meters HAAT at 46-58-31 123-08-16. FCC data

12/10/11 - KRAB-FM 107.7 Seattle became a cultural institution in the Pacific Northwest from 1962-84, serving as a national role model with its wide-ranging, bizarre, esoteric and obscure programming. BlatherWatch

12/10/11 - Management at Team Radio CKST AM 1040 and CFTE AM 1410 Vancouver are rejoicing following the latest ratings increase and record monthly ad sales. Greg Douglas, Vancouver Sun

12/10/11 - A Service of Remembrance will be held Saturday, December 17 at Mueller's Tri-Cities Funeral Home, 1401 S. Union, Kennewick for former KAYO Aberdeen manager Sid Roach, who died December 8 at age 60. Mueller's obituary Tri-City Herald obituary

12/09/11 - Former KAYO manager Sid Roach died early Thursday morning in a rollover accident about a mile east of Kennewick. He was 60 years old. He worked for Greg Smith as manager and sometimes engineer of KAYO in Aberdeen for several years before the station moved to Olympia. He then stayed on in sales, working out of the Aberdeen office. Sid left broadcasting and moved with his wife to eastern Washington about 10 years ago. His father, Sidney Sr. was a broadcast engineer at KGON Oregon City in the 1950s and went on to own KARY Prosser in the 1960s with his wife Judy. Tri-City Herald

12/09/11 - Vancouver market BBM PPM has been released for the period August 29 - November 27, 2011. News/Talk CKNW AM 980 continues to lead with a 10.8 share, CBC Radio One CBU AM 690/FM 88.1 is second with 10.2 and QM-FM CHQM-FM 103.5 is third with 10.0. BBM data David Bray overview

12/08/11 - Evening jock Matt Doormatt Lockmon has left his position at Seattle market KISS KBKS-FM 106.1. He had been there since 2009. All Access Music Group

12/08/11 - BBC Broadcasting has filed an application for a minor amendment to a construction permit amendment with the FCC for KRPI AM 1550 Ferndale for a waiver of the Commissions's rules regarding nighttime coverage to its community of license. BBC is seeking to move KRPI's transmitter to Point Roberts to eliminate "blanketing interference" to residents of Ferndale. The move would leave Ferndale residents without adequate nighttime coverage of KRPI. FCC info KRPI license info

12/06/11 - The price for recently sold KVOS-TV Bellingham has been revealed as $2.9 million. Sale of the station from Newport Television to OTA Broadcasting was announced last week. KVOS was previously sold in 2007 packaged with KFTY-TV (now KEMO-TV) Santa Rosa, CA for $26.6M. RBR-TVBR.com

12/05/11 - Jim Trapp has been named PD of JACK KJAQ-FM 96.5 Seattle effective December 15, replacing Carey Curelop, who continues as PD of KZOK-FM 102.5 and KPTK AM 1090. Trapp successfully launched JACK Seattle in 2005 and was most recently PD at X107.5 KXTE-FM Las Vegas. All Access Music Group Radio Ink

12/05/11 - Seattle Mariners plan to use a rotating group of seven broadcasters on their radio network for another year to work alongside veteran play-by-play announcer Rick Rizzs. The club went to the seven-man rotation format last year, replacing Hall of Fame broadcaster Dave Niehaus, who died November 10, 2010, at age 75. Greg Johns, MLB.com

12/05/11 - Tower Site Calendar 2012, photographed and written by Scott Fybush, features tower sites of some of the stations that trace their heritage back to 1922. The new calendar has a photo of the waterfront studio of KGY Olympia on the front cover and the station's tower on its March page. Further information is available at fybush.com

12/04/11 - Seattle market MOViN KQMV-FM 92.5 Seattle PD Maynard takes the reins as acting PD at sister station Click KLCK-FM 98.9, replacing a departing Jim Richards. All Access Music Group

12/02/11 - Newport Television has agreed to sell KVOS-TV Bellingham to Reston, VA-based OTA Broadcasting. OTA, which recently purchased KFFV-TV Seattle, is a subsidiary of investment firm MSD Capital controlled by computer tycoon Michael Dell. Terms of the deal have not been disclosed. It is expected to close within 90 days subject to FCC approval. Dave Gallagher, Bellingham Herald

12/02/11 - The Chuck Davis History of Metropolitan Vancouver will be launched officially at the Vancouver Public Library main branch on December 6. The book was completed with the help of about 40 friends and admirers after Davis, a Vancouver and Victoria broadcaster during the 1960s and 70s, died last year before it could be completed. It chronicles Vancouver's history beginning in 1792. Kent Spencer, The Province

12/02/11 - KIRO-TV Seattle expands its 11 p.m. Sunday newscast to a full hour making it the first station in the market with a 60-minute broadcast in that timeslot. Monique Ming Laven remains the anchor with meteorologist Morgan Palmer and sports anchor Chris Francis. Merrill Knox, TVSpy

12/02/11 - Fall 2011 Victoria BBM results have been released with CBC Radio One CBCV-FM 90.5 leading with a 12.9 share, Rock CKKQ-FM 100.3 is second with 11.6 and News/Talk CFAX AM 1070 is third with 10.6. BBM info

12/01/11 - News/talk KIRO-FM 97.3 continues to hold the top spot in the November 2011 Seattle-Tacoma PPM with a 5.7 share, Soft AC KRWM-FM 106.9 is second with 5.3 and All News KOMO AM 1000 is third with 4.7. Radio Online

12/01/11 - KUBE-FM 93.3 Seattle personality Shellie Hart, whose termination was announced in mid November, was given the chance to air her final shift Wednesday. Radio Online

12/01/11 - A memorial service will be held in early 2012 for former Victoria broadcaster Bill Ozard, who died from colorectal cancer on November 25 in Bedford NS. He began his career as an announcer and newsman at CJVI and later CKDA Victoria in the 1950s. He moved to CJCH Halifax in 1960 where he stayed for 13 years before taking a government position. A service will also be held in Bedford on December 2. Times Colonist obituary Halifax Herald obituary

12/01/11 - Ocean CIOC-FM 98.5 Victoria moved to 24 hour holiday music shortly after midnight this morning. It will return to Today’s Lite Rock on December 26.

11/28/11 - An obituary has been published for former CKDA and CHEK-TV Victoria reporter/anchor/news director Andy Stephen, who died in Saanich Peninsula Hospital on November 22 at age 84. He enjoyed a long and varied career and was awarded a life membership by the Legislative Press Gallery in 1979. A memorial service will be held December 1 at Sands Funeral Chapel. Times Colonist obituary

11/27/11 - An advance copy of the December 2011 edition of Clay's Corner, prepared by Clay Freinwald for the Seattle Chapter of the Society of Broadcast Engineers newsletter The Waveguide is offered here as a courtesy to our readers.

11/26/11 - Former CKAY Duncan and CFMS-FM Victoria broadcaster Peggy Stewart has authored Radio Ladies: Canada’s Women on the Air, a book profiling women who starred in Canadian radio from coast to coast during the years 1922 to 1975. It contains profiles and/or recent in-person interviews with over 50 of the women who pioneered in Canadian radio, including local personalities such as Nina Anthony, Ida Clarkson, Sunny Lewis, Pamela Martin, Shirley Stocker and Doriana Temelo.

11/25/11 - Crista Ministries Seattle market Spirit KCMS-FM 105.3 and Praise KWPZ-FM 106.5 Lynden have joined the ranks of all-Christmas stations.

11/24/11 - Oldies KVI AM 570 Seattle moved to all-Christmas music today, as noted in an email sent to clients last week. Beginning January 3, it will flip to talk radio as Smart Talk 570 KVI.

11/24/11 - Longtime Seattle market Q13 KCPQ-TV morning news anchor Lily Jang is leaving in the New Year to return to her home in Houston, as her father is suffering from Parkinson's disease. TVSpy

11/24/11 - Astral Media has registered domain names for several of its music stations in Canada, including Funny650.com for Vancouver market CISL AM 650 Vancouver. Astral appears to be protecting possible future branding as it announced that CKSL AM 1410 London ON will become Funny 1410 on January 1. Lance Venta, Radio Insight

11/24/11 - CHEK-TV Victoria's first news anchor Andy Stephen has died at age 84. He worked at CKDA Victoria beginning in 1953, joining CHEK when the station signed on in 1956. Beginning in the early 1960s, he hosted 6 Star News Final, the first regularly scheduled news program on CHEK and the public affairs show Capital Comment, which lasted for 20 years. He also reported politics for CHAN-TV (now Global BC) Vancouver. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday December 1 at Sands Funeral Chapel, 1803 Quadra St., Victoria. Victoria Times Colonist CHEK News video

11/23/11 - Ellen Taylor will be the new co-host with Fitz on The Wolf KKWF-FM 100.7 Seattle beginning in early December. She comes from Grand Rapids/Lansing MI and replaces Mary White, who left last month. All Access Music Group

11/23/11 - Former Vancouver radio and TV newscaster Doriana Temolo has been appointed to the newly created role of news director for Global National. She has worked the Vancouver market since 1978 and joined Global National in 2001. Also appointed to the Vancouver-based national newscast are former CBC reporter/producer Michael Hennigar as senior producer and long time Global News producer Doug Sydora as managing editor. Shaw Media release

11/23/11 - KWDB AM 1110 Oak Harbor has been sold by Action Pages LLC to Satnam Media Group Inc., which has a Canadian connection. Sale price is $35,000 and is subject to FCC approval. rbr.com

11/22/11 - Seattle market The Mountain KMTT-FM 103.7 under PD Mike Kaplan is moving toward a more classic AAA format with some current core releases rolled in. Additionally, longtime station MD/host Shawn Stewart has been released. All Access Music Group

11/21/11 - The anticipated streaming by Seattle market KMCQ-FM 104.5 Covington has begun, complete with a new website.

11/21/11 - Another early all Christmas station hits the local airwaves, as QM/FM CHQM-FM 103.5 Vancouver flipped just after 3 p.m. today with Burl Ives' Holly Jolly Christmas.

11/21/11 - Global BC CHAN-TV Vancouver has now released its official version of its news anchor changes. The changes move 11 p.m. anchor Jill Krop to a new online news-gathering source called Trending, which will debut in the New Year. Broadcaster Magazine

11/21/11 - CISL AM 650 made the move to Classic Christmas at 9 a.m. today, the first Vancouver market station to move to Christmas music this year. It will return to All Time Favourites at midnight December 25. Broadcaster Magazine

11/20/11 - An obituary has been published for former Vancouver market CKNW engineer Don Kalmokoff, who died November 11 at age 79. No service has been announced. Sun/Province obituary

11/19/11 - The Chuck Davis History of Metropolitan Vancouver will be officially released to the public December 6 at 7 p.m. at the central branch of the Vancouver Public Library. Veteran Vancouver broadcaster/journalist Allen Garr served as “external co-ordinator” to help complete the unfinished work after Davis' death from cancer November 10, 2010 at age 75. Marsha Lederman, The Globe and Mail

11/18/11 - An email sent to clients today reads in part: "Beginning January 3, 2012, KVI Greatest Hits will flip to talk radio, called Smart Talk 570 KVI. The positioning will be “Smart Talk for a Sound Life”, featuring lifestyle, health, local and entertainment news. Hosts Mark Christopher and KOMO 4 TV’s Elisa Jaffe will start out the day with “Sunrise Seattle,” and other hosts including Clark Howard, Phil Hendrie, The Buzz featuring Scott Carty, and a WSJ Daily Wrap will inform and entertain listeners. From Thanksgiving through January 2, 2012, KVI will celebrate the holidays with traditional Christmas music." Full email text

11/18/11 - Seattle market Warm KRWM 106.9 turned on the Christmas tunes this afternoon. Other stations are expected to make the move next Friday, November 25.

11/18/11 - Dial Global has confirmed that KVI AM 570 Seattle is picking up the daily Clark Howard Show and other syndicated programs, pointing to the surety that it will flip back to talk in the near future. All Access Music Group

11/18/11 - Al Peterson, publisher and editor-in-chief of the industry-focused publication NTS MediaOnline, is reporting that there is a good posibility that KVI AM 570 Seattle will flip back to a talk format next January following a move to all-Christmas right after Thanksgiving. NTS MediaOnline

11/17/11 - Seattle-based Fisher Communications has entered into a definitive agreement to sell Fisher Plaza, its approximately 300,000 square foot mixed-use facility located near downtown, to Hines Global REIT, Inc. for $160 million in cash. Fisher will remain the Plaza's largest tenant, with a 12-year lease for its corporate headquarters and Seattle television, radio, and internet operations. Fisher release Eric Pryne, Seattle Times

11/17/11 - Former Vancouver market CKNW chief engineer Don Kalmokoff died November 11 after a long fight with cancer. While CE at CKNW, he invented the Aristocart in the early 1970's to provide stereo cartridge players to FM stations, becoming the industry standard into the 1990s. He began as an announcer at CJAT Trail, B.C., leaving to attend University of B.C. in the 1950s, where he was a member of the Radio Society.

11/17/11 - CITR-FM 101.9 Vancouver participated with campus/community stations across Canada, as the National Campus and Community Radio Association celebrated its 25th anniversary with Reclaim Your Radio. Geoff Lister, The Ubyssey

11/17/11 - Former Global BC CHAN-TV Vancouver news reporter Ron Bencze was back in Surrey, B.C., court Wednesday after allegedly violating bail conditions. He was charged in January with five sex related offences involving children, but has not been convicted of any of the charges. CBC News Vivian Luk, The Province

11/16/11 - Longtime KUBE-FM 93.3 Seattle midday host Shellie Hart has been released. She also had previously served as operations manager for the Clear Channel Seattle group. All Access Music Group

11/16/11 - Bell Media/CTV has promoted Kevin Bell to general manager of its Victoria radio and TV cluster. He adds his new duties to his existing role as general sales manager. Bell Media release

11/15/11 - Global BC CHAN-TV Vancouver sports anchor/reporter Barry Deley, who won the BC Children’s Hospital Dream Lottery on October 31, appeared Monday with sports director Squire Barnes on The Ellen DeGenerous Show. CTV video (clip 2)

11/14/11 - The FCC has granted the license to cover to Grays Harbor Institute for KGHI-FM 91.5 Westport for its new transmitter facility at 46-55-11 123-57-14. ERP is now 1 kW at 19 meters HAAT. FCC info KGHI tower photos

11/12/11 - Should free agent David Pratt, whose contract expired with TEAM CKST AM 1040 on August 31, be re-hired by the station? Greg Douglas, Vancouver Sun

11/12/11 - Further to the Global BC CHAN-TV Vancouver anchor changes, senior reporter Lynn Colliar reportedly moves back to the anchor desk for the Weekend Morning and Noon News. Meanwhile, according to a Twitter post by Jill Krop, sports anchor Squire Barnes and sports anchor/reporter Barry Deley, who won the BC Children’s Hospital Dream Lottery, are scheduled to appear on The Ellen Degeneres Show on Monday.

11/11/11 - Global BC CHAN-TV Vancouver has now announced its news anchor moves. Randene Neill moves from the Noon News Hour to anchor News Hour Final at 11 p.m. with Squire Barnes. Morning anchor Sophie Lui adds the Noon News Hour with Jay Durant. Current News Hour Final anchor Jill Krop moves to special assignment reporting. The changes are effective November 21. Global BC video

11/11/11 - KTBK AM 1210 Auburn-Federal Way has changed call letters to KMIA and has switched its format to Spanish Contemporary Hit Music identifying as Latino 1210 AM and playing Latin Pop, Hip Hop, Reggaeton and Bachata ”Solo Exitos”. FCC info Adelante Media Group release

11/10/11 - TEAM CKST AM 1040 and the Vancouver Canucks have signed a new six-year deal for broadcasts of all games through the 2016-17 season. John Shorthouse and Rick Ball handle play-by-play along with analyst and former NHLer Dave Tomlinson. TEAM 1040 release Canucks release

11/10/11 - In perhaps the lowest valued prize awarded in a radio contest in recent years, listener Bianca won $1 in the Gold Digger contest on Virgin Radio CKZZ-FM 95.3 Vancouver. Virgin Radio video

11/09/11 - The FCC has granted a license to cover for KKXA AM 1520 Snohomish. The license authorizes operation at 20 kW day and 50 kW critical hours and night. There is an application before the Commission to increase daytime power to 50 kW. FCC license info FCC summary

11/07/11 - Seattle-based Fisher Communications has reported its third quarter 2011 financial results with an 8% increase in net television revenue and a decrease of 5% in total consolidated revenue from the third quarter of 2010. Radio net revenue decreased 14%. Fisher release

11/06/11 - When Seattle Invented the Future, about how World’s Fair planners first intended the Century 21 Exposition in 1962, will premiere on KCTS-TV in February 2012. KCTS is looking for input.

11/05/11 - Matt Sekeres has resigned from the Globe and Mail as national sports correspondent in B.C. to take a fulltime position co-hosting the midday show with Blake Price on Team CKST AM 1040 Vancouver beginning November 21. Greg Douglas Here 'N' There, Vancouver Sun

11/04/11 - Another RPM (Radio Performers Membership) Lunch was held in Vancouver on Tuesday, November 1, with many well-known veteran and current local broadcasters in attendance. Discussion and a number of photos taken by broadcaster/columnist Lynne McNamara can be viewed at Radio West.

11/04/11 - OMNI BC CHNM-TV Vancouver anchor/reporter Jasdip Wahla will host OMNI NEWS: Punjabi National Edition beginning Monday, November 14. It is one of three new national newscasts to be launched by OMNI in Ontario, Alberta and B.C. Broadcaster Magazine

11/04/11 - The new indie-rock news theme and music package for Seattle market Q13 Fox KCPQ-TV has been crafted by Debra Grobman of Fuze Artz and their news-branding partner, Inthegroovemusic. All Access Music Group

11/04/11 - The Chuck Davis History of Metropolitan Vancouver is now complete and published by Howard White of Harbour Publishing, and will appear in bookstores November 15. Broadcaster, historian and author Chuck Davis passed away November 20, 2010 before he could complete the book. Vancouver History website In addition, Mulligan's Stew - My Life...So Far, written by long-time Vancouver broadcaster Terry David Mulligan, has recently been released. News release

11/04/11 - Q Country KNBQ-FM 102.9 Centralia has flipped to a simulcast of Sports Radio KJR AM 950 Seattle, extending the signal into the South Sound and well south in Washington State. The change occurred at 7 a.m. News release

11/03/11 - On The Air: A Musical Revue brings alive the golden years of radio from the 40s, 50s and 60s. It's hosted by Red Robinson with special guest appearance by Dal Richards. The show runs one night only, Sunday, November 6, at the James Cowan Theatre in Burnaby. Wanda Chow, Burnaby News Leader

11/03/11 - Vancouver market Classic Rock 101 CFMI-FM 101.1 Bro Jake morning show producer Josh Barkoff is leaving to assume a position in the production department at Global BC CHAN-TV. His last day is Friday, November 4.

11/03/11 - Global BC CHAN-TV Vancouver recently began using a new female promo voice, identified by the station only as "Randall". Long-time Vancouver broadcaster Jim Hault gave notice last winter that he was retiring from the position.

11/03/11 - The first national test of the Emergency Alert System at 11 a.m. PT on November 9 is being shortened by the FCC from 3 minutes to 30 seconds. KIRO AM 710 Seattle is one of 30 designated National Primary Stations in the Primary Entry Point (PEP) System to distribute Presidential messages to other broadcast stations and cable systems. Radio Online

11/02/11 - Judy Waddell (nee St.George), known on air as Judy Piercey, died September 29 at Saanich Peninsula Hospital following a brief battle against cancer. She was 74. She co-hosted, with Harvey Dawes, the CBC-TV Vancouver evening news program Hourglass, beginning in 1978. Piercey was the first female on-camera TV newscaster with the station. A celebration of Life will take place from 2 - 4 p.m. November 21 at Ag Hall on Mayne Island. Sun/Province obituary

11/02/11 - The CRTC has approved an application by Gabriola Radio Society to operate a new community FM station on Gabriola Island. CKGI-FM will operate at 98.7 MHz with an ERP of 60 watts non-directional at 178 meters HAAT at 49-08-52 123-47-14. CRTC approval

11/02/11 - As CBC Radio celebrates its 75th birthday in Canada, former Vancouver audio technician Alf Spence tells of the significance to those who pioneered the broadcasts. CBC Vancouver video

11/01/11 - News/Talk KIRO-FM 97.3 widens its lead in the October 2011 Seattle-Tacoma PPM with a 5.9 share. Active Rock KISW-FM 99.9 is tied for second with Soft AC KRWM-FM 106.9 with 5.1 shares. Radio Online

11/01/11 - The Wolf KKWF-FM 100.7 Seattle morning host Fitz has again been named Western Washington's Favorite Radio Personality by KING-TV viewers. All Access Music Group Meeghan Black, KING news Meanwhile, The Wolf is looking for a new co-host for Fitz following the exit of Mary White yesterday. All Access Music Group

11/01/11 - Global BC CHAN-TV Vancouver sports anchor/reporter Barry Deley is $2.5 million richer. He won the BC Children’s Hospital Dream Lottery. Yuliya Talmazan, Global News Global TV video Vancouver Sun

11/01/11 - KSGX-FM 104.9 Eatonville, which was stunting as Freddy 104.9 with halloween music and horror movie clips over the weekend, moved at midnight to a rock format as The Brew 104.9. All Access Music Group Meanwhile, Seattle market Spirit KCMS-FM 105.3 stunted with 24 hours of Christmas music then announced that it will be going all-Christmas on November 25.

10/31/11 - Danny Bonaduce of The Partridge Family fame is the new morning host at KZOK-FM 102.5 Seattle effective Monday, November 14. He was most recently a.m. drive host at WYSP-FM 94.1 (now WIP-FM) Philadelphia. He will be joined by news director Sarah. fmqb.com KZOK release Amy Rolph, Seattle PI Lori Matsukawa, KING5 News

10/31/11 - Seattle-based Fisher Communications will report its third quarter 2011 financial results before the market opens on November 7. This information will also be available through the Investor Relations section of Fisher's Web site. Fisher news release

10/31/11 - CFJC-TV Kamloops video journalist Andrew Hopkins has been hired as a new evening/weekend reporter at News1130 CKWX AM Vancouver. He's a 2005 BCIT Broadcast Journalism program graduate, has worked in radio in Williams Lake, Kamloops and Fort St. John and is a 2009 Jack Webster Foundation Fellowship Award recipient.

10/30/11 - At age 93, legendary Vancouver musician Dal Richards performs 125 shows a year, has appeared at the PNE for 72 consecutive years and hosts a Sunday night radio show on CISL AM 650. Cheryl Chan, The Province

10/29/11 - News1130 CKWX AM Vancouver adds Joanne Abshire as a new morning show reporter. She's a BCIT broadcast journalism graduate and has worked in radio news in Penticton and Kamloops. First day on air is November 7.

10/29/11 - An advance copy of the November 2011 edition of Clay's Corner, prepared by Clay Freinwald for the Seattle Chapter of the Society of Broadcast Engineers newsletter The Waveguide is offered here as a courtesy to our readers.

10/28/11 - KSGX-FM 104.9 Eatonville is stunting as Freddy 104.9 with halloween music and horror movie clips. Radio Insight is reporting that it will flip to classic rock November 1 as 104.9 The Brew. Radio Insight

10/28/11 - The FCC has granted a voluntary assignment of license for KRUM-LD channel 23 Olympia from Fiori Media, Inc. to Centro Familiar Cristiano. FCC authorization

10/28/11 - MOViN KQMV-FM 92.5 Seattle morning co-host Brooke Fox has been selected as one of the "25 Most Beautiful People in the Northwest" by KING-TV. Radio Online KING has also named KOMO-TV anchor Kathi Goertzen “Woman of the Year.” Merrill Knox, TV Spy

10/28/11 - Familiar Seattle voices come together tonight to perform a futuristic adaptation of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. The live broadcast from Town Hall airs on KPTK AM 1090 at 8 p.m. Casey McNerthney, Seattle P-I

10/28/11 - The new morning team at KMPS-FM 94.1 Seattle will be Joe and Tommy Johnson of Johnson & Johnson beginning November 7. The duo, exited K-Bull KUBL-FM 93.3 Salt Lake City in January after 13 years. They replace Candy & Potter, who were released in August. Radio Online

10/27/11 - The Lars Larson Show moves to Freedom 1590 KLFE AM Seattle 6 - 9 p.m. weekdays beginning November 14th. All Access Music Group

10/27/11 - Virgin Radio CKZZ-FM 95.3 Vancouver spanned bras across the Capilano Suspension Bridge 14 times, raising money and awareness for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation. Broadcaster Magazine

10/26/11 - Details of the Celebration of Life for former Vancouver broadcaster Frank Callaghan have been announced. It will be held at Maple Hills Clubhouse, 8590 Sunrise Drive, Chilliwack on Saturday, November 5 from 2 to 5 p.m. There will be a slideshow presentation followed by an open mike and refreshments. Callaghan died at Chilliwack General Hospital September 20 at age 78.

10/26/11 - CHEK-TV Victoria has signed off its analog channel 6 transmitter, nearly two months after the Canadian digital TV transition September 1. It remained on air after the transition due to technical issues. The clearing of channel 6, and specifically the audio frequency of 87.75 MHz, should pave the way for a power increase for CBU-FM-2 88.1 Vancouver, currently operating at 19.5 kW.

10/25/11 - Former Vancouver TV personality Dagmar Midcap, most recently a meteorologist for WGCL-TV Atlanta, is joining KNSD-TV San Diego as their evening meteorologist. Locally, she worked as a traffic and weather reporter for VTV (now CTV British Columbia) and Global BC along with co-hosting Global's Driving Television. TV Spy

10/25/11 - Haunts Northwest teams up with KUBE-FM 93.3 Seattle to provide a haunted house in the Sodo District and with KISS KBKS-FM 106.1 to put on the "House of Terror" in Lynnwood. Kirsten Johnson, Seattle Times

10/25/11 - A number of Vancouver and Victoria broadcasters and journalists are among the winners of the 2011 Jack Webster Awards. Jack Webster Foundation

10/25/11 - KUOW-FM 94.9 Seattle chief engineer Terry Denbrook died Sunday, October 23 after a long bout with cancer. He was a long time member of SBE Seattle Chapter 16 and provided engineering support for numerous Puget Sound Radio Stations. SBE Chapter 16 obituary

10/22/11 - Prominent CHEK-TV Victoria news anchor Scott Fee has confirmed on his Twitter page that he will be joining the morning news team at Global Calgary CICT-TV in a few weeks. He's been with CHEK since 2006 and was a part time anchor at News1130 CKWX Vancouver in 2005.

10/20/11 - KCTS-TV Seattle airs its 13 minute mini documentary Something in the Water tonight about Seattle music, focusing on KEXP-FM 90.3 and morning DJ John Richards. Andrew Matson, Seattle Times KCTS info

10/19/11 - Global BC CHAN-TV Vancouver is planning to shuffle some of its anchors, which will not involve the 6 p.m. news. Reliable sources report that there will be no new hires or anyone leaving. Stand by for further info.

10/19/11 - News1130 CKWX AM Vancouver morning news anchor Dianne Newman has left the station. She had been with the Rogers Radio Vancouver group since 1992, most recently a.m. drive co-anchor with Reaon Ford. No word yet on a replacement.

10/18/11 - The CRTC has approved an application by Cortes Community Radio Society to operate a community FM station on Cortes Island. It will operate at 89.5 MHz with an ERP of 80 watts non-directional at 104.3 meters HAAT. CRTC decision

10/18/11 - Former nine-year KLSY-FM Seattle host Dave Wingert has been released from his morning slot at KGOR-FM 99.9 Omaha NB following his use of an on-air expletive. He entertained at KLSY during much of the 1990s and then hosted the nationally syndicated Dave 'Til Dawn. Omaha World-Herald

10/17/11 - Former KMPS-FM 94.1 Seattle morning hosts Candy and Potter, who were released at the end of August, are staying creative with a daily radio show ideas blog. All Access Music Group

10/15/11 - Owner Matthew McBride hopes to get CKPM-FM 98.7 Port Moody on the air for the November 19 civic elections, following height variance approval by council for the station's antenna. It will be located on top of Sentinel tower at 290 Newport Dr. McBride received CRTC approval to operate the station back in 2008, but was since granted extensions to May 2012. It is licensed to operate with a maximum ERP of 1000 watts directional at minus 193.2 meters HAAT to cover Port Moody, Coquitlam and Port Coquitlam. Diane Strandberg, Tri-City News

10/14/11 - 31-year CBC Radio Vancouver news veteran Susan McNamee read her final newscast today as she heads into retirement. She started her broadcast career in St. Catherines ON in the late 1970s. CBC Radio interview

10/13/11 - An ad scammer who duped a number of Las Vegas TV stations appears to have moved into the Pacific Northwest with attempted ad buys in Portland and at KOMO-TV Seattle. Broadcasting and Cable

10/13/11 - Humble Howard Glassman, who entertained Vancouverites on CKLG and CFOX-FM in the early 1980s before moving to Toronto, joins co-host Fred Patterson on a new Internet venture. Humble and Fred promise to exist beyond the bounds of mainstream media and commercial radio. Their radio program was voted best morning show in Canada four times prior to being deposed from the Toronto airwaves. Broadcaster Magazine

10/13/11 - Graham Hatch, who was released from his p.m. drive co-host position at Vancouver market Classic Rock 101 CFMI-FM 101.1 at the end of August, re-surfaces as afternoon drive host on Shore CHHR-FM 104.3.

10/11/11 - A celebration of life has been announced for former Vancouver broadcaster Frank Callaghan, who died at Chilliwack General Hospital September 20 at age 78. It will be held in Chilliwack on Saturday, November 5. Email pchrisw@shaw.ca for further details. Callaghan was a long time DJ and PD at CKLG Vancouver during the 1960s and 70s, overseeing the move to Top 40 at CKLG and the launch of CKLG-FM. He later was morning host at CJJR-FM in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

10/11/11 - KKXA AM 1520 Snohomish launched at 4 p.m. today as Classic Country KXA. It will feature real country variety with country favorites from the 80s and 90s. KXA will also carry Washington State University football and basketball as well as some Everett Silvertips, Everett Aquasox and high school sports games. More than 300 people assisted with the 14-year process to get the station on the air. My Everett News

10/10/11 - KKXA AM 1520 Snohomish contract engineer Buzz Anderson has found an intermittent arc in the transmitter system causing it to trip. This repair paves the way for an official launch.

10/09/11 - Listeners vote Love Will Tear Us Apart by English band Joy Division as top song of all time at KEXP-FM 90.3 Seattle during the station's pledge drive. Chris Grygiel, Seattle PI

10/07/11 - The FCC has granted a construction permit to Iglesia Pentecostal Visperia del Fin for a change in frequency and power for KEJI-FM Darrington from 91.5 to 91.7 MHz and increase in ERP from 400 to 1000 watts. FCC data

10/07/11 - KLAS-TV Las Vegas investigative reporter Jonathan Humbert is moving to KOMO-TV Seattle. He starts as a reporter next month. Merrill Knox, TV Spy

10/07/11 - SONiC CFUN-FM Chilliwack/Abbotsford/Vancouver goes live with its new slate of jocks next Tuesday, October 11. The lineup includes Ryder in the morning, Kenny Jones afternoons, Meredith Geddes and Red (aka Jus Red or Lil'Red) alternating middays and weekends, Adam "DJ Trouble" Milne evenings plus music director Jeremy “DJ NoLuv” Slattery.

10/07/11 - Former Vancouver broadcaster Bobby Ng died in Edmonton October 5 at age 73. He was a staff announcer at CJVB Vancouver from 1972-77 before moving to CHQT Edmonton, where he hosted programs from 1977-93. He operated his own company, BNG Pro Motion Ltd. in Edmonton for the past 10 years. Edmonton Journal obituary

10/06/11 - CTV British Columbia CIVT-TV Vancouver is stepping up its news coverage with new morning and lunch programs and new anchors. CTV News at Noon begins Monday, October 31 with anchor Keri Adams. CTV Morning Live will debut Monday, November 14 with co-hosts Aamer Haleem and Norma Reid. CTV News at Five will now be co-anchored by Keri Adams and Rob Brown. Coleen Christie moves to anchor CTV News at 11:30. CTV News at Six remains the same with Mike Killeen and Tamara Taggart. CTV release

10/06/11 - After eight years with the station, News1130 CKWX AM Vancouver morning show reporter Tamara Slobogean is moving to Citytv CKVU-TV as a producer. Her last day with 'WX is October 14.

10/06/11 - Radio and television personality and home improvement expert Shell Busey has joined Vancouver market AM 650 CISL to host Shell Busey's HouseSmart, to be aired weekly, beginning Monday October 17. He has been on Vancouver airwaves since 1983. News release

10/05/11 - Seattle TV and radio stations have pledged to keep away from the Amanda Knox neighborhood and family homes to give them space. The stations, KOMO-TV, KING-TV, KIRO-TV and KOMO AM 1000, pooled resources Tuesday to provide coverage of Knox's homecoming. Seattle PI

10/04/11 - Vancouver commercial voice, broadcaster and British Columbia Hall of Famer Bill Reiter is having a "riot" as he attempts to retire. Kevin McKay, Senior Living Magazine

10/04/11 - News/Talk KIRO-FM 97.3 moves up to a first place tie with Active Rock KISW-FM 99.9 with a 5.5 share in the Arbitron September 2011 Seattle-Tacoma PPM. Soft AC KRWM-FM 106.9 remains third with 5.1. Radio Online

10/04/11 - Seattle market MOViN KQMV-FM 92.5 has offered Amanda Knox $10,000 to join its morning show with Brooke & Jubal for one week. MOViN release Meanwhile, Seattle TV stations provided extended local coverage Monday of her murder change acquittal. Merrill Knox, TV Spy

10/03/11 - Citytv CKVU-TV Vancouver has announced that Breakfast Television is expanding its on-air team with the addition of Vancouver native, Jody Vance. She will co-host the program with Riaz Meghji and anchor morning newscasts, beginning Monday, October 17. With over 20 years of radio and TV experience, Vance was most recently midday host at Shore CHHR-FM 104.3 and fill-in sports anchor for CBC-TV Vancouver. Broadcaster Magazine

10/01/11 - Ian Slipp starts on morning drive at Country 107.1 CKQC-FM Abbotsford October 11. For the past two years he has been at The Bounce CHBN-FM 91.7 Edmonton, and most recently part of their morning team. He's also worked at Nile FM 104.2 in Cairo, Egypt.

10/01/11 - Former Sports Page anchor Barry Macdonald has joined Don Taylor as afternoon co-host on Team CKST AM 1040 Vancouver, replacing David Pratt, whose contract wasn't renewed when it expired August 31. Greg Douglas, Short Hops, Vancouver Sun

10/01/11 - The Gabriola Radio Society awaits a CRTC decision on its re-application for the use of 98.7 MHz to serve Gabriola Island. Nanaimo Daily News

09/30/11 - SONiC CFUN-FM Chilliwack/Abbotsford/Vancouver has announced its final on-air hire before moving to live hosts. Red aka Jus Red or Lil'Red will host Monday, Tuesday middays and Saturday, Sunday mornings. She is most recently from Flow CFXJ-FM 93.5 Toronto. Additionally, Meredith Geddes from Free FM CKLO-FM 98.1 London ON will be on the air Wednesday-Friday middays plus Saturday and Sunday afternoons beginning October 12. Meanwhile, sister station NEWS1130 CKWX Vancouver has added Andrea Klein as part-time
evening/overnight anchor. She started in Vancouver radio in 2001 and is back on air after a two-year hiatus.

09/28/11 - The CRTC has denied an application for a transfer of shares and change of effective control of CHHR-FM 104.3 Vancouver from Shore Media Group to Astral Media Radio. The Commission ruled that the beginning of the transaction between the two parties occurred within the first two years from the launch of the station which is not normally allowed under its regulations. CRTC decision

09/28/11 - An advance copy of the October 2011 edition of Clay's Corner, prepared by Clay Freinwald for the Seattle Chapter of the Society of Broadcast Engineers newsletter The Waveguide is offered here as a courtesy to our readers.

09/28/11 - CBC Vancouver is hosting CBC LIVE! A Kick Off to Culture Days this Friday, September 30 at the CBC Vancouver Broadcast Centre, 700 Hamilton Street. It’s an all-day festival of live broadcasts and activities starting at 10 a.m. and featuring a list of CBC stars plus a free concert at 8 p.m., which will be broadcast on CBC. CBC info

09/28/11 - SONiC CFUN-FM Chilliwack/Abbotsford/Vancouver has announced that Ryder, a.m. driver from Wired 96.3 CFWD-FM Saskatoon SK, will be the new morning host. A posting by Ryder on SONiC's Facebook page says he will be leaving the prairie city in a week. Ryder was this year's recipient of the Allan Waters Young Broadcaster of the Year award. CTV backgrounder

09/28/11 - Postings on both Puget Sound Radio and Radio West are reporting that former Vancouver broadcaster Frank Callaghan has died. He was a long time DJ and PD at CKLG Vancouver during the 1960s and 70s, overseeing the move to Top 40 at CKLG and the launch of CKLG-FM. He later was morning host at CJJR-FM in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Puget Sound posting Radio West posting

09/26/11 - KOMO-TV Seattle anchor Kathi Goertzen, recovering from a brain stem tumor originally diagnosed in 1998, interviews Ted Koppel as he receives the Edward R. Murrow Lifetime Achievement Award in Broadcast Journalism on Friday evening at Washington State University in Pullman. KOMO News video

09/24/11 - Rick Ball, Team 1410 CFTE AM play-by-play voice of the BC Lions and Team 1040 CKST AM co-voice of the Vancouver Canucks, gets the nod to call approximately one-third of the Winnipeg Jets games on Hockey Night in Canada this season. The Province Greg Douglas, Short Hops, Vancouver Sun

09/23/11 - The CRTC has approved an application by Salt Spring Island Radio Corp. to operate a low-power transmitter at Mount Bruce to serve the residents of south Salt Spring Island, repeating the signal of CFSI-FM 107.9. The new transmitter will operate at 102.1 MHz with an average effective radiated power of 20 watts and an effective HAAT of 391 meters. CRTC info

09/22/11 - Clear Channel Seattle director of engineering Marty Hadfield is back home after suffering a heart attack last weekend. He will be spending the rest of the week resting at home and plans to return to work next week. SBE Seattle news

09/22/11 - The Wall Street Journal Radio Network has announced that KGMI AM 790 Bellingham has been added to its affiliate lineup for its new evening talk and news show, "The Daily Wrap from The Wall Street Journal with Michael Castner," and its morning news program, "The Wall Street Journal This Morning." WSJ Radio release

09/21/11 - Former Vancouver broadcaster Freeway Frank Depalo, who started his on-air career in Montreal and is now morning host at Virgin Radio CJFM-FM 95.9 in that city, has helped propel the station to top ratings. He entertained at CKLG then CKZZ-FM Vancouver from 1993-2001. Global Montreal

09/21/11 - Bonneville Seattle Media Group and the Seattle Mariners have announced a multi-year contract extension for Mariners baseball on 710 AM ESPN KIRO Seattle. The new agreement includes all Mariners regular season games, a minimum of 20 spring training games, pre-game and post-game programming as well as off-season Hot Stove League Shows. Radio Online All Access Music Group

09/20/11 - KVOS-TV Bellingham chief engineer Stephen Cornmesser advises that some technical revisions were made last Friday to the station's transmitter affecting the broadcast tuning information sent to receivers. KVOS was mapping as channel 35.x (RF channel is 35) instead of the normal 12.1 on TV tuners. He advises that a re-scan should correct the problem.

09/20/11 - Clear Channel Seattle director of engineering Marty Hadfield is recovering in hospital from a heart attack suffered over the weekend. Hadfield joined Clear Channel in June after working as director of engineering for Alpha Broadcasting's Portland operations. He also spent 17 years as VP of engineering for Entercom Seattle. Paul McLane, Radio World

09/20/11 - KOMO News has filed a lawsuit in King County Superior Court against the Seattle Police Department, contending the department has intentionally and illegally stonewalled the station's Problem Solvers. Tracy Vedder, KOMO News

09/20/11 - Radio Malaspina Society, operators of CHLY-FM 101.7 has returned to Vancouver Island University's Nanaimo campus after it was banned last year for "unacceptable behavior". Additionally, the society has saved enough money to buy a backup transmitter so that the main one can be sent for repairs after running at only half power for the past two years. Jenn McGarrigle, Nanaimo News Bulletin

09/19/11 - 710 AM ESPN KIRO Seattle has signed multi year contract extensions with p.m. drive hosts Kevin Calabro and Jim Moore. All Access Music Group

09/18/11 - Former Vancouver broadcaster and current hockey PA announcer John Ashbridge is back home after three separate heart surgeries conducted over the course of 20 hours last week. He brings us up to date with a posting on Puget Sound Radio.

09/17/11 - A bronze statue of Dave Niehaus was unveiled Friday at Safeco Field. Niehaus called the first 34 seasons of Seattle Mariners games until his death from a heart attack last November 10. Larry Stone, Seattle Times Larry Stone photos Seattle PI photos

09/17/11 - Vancouver Sun sports columnist Greg Douglas says, "Rob Fai's Team 1410 broadcast of the Vancouver Canadians championship playoff series against Tri-Cities was electrifying." He predicts a bright future for the team's broadcaster. End Zone, Vancouver Sun

09/16/11 - STAR 101.5 KPLZ-FM Seattle APD/morning show producer Leonard Barokas takes to the skies next Tuesday morning for his 11th annual flight of Bras Across Lake Washington to bring awareness to the fight against breast cancer. His parasail tow line will include bras donated by listeners. All Access Music Group

09/16/11 - Andy Ross will be joining Corus Radio Vancouver as program director of ROCK101 CFMI-FM 101.1. He has been involved in the broadcasting industry for over 30 years with career stops in numerous Canadian cities, holding positions as jock, producer, music director, APD and PD, including program director of JACK-FM CKLG-FM 96.9 Vancouver. He was most recently the PD at Wired 96.3 CFWD-FM Saskatoon SK. His start date has yet to be announced.

09/16/11 - Gregg Carmichael, who was with CKWX AM 1130 Vancouver when it flipped from country to News1130 in 1996, has returned as overnight editor and anchor. He was an assignment producer for CTV News Vancouver for the last three years. Meanwhile, News1130 editor/reporter Sheila Scott, who tendered her resignation last week, will re-surface at CTV British Columbia CIVT-TV, responsible for overnight assignment desk duties and writing news for the new Morning show to debut this fall. She starts September 26 and will also train on the station's new traffic production system.

09/16/11 - Ed Hill has been named the new PD for KMPS-FM 94.1 Seattle, replacing Becky Brenner, who left in July. He's held the PD position at K-Bull KUBL-FM 93.3 Salt Lake City. All Access Music Group

09/15/11 - 83-year-old Chris Weddes, aka J.P. Patches, expects to make his final public appearance Saturday at the main stage at the Fishermen's Fall Festival in Seattle. He also expects to be on the air for a KCTS-TV fundraiser in December. His show ran on KIRO-TV from 1958 to '81 and was the first one to run live the day KIRO signed on. Jack Broom, Seattle Times

09/14/11 - The Wolf KKWF-FM 100.7 Seattle morning host Fitz plays matchmaker to MCA artist and American Idol runner-up Lauren Alaina. All Access Music Group

09/13/11 - The CRTC has given broadcasters until September 1, 2012 to turn down the volume of TV commercials. Susan Krashinsky, Globe and Mail CRTC info In the U.S., the CALM Act was signed last December requiring TV broadcasters to ensure that commercials air at a volume no louder than the programs in which they appear. However, it likely won't be fully in effect until December 2012.

09/13/11 - KING-FM 98.1 will broadcast the opening night of Seattle Symphony's new season live beginning at 7 p.m. Saturday with debut of music director Ludovic Morlot. Melissa Davis, Seattle Times

09/13/11 - The FCC has granted a construction permit to Grays Harbor LPFM to change frequency of KGHO-LP 98.5 Hoquiam to 99.9 MHz. It will continue to operate with an ERP of 100 watts non-directional at 46-58-22 123-51-10. FCC info

09/13/11 - CIVL-FM 101.7 Abbotsford station manager Aaron Levy expects the station to be fully operational at its authorized power by late October. It is currently operating at 40 watts from a facility on the University of the Fraser Valley campus. Industry Canada records show an application to operate with a maximum ERP of 880 watts directional at 104 meters HAAT at 49-04-20 122-24-12.

09/12/11 - Gerry Siemens, Vice President & GM of The PEAK CKPK-FM 100.5 Vancouver expects the actual exchange of frequencies with Co-op Radio CFRO-FM 102.7 to occur next year. In return for its signal, Co-op Radio will receive The PEAK’s stereo transmitter and related components; a back-up transmitter; and a new transmitter site; with the Pattison Broadcast Group picking up the cost of the move to the new site and the cost of the lease on the new site for five years. Co-op Radio currently broadcasts in mono and without a back-up transmitter. Additionally, the Pattison Broadcast Group will arrange for $300,000 in billboard advertising for Co-op Radio over five years and cover $125,000 of Co-op Radio’s annual operating expenses for five years. Pattison Media Release Francois Marchand, Vancouver Sun

09/10/11 - Today marks the 60th anniversary of the first newscast on KING-TV Seattle anchored by Charles Herring. Blatherwatch/2001 NWCN video

09/10/11 - Former Vancouver market CKNW AM 980 sports director Al Davidson and newspaper columnist Jim Taylor are among the inaugural class of inductees to the B.C. Football Hall of Fame. Mike Beamish, Vancouver Sun

09/10/11 - The agent for David Pratt says the final offer from Team 1040 CKST AM Vancouver was "unacceptable". It's rumored that Pratt will re-surface on a televised phone-in format on cable channel Sportsnet Pacific. Former CFL defensive lineman Chris Burns joins BC Lions play-by-play broadcaster Rick Ball for today's game on Team 1410 CFTE AM, the final one at Empire Field. Greg Douglas, Vancouver Sun

09/09/11 - James Stuart, VP and GM of CHUM Radio Vancouver, has confirmed that long time Team 1040 CKST AM afternoon co-host David Pratt is out and a replacement is sought. Pratt's contract expired at the end of August. Steve Ewen, The Province

09/09/11 - Vancouver market BBM PPM has been released for the period May 30 - August 28, 2011. News/Talk CKNW AM 980 continues to lead with an 11.2 share, QM-FM CHQM-FM 103.5 is second with 9.4 and CBC Radio One CBU AM 690/FM 88.1 is third with 9.2. Daily average Cume numbers, expressed in thousands, put The Beat CFBT-FM 94.5 first with 388.9, CHQM-FM second with 353.5 and Virgin Radio CKZZ-FM 95.3 third with 305.1. BBM data David Bray analysis

09/09/11 - The CRTC has approved an application by Jim Pattison Broadcast Group and Vancouver Co-operative Radio to swap frequencies of their Vancouver stations. CKPK-FM 100.5 will move to 102.7 MHz and increase maximum ERP from 11,000 to 100,000 watts and non-commercial CFRO-FM 102.7 will move to 100.5 and increase maximum ERP from 5,500 to 11,000 watts. Additionally CFRO will relocate its transmitter into the same facility as CKPK and will receive technical, financial and marketing support from Pattison amounting to $1,437,000 over a period of five years. CRTC decision

09/08/11 - News1130 CKWX AM Vancouver has announced the resignation of part-timer Sheila Scott, who has served for the past two years as anchor, editor, reporter and web editor. Her last day is September 23, as she moves to a yet to be announced position with CTV.

09/08/11 - SONiC CFUN-FM Chilliwack/Abbotsford/Vancouver has announced another host to the lineup when it soon goes live. Vancouver native DJ Trouble Adam Milne joins the station to handle evenings from Rogers' sister station The Bounce CHBN-FM 91.7 Edmonton.

09/08/11 - Greg Valentine and Stephen Kilbreath are now handling a.m. drive duties at KMPS-FM 94.1 Seattle following the release last week of Candy and Potter. All Access Music Group

09/08/11 - Ray Ferraro scales back his time and host David Pratt is in a contractual impasse at Team 1040 CKST AM Vancouver. Bruce Dowbiggin, Globe and Mail

09/07/11 - Active Rock KISW-FM 99.9 continues in first place in the Arbitron August 2011 Seattle-Tacoma PPM with a 6.0 share. News/Talk KIRO-FM 97.3 moves up to second with 5.4, pushing Soft AC KRWM-FM 106.9 into third with 5.1. Radio Online

09/07/11 - Former CBC Vancouver regional operations manager Marc Turenne died September 2 when his canoe collapsed in Lake Winnipeg. He was 54. He began his CBC career in Regina, transferring to Vancouver in the late 1980s, where he stayed for 17 years. He then moved to Winnipeg and started up a home inspection company called House Review Inspection Services. CBC News Winnipeg Free Press Obituary

09/07/11 - After a short five-month run as p.m. drive host at CFUN-FM 104.9 Vancouver prior to its recent format change, Tarzan Dan will be starting soon in morning drive at JACK FM CHTT-FM 103.1 Victoria. Current morning host Crash Davis will move to afternoons.

09/06/11 - CHEK-TV Victoria's analog channel 6 transmitter returned to the air shortly after it went dark during the digital TV transition September 1. CHEK-TV's operations/program manager Bill Pollock reports, "We are waiting for some equipment to arrive for the STL (studio transmiter link) at the station and we are still working on our digital audio fluctuations, that’s why we are back on the analog channel." Meanwhile, engineers report the conversion, which included channel changes for a number of local stations, went fairly smoothly with only minor glitches. Digital TV list

09/06/11 - The FCC has granted a construction permit to Jodesha Broadcasting for a facility change for KLSY-FM 107.9 South Bend. Community of license will change to Cosmopolis, frequency changes to 107.3, ERP increases to 4.7 kW non-directional and transmitter moves to 46-56-0 123-43-57 at 114 meters HAAT. FCC info

09/06/11 - Recently added Vancouver market CKNW AM 980 talk show host Simi Sara appears to break the mold of other hosts on the station. Charlie Smith, straight.com

09/05/11 - News1130 CKWX AM Vancouver news reader/editor and current news director Treena Wood, who has been with the station since 1996, starts Tuesday as program director, with consultant Dennis Kelly remaining under contract for the time being. Anchor Amelia John moves into evenings to replace the retired Tom Bricker. Chris Pope has been hired from 570News CKGL AM Kitchener ON to anchor overnights.

09/04/11 - News1130 CKWX AM Vancouver evening anchor Tom Bricker has headed into retirement. His final shift was Friday. Bricker started his radio career at CJVI Victoria in 1969 and has covered both news and sports including the Rick Hanson tour in 1985 and the Calgary Olympics in 1988. He has been with News1130 since 1999. Mike Cleaver interview

09/03/11 - Shaw Cable in Vancouver has announced, that effective immediately, it will no longer carry CKNW AM 980 from 6 to 9 a.m. daily. The simulcast has been in place since April 2007. Shaw backgrounder

09/03/11 - The former voice of the Vancouver Canucks, Jim Robson is one of 14 to be awarded the Order of British Columbia. The award recognizes the excellence and achievements of people in the province. Jesse Johnston, News1130

09/03/11 - Former Vancouver market CKNW AM 980 newsman and network ops manager John Ashbridge will be honored with an International Civilian Volunteer Award next month at the Crime Stoppers Conference in Jamaica. He also explains the reasons for getting designated PA announcer backups at hockey games. Greg Douglas, Vancouver Sun

09/01/11 - News1130 CKWX AM Vancouver anchor Andy Walsh has been inducted to the Canadian News Hall of Fame along with veteran CTV national news anchor Lloyd Robertson. Walsh began his radio career in Cornwall, ON in 1951, later serving as anchor then news director for CHQM Vancouver for 25 years. He has been with News1130 since 1996. News1130 Canadian Press

09/01/11 - On the heels of the departure of KMPS-FM 94.1 Seattle a.m. drive hosts Candy and Potter, morning show producer Austen DiPalma has also left. All Access Music Group

09/01/11 - The Seattle-Tacoma Designated Marketing Area moves up one position to number 12 on the Nielsen 2011-12 list of television DMAs. TVSpy

09/01/11 - There doesn't appear to be any takers for the KWDB AM 1110 Oak Harbor auction of talk show slots for $99. The auction ends at 11:57 a.m. today. Radio Online

09/01/11 - Global BC CHAN-TV Vancouver won a Gemini Award Tuesday for best local newscast, large market, for its 6 p.m. News Hour. In addition, Dawna Friesen, anchor for Global National which is produced in their local studios, won the award for best news anchor at the annual Gemini Industry Gala at Toronto's Metro Convention Centre. Global/Postmedia News/Vancouver Sun

09/01/11 - Shore 104.3 CHHR-FM Vancouver now boasts it has Canada's only all-female morning show with the addition of Samantha Ferris as its new a.m. drive host, joining Jennifer Thomson. She is a Canadian actress and in the mid-1990s was a reporter for KVOS-TV Bellingham and BCTV CHAN-TV Vancouver, where she went by the name Janie Ferris.

08/31/11 - The Vancouver Canucks have announced that veteran broadcaster Al Murdoch will be sharing public address announcing duties with regular John Ashbridge for the 2011-12 season. Murdoch filled in for Ashbridge for a couple of games during this last season. Ashbridge has been handling the PA since 1987. Canucks news

08/31/11- Corus Radio has dropped another Vancouver broadcaster. CKNW AM 980 news reporter/anchor Brett Mineer has been shown the door. He had been with the station since 2008 after moving from Kamloops.

08/31/11 - KPLZ-FM 101.5 Seattle PD/morning host has merged his consultancy company into Timeless Cool Custom Programming. All Access Music Group

08/31/11 - KMPS-FM 94.1 Seattle morning hosts Candy and Potter have been released. They joined in March 2010. All Access Music Group C & P blog

08/31/11 - After a request by the CRTC, the Canadian Broadcast Standards Council has reversed its decision on the airplay ban of the song Money for Nothing by Dire Straits. The Council now says that it is up to broadcasters "to make the airplay choice appropriate to their market." The announcement of the ban last January promted numerous releases by Vancouver stations and others across Canada. Postmedia News/Vancouver Sun CBSC release

08/31/11 - The CRTC has denied an application by Rogers Broadcasting to amend its condition of license regarding local programming for CFUN-FM Chilliwack/Abbotsford/Vancouver. The Commission also issued a short term renewal in order to review its compliance with regulations regarding local programming for the Chilliwack and Fraser Valley areas, which it is primarily licensed to serve. CRTC release

08/31/11 - The CRTC has also issued a short term, 5-year renewal for CFRO-FM 102.7 Vancouver stating that the licensee was in apparent non-compliance with regulations pertaining to the filing of annual returns. CRTC release

08/31/11 - Afternoon drive co-host Graham Hatch is out at Vancouver market Classic Rock 101 CFMI-FM 101.1. He has been with the station since 1993. Dean Hill will continue solo in p.m. drive.

08/31/11 - Vancouver and Victoria are among the Canadian television markets required to switch over to digital transmission by September 1. However, in many smaller markets, broadcasters are still allowed to transmit analog signals. CBC News

08/31/11 - Hall of Famer Red Robinson has announced that his Red Rock Diner oldies program, which was displaced with the format change at CFUN-FM 104.9 Vancouver, will return to CISL AM 650 beginning Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. Red Robinson info AM 650 info

08/30/11 - An advance copy of the September 2011 edition of Clay's Corner, prepared by Clay Freinwald for the Seattle Chapter of the Society of Broadcast Engineers newsletter The Waveguide is offered here as a courtesy to our readers.

08/30/11 - /A\ CIVI-TV Victoria has started identifying as CTV Vancouver Island. It was announced in early August that all the /A\ stations in Canada would re-brand to CTV Two.

08/30/11 - Former CBS Seattle market manager Lisa Decker replaces Michele Grosenick as president and GM of Clear Channel's Seattle cluster. Decker had been with the CBS cluster since 1995 until exiting in April. All Access Music Group Radio Ink

08/29/11 - Rogers Radio Vancouver promotions director Phil Evans has announed that Jeremy "DJ NoLuv" Slattery has been appointed music director and assistant program director of SONiC CFUN-FM 107.5 Chilliwack/92.5 Abbotsford/104.9 Vancouver. He's a Halifax club scene vet and most recently MD/APD at Z103 CKHZ-FM 103.5 Halifax.

08/29/11 - Vancouver's two CBC television stations will be making changes this week. CBUT analog channel 2 will leave the air August 31. CBUT digital will move from channel 58, where it has been broadcasting since January 9, 2006, to channel 43 on September 1. CBUT info/coverage map French language CBUFT will stay on its existing channel 26, but will switch to digital on August 31. CBUFT info/coverage map

08/27/11 - An unofficial schedule of local TV stations moving to digital during next week's transition has been announced. CIVT-DT Vancouver moves from channel 33 to 32 at 12:02 a.m. August 31 and analog 32 goes dark at that time. CKVU-DT Vancouver moves from 47 to 33 sometime after 9 a.m. August 31 with analog scheduled to power down in the afternoon of August 30. CHNU-TV's Victoria translator is scheduled to go digital on channel 21 on the afternoon of the 30th with the main Fraser Valley transmitter starting up on 47 mid morning on August 31, replacing analog 66. CIVI-TV Victoria's Vancouver translator goes digital on channel 17 at 12:30 a.m. on August 31, with the main Victoria transmitter likely to transition from 53 to 23 at about the same time. Word has not yet been received for CHEK-TV Victoria or the two CBC stations in Vancouver.

08/27/11 - After a 17-year career in Vancouver radio and television, and a move to real estate in 2006, Sarah Daniels teams up with her brother Philip DuMoulin to provide real estate advice on Urban Suburban premiering August 31 on HGTV Canada.

08/26/11 - A 51 year old Seattle man has been sentenced by Kitsap County Superior Court to 43 months in prison after being convicted of stalking radio host Delilah Rene, whose syndicated radio show Delilah originates from KRWM-FM 106.9. Court records show Tony Rockford Lowrey had been following and harassing Rene for eight years. Josh Farley, Kitsap Sun

08/25/11 - Seattle market The Mountain KMTT-FM 103.7 morning show producer Kelly Ransford becomes promotions director for both KMTT and sister station The End KNDD-FM 107.7. She replaces Joe Hammill and reports to PD Mike Kaplan. All Access Music Group

08/25/11 - Two local TV personalities are part of the talent lineup at The Morning Show, which is scheduled to launch this fall at Global Toronto. Daru Dhillon is from CHEK-TV Victoria and Dave Gerry produced and entertained at CKVU-TV Vancouver for over 20 years. Broadcaster Magazine

08/24/11 - KOMO-TV Seattle traffic reporter Rachelle Murcia joins KGET-TV Bakersfield CA as an evening anchor and reporter effective August 29. TVSpy KOMO video

08/24/11 - News anchor Mark Wright, who left Seattle market Q13 KCPQ-TV in April, joins the morning news at KING-TV/KONG-TV effective September 5. He replaces Brad Goode, who left KING this summer to be a correspondent for CNBC. KING News Q13 backgrounder

08/24/11 - Rick Johnson has appointed news director at KXRO AM 1320 Aberdeen. He is a former anchor/editor at KOMO AM 1000 Seattle and most recently traffic reporter at Mixx KXXO-FM 96.1 Olympia. All Access Music Group

08/24/11 - The FCC has granted a voluntary assignment of license for KFFV-TV Seattle from North Pacific International Television, Inc., D.I.P. to OTA Broadcasting (Sea), LLC. FCC authorization

08/23/11 - After four years as CTV British Columbia CIVT-TV Vancouver Chopper 9 fill-in reporter and weekend weathercaster, Kate Gajdosik is leaving to return to her home town as a weathercaster for Global Television Winnipeg. She has appeared as a news anchor and reporter in several feature films since her start in local media in 1996. Her new gig begins in a couple of weeks. Broadcaster Magazine

08/23/11 - Spanish-language broadcaster Liberman Broadcasting recently signed a deal with KBCB-TV Bellingham to broadcast Estrella TV. The signal was added August 1 to KBCB sub-channel 24.2. Seattle Times

08/23/11 - KRKO AM 1380 Everett drops WSU Cougar Football in favor of University of Washington Huskies Men’s Football and Basketball, effective September 3rd. The games will still air on Huskies flagship station KJR AM 950 Seattle. KRKO has become an affiliate of the IMG College radio network, which has the rights to Huskies Football and Basketball broadcasts. WSU Cougar games this season will now be heard on KTTH AM 770 Seattle. My Everett News

08/22/11 - KNDD-FM 107.7 Seattle celebrates its 20th birthday as The End tomorrow (08/23) with the top 107 End songs of all time and appearances by former hosts. All Access Music Group

08/21/11 - Sportscaster Dan Elliott heads into his second season as director of media relations and voice of the WHL Vancouver Giants. Philip Raphael, South Delta Leader

08/20/11 - Marcus Fitzgerald has been named sports director/news reporter and play-by-play host of the BCHL Chilliwack Chiefs on The Hawk CHWK-FM 89.5 Chilliwack. Cam Campbell will be the color commentator as The Hawk carries all home and away Chiefs games for the 2011-12 season. Chiefs release

08/19/11 - As Red Rock Diner leaves the airwaves due to the format change at CFUN-FM 104.9 Vancouver (Chilliwack/Abbotsford) from oldies to SONiC, host Red Robinson regrets that he didn't have an opportunity to say goodbye on air and thanks his listeners and supporters. Red Robinson website

08/19/11 - August 31 is approaching for the shut-down of analog television in most Canadian cities. CHEK-TV Victoria GM John Pollard says about 5% of BC viewers receive their signals over the air. Most of the Canadian and US networks can be received OTA in Victoria with the proper equipment and a good location. Sandra McCulloch, Times Colonist

08/18/11 - KVOS-TV Bellingham has added music video channel THECOOLTV to subchannel 12.2. The addition was originally announced in April.

08/18/11 - "Learn. Laugh. Relax." KIRO-FM 97.3 Seattle revamps its weekend lineup. KIRO release

08/18/11 - Rogers Radio BC GM Geoff Poulton says the new SONiC brand for CFUN-FM 104.9 Vancouver (Chilliwack/Abbotsford) will be heavily promoted over the next six weeks, after the station switched yesterday from oldies to Top 40. It's the seventh format since 1999. John Mackie, Vancouver Sun Broadcaster Magazine Meanwhile NORTHWEST BROADCASTERS has learned that after its current 10,000 songs in a row, SONiC plans to have live DJs until 1 a.m., with sister station News1130 CKWX AM Vancouver anchors Amanda Warwyk and Jesse Johnston doing news and traffic. Former morning hosts Kelly Latremouille and Pam Stevens were casualities of the format flip, but so far former p.m. driver Tarzan Dan stays.

08/18/11 - The FCC has granted an original construction permit to KWPA Whidbey Public Radio for an FM station in Oak Harbor to operate at 94.5 MHz with 6 kW at 73 meters HAAT directional at 48-14-43 122-39-42. FCC data

08/17/11 - Red FM CKYE-FM 93.1 Vancouver Punjabi-language talk show host Harjinder Thind is dismissing charges he exacerbated the problem of domestic violence with an inflammatory discussion of the issue, following the Surrey Women's Centre announcement that it intends to file a complaint with the CRTC. Rod Mickleburgh, Globe and Mail Sarah Douziech, The Province

08/17/11 - At 8:37 this morning the new music SONiC format was unveiled for CFUN-FM 104.9 Vancouver (107.5 Chilliwack / 92.5 Abbotsford). The announcement was made simultaneously on sister station JACK CKLG-FM 96.9 and on Breakfast Television on Citytv CKVU-TV. SONiC has pledged to play 10,000 songs in a row.

08/16/11 - The Surrey Women's Centre has filed a complaint with the CRTC over a call-in show hosted by Harjinder Thind on Indo-Canadian radio station Red FM CKYE-FM 93.1 Vancouver. The complaint centers on comments made on the show on the topic of domestic violence. CBC News

08/16/11 - News1130 CKWX AM Vancouver meteorologist Russ Lacate now appears on Breakfast Television on Citytv CKVU-TV. bclocalnews.com

08/16/11 - Formerly rumored and now official is a format change for funFM CFUN-FM 104.9 Vancouver (Chilliwack/Abbotsford) effective tomorrow morning. A station release encourages listeners to switch to sister station JACKfm CKLG-FM 96.9 if they don't like the new alternative, which has not been officially specified. View release at Radio West. Meanwhile, Hall of Famer Red Robinson's Red Rock Diner was aired for the final time on funFM last Sunday. Red tells NORTHWEST BROADCASTERS that he is very disappointed that his program has been dropped.

08/15/11 - Independent representation firm The Tacher Company will be handling national sales for Seattle market KMCQ-FM 104.5. All Access Music Group

08/15/11 - KJR-FM 95.7 Seattle has added imaging director Dan Roberts to the 7-midnight airshift in addition to his production duties. All Access Music Group

08/15/11 - University of Washington climate expert Cliff Mass, who was released from KUOW-FM 94.9 Seattle in May, begins a weekly five-minute Friday morning conversation with science reporter Keith Seinfeld on KPLU-FM 88.5 on September 2. Joel Connelly, Seattle PI Eric Lacitis, Seattle Times

08/15/11 - The FCC has granted voluntary assignment of construction permits with conditions for KUOW AM 1340 Tumwater and KQOW-FM 90.3 Bellingham from KUOW/Puget Sound Public Radio to University of Washington Board of Regents. FCC info

08/13/11 - Former CBC Vancouver film sound technician John Harling died August 2 in North Vancouver at age 76. He was with the Corporation from 1964-81 and was involved in the production of the popular television series The Beachcombers. A gathering for friends and family will be held August 14 at Aberthau Mansion, 4397 West 2nd Avenue, Vancouver. Sun/Province obituary

08/13/11 - Rumors abound that Rogers Communications is planning a third all-sports radio station in Vancouver. Greg Douglas, Vancouver Sun

08/12/11 - Senior reporter and anchor Meribeth Burton has confirmed that she and Mid-Island Bureau chief/reporter Jonathan Bartlett were laid off yesterday from /A\ CIVI-TV Victoria. Burton moved to CIVI-TV in 2004 after 12 years with CHEK-TV Victoria and Bartlett joined in 2006 after serving 10 years with CHEK-TV's North Island Bureau.

08/11/11 - Seattle market KISS KBKS-FM 106.1 music director/afternoon drive host Eric Tyler has signed for another two years. All Access Music Group

08/11/11 - The FCC has dismissed an application by BBC Broadcasting, Inc. to increase the nighttime power of KRPI AM 1550 Ferndale from 10 to 50 kW. FCC decision FCC data

08/10/11 - /A\ CIVI-TV Victoria, along with its counterparts in Alberta, Ontario and Atlantic Canada, will rebrand to CTV Two on August 29. Beginning August 31, it will broadcast in digital HD on RF channel 23 in Victoria and RF channel 17 in Vancouver. Broadcaster Magazine

08/10/11 - CBU-1-FM 88.5 Abbotsford, which repeats the signal of CBU AM 690 Vancouver, has signed on and will continue testing until August 31. Preliminary signal reports indicate that it totally overrides Seattle market KPLU-FM 88.5 in most of the B.C. Lower Mainland. CBU-1-FM was originally licensed to operate with a maximum ERP of 6600 watts directional at 121.2 meters HAAT at 49-04-03 122-24-15, but has been authorized to increase maximum ERP to 7400 watts directional at 104.3 meters HAAT at 49-04-20 122-24-12.

08/10/11 - The FCC has granted a modification of construction permit for KRKO AM 1380 Everett which raises its daytime power to 50 kW, with night power remaining at 50 kW. The station has been operating with 34 kW day/50 kW night under a program test authority. FCC data Meanwhile, owner Andrew Skotdal advises that tuning continues on the directional antenna at 50 kW for sister station KKXA AM 1520 and the HD signal should be added in the near future.

08/09/11 - Active Rock KISW-FM 99.9 moves into first place in the Arbitron July 2011 Seattle-Tacoma PPM with a 5.9 share. Soft AC KRWM-FM 106.9 is second with 5.0. Oldies KJR-FM 95.7 is tied for third with Hot AC KPLZ-FM 101.5 with 4.9. Radio Online

08/09/11 - The FCC has granted involuntary assignment of license for KLAY AM 1180 Lakewood from Clay Frank Huntington to Estate of Clay C. Huntlington, Ronald F. Huntington, Executor. Clay Huntington, owner since 1991, died June 1 in Tacoma at age 89. FCC authorization

08/08/11 - On June 16 the FCC granted a frequency change for KPLU-FM translator K216EN Mount Vernon from 91.1 to 105.5 MHz. The station reports that the change will occur this week. Although ERP will remain the same at 43 watts, HAAT increases from 941.9 to 954.9. The height gives the translator very good coverage in northwest WA and some parts of southern BC. FCC data KPLU coverage map

08/06/11 - Former KOL Seattle PD Dick Curtis tributes Rick Buckley, whose family owned the station from 1967-75. Buckley died last Sunday in Greenwich CT at age 74. Blatherwatch rbr.com

08/06/11 - Hal Rodd, the radio voice of Vancouver professional baseball in the 1940s, and veteran newspaper columnist Lowell Ullrich of The Province are being inducted into the Vancouver Canadians Broadcast and Journalism Hall of Fame prior to tonight's game. Greg Douglas End Zone, Vancouver Sun OurSports Central backgrounder

08/06/11 - Many Olympic Peninsula residents tune into Victoria radio, TV and newspaper. Jack Knox, Times Colonist

08/04/11 - News1130 CKWX AM Vancouver evening news anchor Tom Bricker is retiring. He will hang up the microphone in early September. He's also worked in Victoria and Calgary, and has been with News1130 since 1999.

08/04/11 - Airchecker has changed its tune regarding the Rogers Radio station in Vancouver, which is supposed to be re-branding to SONiC. Airchecker now states that it is the other Rogers FM property, oldies funFM CFUN-FM 104.9 Vancouver (Chilliwack 107.5/Abbotsford 92.5) that will be making the switch. There is no official confirmation at this time, however sonic1049.com has been registered as a domain name. Airchecker correction

08/04/11 - After 35 years at CTV and 60 years in broadcasting, news anchor Lloyd Robertson signs off for the final time at 11 p.m. September 1. A one-hour documentary on his life will air immediately prior to the newscast. Robertson has reported on some of the most memorable events in recent history, including Expo 86 and the 2010 Olympic Games in Vancouver. CTV's local station is CTV British Columbia CIVT-TV Vancouver. Broadcaster Magazine Postmedia News

08/04/11 - Vancouver market BBM PPM has been released for the period April 25 - July 24, 2011. News/Talk CKNW AM 980 continues to lead with an 11.2 share, CBC Radio One CBU AM 690/FM 88.1 is second with 9.7 and QM-FM CHQM-FM 103.5 is third with 8.4. Daily average Cume numbers, expressed in thousands, put The Beat CFBT-FM 94.5 first with 375.6, CHQM-FM second with 340.3 and Virgin Radio CKZZ-FM 95.3 third with 293.3. BBM data

08/03/11 - Airchecker reports that classic hits JACKfm CKLG-FM 96.9 Vancouver will be rebranded as SONiC with a Top 40 format. The station has been branded as JACK since December 27, 2002. Airchecker info

08/03/11 - KBTC-TV Tacoma has returned in high definition on translator K24IC-D Bellingham. Also returning are sub channels 28.2 MHz World View and 28.3 TVW. KBTC-TV has been running in standard def on the translator and the two subchannels have been dark since April.

08/03/11 - The FCC has dismissed applications by Friends of KEXP, Bible Broadcasting Network and Iglesia Pentecostal Visperia Del Fin for new stations to operate at 94.5 MHz in Oak Harbor. KEXP application info Bible Bcstg app info Iglesia app info

08/01/11 - The FCC has granted a modification of construction permit to Spirit Communications for KQXI-FM 91.5 Granite Falls. It will operate at 1.6 kW at -92 meters HAAT at 48-05-11 121-57-50 FCC info

07/31/11 - Vancouver market CKNW AM 980 recently announced that veteran talk show producer Shirley Stocker is stepping down from her 15-year position as executive director of the CKNW Orphans Fund. She will continue working with BC Crimestoppers, of which she is a co-founder, past president and winner of the International Civilian of the Year award. Stocker began her career with CKNW 40 years ago, when she started working with Gary Bannerman and the program The Investigators, later becoming executive producer of all CKNW talk shows. Jen Schaeffers, director of marketing and communications for Sport BC takes over the Orphans Fund position effective August 2. CKNW release

07/31/11 - A private family funeral service was scheduled last week for CBC broadcaster Michael Magee, who died July 15 in Kitchener ON at age 81. Magee made his start in broadcasting with CBC Vancouver, reporting from Exhibition Park, then went on to work as a writer, producer, and commentator for CBC horse racing telecasts in Ontario from 1964 to 1986. While working at CBC Vancouver, he created a number of fictitious characters who were then interviewed by staff announcers. Newediuk Funeral Home obituary

07/30/11 - An advance copy of the August 2011 edition of Clay's Corner, prepared by Clay Freinwald for the Seattle Chapter of the Society of Broadcast Engineers newsletter The Waveguide is offered here as a courtesy to our readers. The Seattle broadcast engineer has now been employed full time in broadcasting for 50 years. He started at KFHA Tacoma on August 1, 1961.

07/30/11 - The FCC has squashed a deal that Townsquare Media had in the works to acquire 12 stations in Yakima and Tri-Cities from Seattle-based New Northwest Broadcasters receiver Revitalization Partners. The Commission stated that the $6M deal “…fails to comply with long-established Commission policy concerning the permissible use of divestiture trusts..." RBR.com Radio Ink

07/29/11 - The FCC has granted the license to cover for KROH-FM 91.1 Port Townsend. The station operates with 1.15 kW at 456 meters HAAT at 48-00-58 122-55-29. FCC data

07/28/11 - The National Association of Broadcasters warns that 210 full power TV stations could go dark under the FCC's National Broadband Plan to reclaim channels 31-51. Seattle, along with other U.S. cities close to the Canadian border, would be hit the hardest because of international treaty obligations designed to minimize interference between stations in the two countries. NAB called on the FCC to immediately make public its analyses of the NBP's potential negative impact on viewers of free and local television. At least eight full power Northwest Washington stations would have to relocate or go dark under the plan. Doug Lung, TVTechnology NAB release

07/28/11 - Shore CHHR-FM 104.3 Vancouver expands its SHOREfest offerings before the three night fireworks display at this year's Celebration of Light. Francois Marchand, Vancouver Sun Shore info

07/28/11 - Vancouver market CKNW AM 980 has now confirmed that Simi Sara will be the new midday host beginning August 22. She has worked in television for almost 20 years as a reporter, writer, producer and anchor. Broadcaster Magazine

07/28/11 - Net television revenue increased 4%, with a 27% increase in EBITDA in the second quarter 2011 at Seattle-based Fisher Communications. Fisher Release Meanwhile the company has announced the promotions of Hassan Natha to Senior Vice President & CFO and Sherry Pelletier to Vice President of Human Resources. Fisher Release

07/28/11 - Brad Goode, who had been an anchor at KING-TV Seattle since 2005 before leaving in June, has returned to CNBC where he had anchored from 2002-05. Chris Anens, TVNewser

07/27/11 - Richard (Dick) Lennie, who was a salesman for CKWX Vancouver during the late 1950s, died July 15 in San Patricio, Mexico. He was 75. He left radio in 1960 and worked with Vancouver broadcaster Jim MacDonald selling stocks on Howe Street before moving to Hawaii and then Mexico. Sun/Province obituary

07/26/11 - The CRTC has approved an application by Corus Premium Television Ltd. to change the transmitter location of Vancouver market CFMI-FM 101.1, increase the maximum ERP from 75,000 to 100,000 watts and decrease HAAT from 686 to 386.4 meters. It remains on Mount Seymour at 49-20-42 122-58-22, no longer in the Rogers Tower. CRTC release

07/25/11 - Seattle-based Fisher Communications will report its second quarter 2011 financial results before the market opens on July 28. The company will hold a quarterly conference call to discuss the results at 1:00 p.m. PT that day. Fisher release

07/23/11 - Team 1040 CKST AM Vancouver host and Rogers Sportsnet anchor Don Taylor gets a three-week assignment with the 2012 Summer Olympics in London...but it's in Toronto. Vancouver market CKNW AM 980 offers sportscaster Neil Macrae a buyout package. Greg Douglas, Vancouver Sun

07/22/11 - WHDH-TV Boston news anchor Matt Lorch moves to Seattle market Q13 FOX KCPQ-TV to anchor the 5 p.m. news beginning September 12. Merrill Knox, TVSpy

07/21/11 - Powered by Country with The Wolf KKWF-FM 100.7 Seattle morning host Fitz will be delivered to affiliates of United Stations Radio Networks. The program made its local debut last month. All Access Music Group

07/21/11 - Former Vancouver broadcaster and Province consumer columnist Anne Garber died Saturday night (07/16) at the B.C. Cancer Agency hospital. She was 64. Her broadcast career included producer at CJOR, regular guest on CBC Radio's Almanac and daily consumer/restaurant segments on KISM-FM Bellingham. The Province

07/21/11 - Dave Sawchuk, the first play-by-play announcer for the Victoria Royals, moves on to a new position after calling zero games. He is replaced by Marlon Martens on The Zone CJZN-FM 91.3 when the Western Hockey League season opens. Cleve Dheensaw, Times Colonist Victoria Royals backgrounder

07/16/11 - Andy Skotdal reports that the new KKXA AM 1520 Snohomish will be on and off air a number of times over the next couple of weeks as directional antenna tuning progresses. A behind the scenes look at the station's progress can be seen at its Facebook page.

07/16/11 - B.C. Lions colour commentator Giulio Caravatta plays catcher at Nat Bailey Stadium. Rick Quinton moves into morning sports on Vancouver market CKNW AM 980 as Dave Sheldon takes over weekends. Joey Kenward moves from Team CKST AM 1040 to full-time employment with the Vancouver Canucks. Greg Douglas, Vancouver Sun

07/15/11 - After being off air for several weeks, Seattle's 3ABN station K08OU-D has returned. When contacted, 3ABN engineering gave no specific reason for the outage.

07/15/11 - Andy Skotdal has turned on the transmitter at reduced power for the new KKXA AM 1520 Snohomish, which is currently testing with a loop of songs containing the word “radio”. Three format choices are under consideration. My Everett News

07/15/11 - Matthew McBride has applied to the CRTC to operate a commercial FM station in Squamish with a rock format. It is proposed to operate on 89.1 MHz with a maximum ERP of 1850 watts at -389.5 meters HAAT. CRTC info

07/14/11 - Seattle-based Fisher Communications has officially placed Fisher Plaza on sale. The appraised value is $142 million. Fisher CEO Colleen Brown says she plans to use the proceeds to pay off Fisher's $100 million debt. Melissa Allison, Seattle Times Natalie Dolce, GlobeSt.com

07/14/11 - A memorial service has been announced for former CKNW talk show host Gary Bannerman, who died July 11 in Vancouver. It will be held at First Memorial Boal Chapel, 1505 Lillooet Rd., North Vancouver on Friday, July 15, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. Sun/Province obituary thecommentary.ca tribute and audio

07/14/11 - The CRTC has approved an application by Corus Radio to increase the maximum ERP of CFOX-FM 99.3 Vancouver from 75,000 to 100,000 watts, decrease HAAT from 686 to 386.4 meters and relocate the transmitter. It remains on Mount Seymour at 49-20-42 122-58-22, no longer in the Rogers Tower. CRTC release

07/13/11 - Soft AC KRWM-FM 106.9 holds onto the lead in the Arbitron June 2011 Seattle-Tacoma PPM with a 5.8 share. Active Rock KISW-FM 99.9 is second with 5.3. Oldies KJR-FM 95.7 moves up to third with 5.0. Radio Online

07/12/11 - Former CKNW talk show host Gary Bannerman, who died early Monday, was known by friends and colleagues to always have, "fought for people's rights". Following his radio days, he ran a consulting and publication business with his wife Patricia. Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced. Gerry Bellett, Vancouver Sun Andy Ivens, The Province

07/11/11 - Long-time Vancouver market CKNW talk show host Gary Bannerman died early this morning due to liver complications. He was 64. He was on air mid-mornings at CKNW from 1972-88, initially as part of a program called The Investigators, and then on his own. He also was a relief host at the station during much of the 1990s. Before joining 'NW he had been a reporter at The Province newspaper. CKNW news Vancouver Sun

07/10/11 - Writer, blogger and political columnist Alex Tsakumis has replaced Stirling Faux as the host of Talk Digital Network's The Money and Wealth Show which airs weekly on CHEK-TV Victoria. Alex Tsakumis info

07/10/11 - Former radio copywriter, DJ, freelance writer, supporting actor and singer Bobby Hughes died June 27 in Sechelt. He was 88. Hughes appeared in numerous programs on the CBC Dominion Network and its Vancouver flagship CJOR, and was a regular on the Jack Cullen Show on CKNW. There will be no service by request. Sun/Province obituary

07/08/11 - By next month, long-time Vancouver broadcaster Simi Sara will take over the afternoon slot at CKNW AM 980 currently hosted by Province columnist Mike Smyth, who has been filling in since the position was vacated by now-Premier Christy Clark. Sara has been a writer/anchor for CKVU-TV and morning host at CFUN. Her credentials include the British Columbia Association of Broadcasters Broadcaster Performer of the Year award in 2003. Alex Tsakumis

07/07/11 - Vancouver market BBM PPM has been released for the period March 28 - June 26, 2011. News/Talk CKNW AM 980 continues to lead with an 11.3 share, CBC Radio One CBU AM 690/FM 88.1 is second with 10.1 and The Beat CFBT-FM 94.5 is third with 8.1. Daily average Cume numbers, expressed in thousands, put The Beat first with 371.5, QM-FM CHQM-FM 103.5 second with 337.5 and Virgin Radio CKZZ-FM 95.3 third with 279.4. BBM data

07/07/11 - Former Global National anchor Kevin Newman starts August 22 as the co-host of Question Period on the CTV Network and CTV British Columbia CIVT-TV Vancouver and as the digital news evangelist for Bell Media. He was the executive editor and anchor of Global National for ten years, with the first eight originating from the Global BC CHAN-TV Vancouver studios. Broadcaster Magazine

07/06/11 - KEXP-FM 90.3 and Seattle Center have announced the lineup for the 2011 Concerts at the Mural this August. Seattle Times

07/06/11 - Michael Dell's OTA Broadcasting is the winning bidder in the auction for bankrupt KFFV-TV Seattle for $5.05 million. The ownership transfer is subject to FCC approval. Future of the station is unknown at this time. Brier Dudley, Seattle Times

07/05/11 - On The Air: A Musical Revue, featuring live music from the 40s, 50s and ealy 60s in a radio format hosted by Red Robinson and Dave McCormick, sold out at the PAL theatre in Vancouver June 24-25. Photographer and former Vancouver broadcaster Dave Roughan has provided a slideshow, which can be viewed here.

07/04/11 - Middays/music director Jaxon Hawks is out at The Beat CFBT-FM 94.5 Vancouver. He's been there since 2005. Additionally The Beat weekender and QM-FM CHQM-FM 103.5 Vancouver traffic reporter Emilie Clarke heads to the morning show at Sun FM CJMG-FM 97.1 Penticton in a couple of weeks.

07/04/11 - Veteran home improvement guru Shell Busey has announced he is leaving the weekend Home Discovery Show on Vancouver market CKNW AM 980. He has hosted home improvement programs in Vancouver for over 25 years, most of the time on 'NW. Local broadcaster Ian Power and contractor Steve Seaborn will take over on an interim basis July 9. HouseSmart announcement

07/03/11 - Seattle-based Fisher Communications CEO Colleen Brown figures its recent board dispute cost the company $1.4 million. Fisher's board now includes three dissident members. Melissa Allison, Seattle Times

07/01/11 - The FCC has granted a modification of license for KING-FM 98.1 Seattle. It changes the station's status from commercial to non-commercial. FCC info

07/01/11 - Becky Brenner is no longer PD at KMPS-FM 94.1 Seattle, after being with the station since 1982. Curley Curelop will program until a replacement is found. All Access Music Group

06/30/11 - Shore CHHR-FM 104.3 Vancouver has released morning host Bill Courage, who has been with the station since 2009. He has served with a number of Vancouver stations, dating back to the mid 1980s. Dan Willmott is currently filling in.

06/30/11 - Alicia Pecorino has been hired as the new music director and on-air swing for Click KLCK-FM 98.9 Seattle effective July 5. She moves from KKDO-FM 94.7 Sacramento. All Access Music Group

06/30/11 - Sports anchor/reporter Andrew Wadden confirms that he is no longer at News1130 CKWX Vancouver. He had been with the station since last year, after moving from rival CKNW AM 980.

06/29/11 - The FCC has granted a license to cover to Washington State University for KNWU-FM 91.5 Forks. The station operates with an ERP of 170 watts at -2 meters HAAT at 47-56-0 124-23-41. FCC data

06/28/11 - An advance copy of the July 2011 edition of Clay's Corner, prepared by Clay Freinwald for the Seattle Chapter of the Society of Broadcast Engineers newsletter The Waveguide is offered here as a courtesy to our readers.

06/24/11 - Derric Tanner joins the on-air lineup at Click 98.9 KLCK-FM Seattle beginning June 27. The Seattle native was most recently middays at Live 105 KITS-FM 105.3 San Francisco. All Access Music Group

06/24/11 - The FCC has granted a modification of construction permit to North Pacific International Television to operate KFFV-TV Seattle with an ERP of 169 kW at 210 meters HAAT at 47-36-56 122-18-29. FCC data Additionally, the Commission has granted a license to cover for KEJI-FM 91.5 Darrington. FCC data

06/23/11 - Computer tycoon Michael Dell has been unveiled as the mystery "stalking horse" bidder for KFFV-TV Seattle. The offer is $3.45 million. Brier Dudley, Seattle Times

06/23/11 - Saturday's show is sold out, but there are still 30 tickets available for Friday's show (06/24) for On The Air: A Musical Revue at the PAL Theatre in Vancouver. The show features live music from the 40s, 50s and early 60s in a radio format hosted by DJ giants Red Robinson and Dave McCormick. Special guests include Dal Richards and Lloyd Arntzen and his band. Partial proceeds go to the Performing Arts Lodge.

06/23/11 - The Hendrix-O’Day Music Matters Monument, a bronze statue depicting Jimi Hendrix and iconic broadcaster Pat O'Day, was unveiled over the weekend at the Gunnar Nordstrom Art Gallery in Bellevue. Shelley Germeaux, Seattle Rock Music Examiner

06/23/11 - Former CTV British Columbia CIVT-TV Vancouver suppertime news anchor Pamela Martin has been hired by B.C. Premier Christy Clark as her new director of outreach. The announced annual salary is $130,000. Johathan Fowlie, Vancouver Sun

06/22/11 - Part time club DJ Davin Greenwell, who co-hosted Really Good Music on Extreme 107.3 Victoria (now KOOL-FM CHBE) a few years ago, wears many hats in the music and computer world. Mike Devlin, Times Colonist

06/21/11 - The Wolf KKWF-FM 100.7 Seattle morning host Fitz is launching a new segment Fitz@Five on Q-13 KCPQ-TV beginning June 27. All Access Music Group

06/20/11 - Former CFOX-FM Vancouver personality Graham Scott, on-air weekends for the past five years at Sonic 102.9 CHDI-FM Edmonton, died suddenly at his home Saturday night, June 18. He was 38. The British native moved to Canada and worked on-air and later as a web producer at CFOX from 1991-2002. He also co-hosted Off the Radar at CHMJ Vancouver for two years before moving to Edmonton. Garner Andrews, Sonic 102.9 All Access Music Group

06/19/11 - Two memorials have been announced for former CBC Vancouver TV producer Andy Snider, who died June 3 in Victoria at age 88. At 1 p.m. Saturday, July 9 at the Community of Christ, 495 Burnside Rd. East in Victoria and at 12:30 p.m.Saturday, July 16 at Westpointe Christian Church, 2715 W. 12th Ave. in Vancouver. Tribute by his son Drew, Vancouver Sun

06/19/11 - A Wrap Party to celebrate the life of Jennie Dement, who died June 2 at age 79, is scheduled for 7 p.m. Monday, July 4 at the Varscona Theatre in Edmonton. As Jennie Wong, she was the first Chinese-Canadian and first female DJ in Canada as host of Jennie's Juke Joint on CKMO Vancouver in 1948. RSVP to Sharon Killey is required by June 24.

06/18/11 - KEXP-FM 90.3 Seattle swaps local music next week with Minneapolis market KCMP-FM 89.3 on The Music Exchange. KCMP set up the exchange as a way to connect radio listeners with music from different communities, exchanging songs from favorite local artists with those from another community. KCMP release

06/17/11 - When Typhoon Freda (aka Columbus Day Storm) hammered the west coast in October 1962, Vancouver market CKNW AM 980, officially licensed to New Westminster, stayed on the air when virtually all other coastal stations went dark. Grant Granger, New Westminster News Leader CKNW's Bill Hughes broadcast more than 15,000 Roving Mike shows that aired six times a week. Grant Granger, News Leader Bill Hughes hosted a lunch earlier in the week for CKNW old-timers. RadioWest photos

06/17/11 - A record 8.76 million Canadians watched game seven of the Stanley Cup final in Vancouver on CBC and NBC drew an audience of 8.54 million, the most-watched NHL game in the U.S. in 38 years. Bruce Dowbiggin, Globe and Mail

06/17/11 - KFFV-TV will be auctioned at a Seattle law firm on June 30 to settle its Chapter 11 bankruptcy case. The lowest acceptable bid is $3.7 million. rbr.com

06/17/11 - BBC Broadcasting Inc. has applied to the FCC for an amendment to its previous application to change the transmitter location of KRPI AM 1550 Ferndale from 48-50-35 122-36-5 to 48-59-9 123-02-18 and increase nightime power from 10 kW to 50 kW. Daytime power will remain 50 kW. FCC data

06/16/11 - Former Vancouver broadcaster Marty Forbes (CKKS-FM PD and later CISL PD) reflects on how well media handled coverage of the downtown Vancouver riot Wednesday evening. He particularly lauds reporters and crew of CTV British Columbia CIVT-TV for staying live with coverage until midnight. Marty's Musings VPD Press Conference

06/15/11 - Seattle-based Fisher Communications has announced the sale of its six Great Falls MT radio stations, completing the disposition of its small market radio group which began in 2006. Closing of the transaction is expected in September. Fisher release

06/14/11 - Soft AC KRWM-FM 106.9 holds onto the lead in the Arbitron May 2011 Seattle-Tacoma PPM with a 5.7 share. Active Rock KISW-FM 99.9 is second with 5.6. All News KOMO AM 1000 is third with 5.1. Radio Online

06/14/11 - Talk show host Dave Ross has won two 2011 National Edward R. Murrow writing awards from the Radio Television Digital News Association. One is for his CBS Radio news feature and the other for his work at KIRO-FM 97.3 Seattle. RTDNA release CBS audio KIRO-FM audio

06/13/11 - The board of directors of Seattle-based Fisher Communications has elected Paul A. Bible, an independent director since 2009, as non-executive Chairman of the Board, effective immediately. Bible has been a practicing attorney for more than 45 years and has significant experience in corporate governance and compliance matters. Fisher release

06/13/11 - Several hundred of Clay Huntington's friends and admirers met at Cheney Stadium on Sunday in a celebration of his life. The sports and civic icon and owner of KLAY AM in Lakewood since 1991 died June 1 at Allenmore Hospital in Tacoma at age 89. John McGrath, Tacoma News Tribune

06/10/11 - Seattle market radio legend Steve Slaton begins Monday, June 13, 3-7 p.m. on KJR-FM 95.7. All Access Music Group

06/10/11 - Award-winning KING-TV Seattle morning news anchor Brad Goode is leaving, effective August 5. He came to KING from CNBC in 2005 and was previously an anchor at KIRO-TV. He will be operating his new company, Goode News Media, and continue to serve as an emcee, auctioneer, and event planner for groups around the country. KING 5 News

06/10/11 - David Bray summarizes the latest PPM radio ratings for Vancouver and other major Canadian cities. Broadcaster Magazine

06/09/11 - Jennie Diment, nee Jennie Wong, died in Edmonton June 2 at age 79. She is considered to be first Chinese-Canadian and first female DJ in Canada as host of Jennie's Juke Joint on CKMO Vancouver in 1948. She spent a quarter century as a legendary makeup artist at CBC Television in Edmonton, and also for local schools and theater groups. Liz Nicholls, Edmonton Journal Edmonton Broadcasters Edmonton Journal obituary

06/09/11 - The CRTC has approved an application by Matthew Gordon McBride for a 12-month extension of the time limit to May 30, 2012 to implement CKPM-FM 98.7 Port Moody, noting that it is the second and final extension. Original CRTC approval (items 49-53 & 55)

06/09/11 - Vancouver market BBM PPM has been released for the period February 28 - May 29, 2011. News/Talk CKNW AM 980 continues to lead with an 11.4 share, Radio One CBU AM 690/FM 88.1 is second with 10.4 and The Beat CFBT-FM 94.5 is third with 8.0. Daily average Cume numbers, expressed in thousands, put The Beat first with 370.8, QM-FM CHQM-FM 103.5 second with 336.0 and Virgin Radio CKZZ-FM 95.3 third with 271.8. BBM data

06/09/11 - Dave Benson is out as PD at Seattle market The Mountain KMTT-FM 103.7 after two years of service. The End KNDD-FM 107.7 PD Mike Kaplan takes over. Benson is leaving to explore new opportunities. Radio Online

06/08/11 - A 51-year-old Seattle man has been arrested in South Kitsap for allegedly stalking nationally syndicated radio host Delilah Rene. Delilah has worked at a number of Seattle area stations, with her current program airing locally on KRWM-FM 106.9. Kitsap Sun Bill Virgin, Seattle PI backgrounder

06/07/11 - KING-TV Seattle news anchor Jean Enersen interviews Northwest rock 'n' roll legend Pat O'Day at his Friday Harbor home. KING video

06/07/11 - Former CBC-TV Vancouver producer Andy Snider died June 3 in Victoria. He was 88. He began his career with CBC in 1954 and produced a number of high profile television series, including Game Country, The Outdoors, The Seven O'Clock Show and Klahanie until his retirement in 1984. Snider was married to actress and broadcaster Dorothy Davies, who passed away in 2002. His son is long time Vancouver broadcaster Drew Snider, now public information officer for Metro Vancouver’s regional transportation authority, Translink. Memorials will be held in Vancouver and Victoria sometime in July. Drew Snider backgrounder Sun/Province obituary

06/05/11 - A new management agreement with the University of Washington ensures that alternative KEXP-FM 90.3 Seattle will stay on the air for the next thirty years. Seattle P-I

06/03/11 - The Green Men Sully and Force, aka News1130 CKWX AM Vancouver announcers Ryan Sullivan and Adam Forsythe, have landed a sponsor to get them to games three and four of the Stanley Cup Final in Boston. News1130 Backgrounder Mike Raptis, The Province

06/03/11 - A three year deal has been announced between Bonneville Seattle Media Group and Washington State University to provide coverage of all football and men's basketball games on 770 KTTH AM and a weekly segment during the Kevin Calabro show on 710 ESPN KIRO AM. Bonneville Media release

06/02/11 - Salt Spring Island Radio Corporation has applied to the CRTC to add an FM transmitter on Mt. Bruce on south Salt Spring Island to re-broadcast the programming of CFSI-FM 107.9. The proposed transmitter would operate at 102.1 MHz with a maximum ERP of 20 watts at 391 meters HAAT. CRTC info

06/02/11 - Tacoma sports and civic icon Clay Huntington died Wednesday at Allenmore Hospital at age 89. He had been the owner of KLAY AM in Lakewood since 1991 and had been in the broadcasting industry for seven decades, working behind the microphone on radio and TV. He started conducting radio interviews on KTBI as a Lincoln High School student at age 19 in the fall of 1941. John McGrath, Tacoma News Tribune

05/31/11 - NORTHWEST BROADCASTERS has learned of the passing of former CJAV Port Alberni morning host and salesman Ike Patterson, who died suddenly at his home on May 1 at age 64. He was with the station from 1967-95, moving to newspaper columnist and then Port Alberni city councillor. Keri Sculland, Alberni Valley Times Alberni Valley Pennyworth

05/31/11 - An advance copy of the June 2011 edition of Clay's Corner, prepared by Clay Freinwald for the Seattle Chapter of the Society of Broadcast Engineers newsletter The Waveguide is offered here as a courtesy to our readers.

05/30/11 - Bell Media has announced that its /A\ TV stations in Canada, which includes CIVI-TV Victoria, will become CTV Two this fall, along with an infusion of cash and new programming. High definition programming will also begin this fall. Susan Krashinsky, Globe and Mail Postmedia News/Vancouver Sun

05/29/11 - Former Vancouver Canucks color commentator Tom Larscheid, ousted from the broadcast booth last October, sits on the sidelines as the team makes its run for the Stanley Cup. Ed Willes, The Province

05/28/11 - (corrected data) CBC Radio One CBCV-FM 90.5 has moved into first place in the Victoria market BBM 12+ Spring 2011 ratings with a 13.4 share, The Ocean CIOC-FM 98.5 is second with 11.6 and News/Talk CFAX AM 1070 is third with 11.2. BBM info

05/27/11 - The controversy over the firing of University of Washington Professor Cliff Mass from the KUOW-FM 94.9 Seattle airwaves continues, with a report from the station itself, edited by a freelance writer. Deborah Wang, KUOW

05/27/11 - The CRTC has announced that the application to be heard starting July 18 by Gabriola Radio Society for a new station on Gabriola Island (05/19) has been corrected from 80 watts to 60 watts ERP non-directional. CRTC info

05/27/11 - Veteran radio executive Kevin McCarthy has been appointed SVP/market manager for CBS Radio Seattle. He has been a local resident for the past seven years and served as market manager for Entercom Seattle from 2003-05. All Access Music Group Radio Online

05/27/11 - All 72 games of Victoria’s new yet unnamed Western Hockey League franchise will be broadcast on The Zone CJZN-FM 91.3 with music director Dave Sawchuk providing the call and hosting pre and post-game shows. A color commentator will be announced later. Cleve Dheensaw, Times Colonist

05/27/11 - Employee-owned CHEK-TV Victoria is buying the building at the corner of Kings Road and Blanshard Street that it has been leasing from Shaw Communications. The station was bought by employees and other investors in fall 2009 from the previous owner CanWest Global Communications, which planned to shut it down. The building is equipped with high-tech features such as fibre optics, satellite distribution, a microwave receiver, and power fail facilities. CHEK operations were consolidated onto the ground floor, allowing other floors to be leased out. Carla Wilson, Times Colonist

05/26/11 - CBC has announced the first details of an initiative with an increased local focus, with enhancement to existing programming at CBC Victoria to better serve the specific needs of Vancouver Island audiences. New programming will begin this fall. Broadcaster Magazine

05/26/11 - Longtime KOMO-TV Seattle weatherman Ray Ramsey, who died last Sunday (05/22) at age 87, worked as a rock 'n' roll deejay at KOL before moving to KOMO in 1965. He got his start in radio at KREM Spokane. Co-workers say he always acknowledged everyone by name. At his request, there will be no public service. Bob Young, Seattle Times

05/25/11 - Calls come out to reinstate KUOW-FM 94.9 Seattle meteorologist Cliff Mass, who was released last week for reporting things other than the weather on his 15 year old weekly weather segment. Joel Connelly, Seattle PI

05/24/11 - Rogers Broadcasting is planning to bring the CityNews brand to its all-news stations in Canada. Rogers has registered over 100 domains with different variations of names including CityNews and CN appended to the frequencies. Rogers Vancouver station is News1130 CKWX. RadioInsight

05/23/11 - Former KOMO-TV Seattle weathercaster Ray Ramsey died Sunday on Mercer Island. He was 87. Ramsey covered the weather for KOMO for 20 years, starting in 1965. KOMO news and video

05/23/11 - The departure of KUOW-FM 94.9 Seattle meteorologist Cliff Mass for injecting opinion and commentary into his weather segments, has led to controversy, with a barrage of e-mails to the station and two Facebook pages dedicated to bringing him back. All Access Music Group

05/23/11 - News1130 CKWX AM Vancouver announcers Adam Forsythe and Ryan Sullivan, the real Green Men at Vancouver Canucks games, aren't impressed with imposters who are popping up in various parts of the city. Mike Hager, Vancouver Sun

05/22/11 - Virgin Radio CKZZ-FM 95.3 Vancouver celebrates 20 years on air. The station was originally known as Z-95.3 FM and offered a playlist of contemporary dance music. Tom Harrison, The Province

05/22/11 - /A\ News CIVI-TV Victoria legislative reporter Shachi Kurl leaves the station to become the B.C. director of provincial affairs for the Canadian Federation of Independent Business based in Vancouver. She joined /A\ News in 2005 and and had been covering the legislature since 2007. Darron Kloster, Times Colonist YouTube video

05/21/11 - TV play-by-play announcers Jim Hughson for the Vancouver Canucks and Randy Hahn for the San Jose Sharks both earned their stripes in the Vancouver market. Greg Douglas, Vancouver Sun

05/21/11 - KUOW-FM 94.9 Seattle meteorologist Cliff Mass has been shown the door for reporting things other than the weather on his 15 year old weekly weather segment. Sandi Doughton, Seattle Times KUOW info

05/19/11 - Seattle-based Fisher Communications has announced voting results from its 2011 Annual Meeting of Shareholders with the election two of Fisher's director nominees and two of FrontFour Capital's nominees. FrontFour Capital had nominated a slate of candidates in an attempt to take control of the Fisher board. Fisher release All Access Music Group Melissa Allison, Seattle Times

05/19/11 - Seattle-Tacoma April PPM market highlights compiled by dmr for All Access Music Group can be viewed here.

05/19/11 - A very successful RPM (Radio Performers Membership) Lunch was held Tuesday, May 17 in Vancouver. The lunch, hosted by Red Robinson, was attended by over 70 past and present Vancouver radio personalities. A collection of photos from the event can be viewed at Radio West.

05/19/11 - The CRTC will hold a hearing beginning on July 18 in Gatineau, Quebec which will include the following: Application by Gabriola Radio Society to operate a community station on Gabriola Island. The proposed station would operate at 98.7 MHz non-directional with an effective radiated power of 80 watts at 178 meters HAAT. CRTC info Application by Cortes Community Radio Society to operate a community station on Cortes Island. The proposal is for 89.5 MHz non-directional with 80 watts at 104.3 meters HAAT. CRTC info Application by BCE Inc. for a corporate reorganization involving its stations in Vancouver and Victoria. CRTC info

05/18/11 - Detained Canada-U.S. journalist Dorothy Parvaz, who has done on-air work in the Seattle market, has been released. According to reports, she is safe in Doha, Qatar and will be returning to North Vancouver. Parvaz, who holds U.S., Canadian and Iranian passports, had been missing since she arrived in Damascus on assignment for Al Jazeera on April 29. Andrea Woo and Tiffany Crawford, Vancouver Sun Seattle P-I

05/18/11 - Seattle-based Fisher Communications says a preliminary count from last week's shareholders meeting shows neither side in the company's bitter proxy contest won enough votes to elect its full slate of board members. The dissident slate backed by the FrontFour Capital hedge fund, which already held one seat on Fisher's nine-member board, needed to win all four contested seats to gain control. Seattle Times

05/18/11 - All-volunteer community station KPTZ-FM 91.9 Port Townsend signed on for the first time at 8 a.m. Saturday (05/14). The station covers the east and central Strait of Juan de Fuca region from Sequim to Whidbey Island. Jennifer Jackson, Peninsula Daily News Meanwhile, Christian KROH-FM 91.1, Port Townsend's second station, is expected to be on air this summer. Jeff Chew, Peninsula Daily News

05/17/11 - Soft AC KRWM-FM 106.9 moves into the lead in the Arbitron April 2011 Seattle-Tacoma PPM with a 5.8 share. Active Rock KISW-FM 99.9 is second with 5.6. All News KOMO AM 1000 is third with 5.2. Radio Online

05/17/11 - Two new radio towers for the new KKXA-AM 1520 have been installed just south of Snohomish. The towers are part of a combined site for the new KKXA and heritage station KRKO-AM 1380 Everett. The new system will be energized later this summer with 20 kW day and 50 kW night initially, then 50 kW full time after final approvals. Format suggestions are being received at rkonews@krko.com or at KRKO's website. Country and all-news formats are topping the list of suggestions so far.

05/17/11 - Corus has applied to the CRTC to increase maximum ERP of Vancouver market CFOX-FM 99.3 and CFMI-FM 101.1 from 75,000 to 100,000 watts and decreasing HAAT from 686 to 386.4 meters for both stations. Corus states that the changes are necessary due to ongoing technical problems and difficulties with the current transmitter site. CRTC data CFOX CRTC data CFMI

05/14/11 - The City of Vancouver will close Hamilton Street between Georgia and Robson on Sunday (05/15) from 4 to 9 p.m. to let fans gather in the CBC plaza or on the street to watch the Vancouver Canucks playoff game on the CBC’s big screen. Hockey Night in Canada starts at 4:30 p.m. when the Canucks face off against the San Jose Sharks in the first game of the Western Conference final. CBC Vancouver info

05/14/11 - The Clear Channel axe has once again come down at KJR-FM 95.7 Seattle. This time it is Heidi May & Randy Lundquist who have been shown the door. Reports indicate their airshifts will be replaced by voice tracking.

05/14/11 - Sports producer and CTV British Columbia CIVT-TV Vancouver weekend sports anchor Kelcey Brade is considered an upcoming star on the local TV sports scene. End Zone, Greg Douglas, Vancouver Sun

05/14/11 - Long-time Vancouver broadcaster Terry David Mulligan, host of The Tasting Room and a former RCMP member, flouted a 1928 law making it illegal to transport alcohol over provincial borders. After publicizing his actions in advance, he moved liquor across the BC-Alberta border Friday without incident or arrest. Jon Gerson, Postmedia News/Vancouver Sun Andre Mayer, CBC News

05/13/11 - Former midday host at The Wolf KKWF-FM 100.7 Seattle, Lola Montgomery has been named music director at KUPL-FM 98.7 Portland. All Access Music Group

05/13/11 - Astral Radio Vancouver has won two excellence awards from the B.C. Association of Broadcasters. Virgin Radio CKZZ-FM 95.3 won best station IDs for its custom song intro while AM 650 CISL won best radio creative for its AAA Auctions commercials. Both awards recognize excellence in writing, production and talent. Broadcaster Magazine BCAB winners list

The FCC has canceled the broadcast license for Dry Creek Community Broadcasting's KAPY-LP Port Angeles. FCC records note that the station has been silent for over a year, contrary to Commission regulations. FCC info

05/12/11 - KIRO-FM 97.3 Seattle afternoon news anchor Jessica Gottesman has joined Dori Monson noon-3 p.m. as news anchor and regular contributor. All Access Music Group

05/12/11 - The FCC has dismissed an application by Dry Creek Community Broadcasting to change the frequency of KAPY-LP 95.5 Port Angeles to 106.1 MHz. FCC info

05/11/11 - Canadian and U.S. reporter Dorothy Parvaz, now working for Al Jazeera, is reported to be in Iran after being detained in Syria. She has previously worked for the Seattle P-I and was a regular on KUOW-FM 94.9. Kim Covert, Postmedia News Susan Gilmore, Seattle Times

05/11/11 - B.C. Premier Christy Clark, who worked as a talk show host at Vancouver market CKNW AM 980 until last year following an earlier high profile political career, narrowly won a seat in the legislature in a provincial byelection today. She captured the leadership of the B.C. Liberal Party in late February. Doug Ward and Andrea Woo, Vancouver Sun

05/10/11 - The sale of Seattle market KKMO AM 1360 in January produced a $2.7 million net gain for Camarillo CA-based Salem Communications Corporation. Salem release

05/10/11 - Seattle-based Fisher Communications has reported its first quarter financial results with an increase in net television revenue and EBITDA, but with a net loss of $1.7 million in the quarter, compared to a net loss of $2.2 million in the first quarter of 2010. A conference call to discuss the results will be held at 1 p.m. today. Fisher release

05/09/11 - There are a limited number of seats still available for the semi annual RPM (Radio Performers Membership) Lunch May 17 in Vancouver. The lunch, hosted by Red Robinson, is open to on-air Vancouver market radio broadcasters, both past and present. Anyone wishing to attend should contact Gord Lansdell for details.

05/09/11 - 11-year JRfm CJJR-FM 93.7 Vancouver radio host Byron James teams up with automotive guy Bill Desrosiers to host edgy car show West Coast Wheels & Ink starting Saturday evenings on CKNW AM 980. Keith Morgan, The Province

05/09/11 - The 2010 WNBA champion Seattle Storm is moving from KKNW AM 1150 to KPTK AM 1090 in a new multi year deal. In addition to radio and national TV coverage, five home games will air on KONG-TV. Seattle Storm release

05/08/11 - KOMO-TV Seattle news producer Tricia Moen died early Saturday morning following a battle with colon cancer. She was just 39. KOMO News video KOMO backgrounder

05/07/11 - JRfm CJJR-FM 93.7 Vancouver promotions director Tamsin Foley Carling has put together a bet with country superstar Carrie Underwood on the outcome of the Vancouver/Nashville NHL playoff series. At stake if the Canucks win is an autographed guitar from Underwood. Greg Douglas, Vancouver Sun

05/07/11 - A celebration of life for former CFUN/QM-FM Vancouver traffic manager Beverly Bristol will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, May 13 at Boal Chapel in North Vancouver. She died April 28 at age 52 following a long battle with multiple sclerosis. Sun/Province obituary

05/07/11 - CTV British Columbia CIVT-TV Vancouver broadcaster Tamara Taggart balances her family with three children with her position as co-host of the CTV News at Six. Felicity Stone, Vancouver Sun

05/06/11 - After losing a hockey pool bet to his radio colleagues at Team CKST AM 1040 Vancouver, sports talker Dave Pratt was forced to bicycle around city hall wearing an “I love Gregor” T-shirt. Pratt has continually repeated an on-air rant against Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson’s bike lanes. Kent Spencer, The Province

05/06/11 - Seattle-based syndicated radio personality Delilah is celebrating the 25-year anniversary of her nighttime program heard on some 200 stations in the U.S. and locally on KRWM-FM 106.9. Premiere Radio Networks says the program has nearly nine million weekly listeners, making her the most-listened-to woman on radio. PRN release

05/06/11 - Former CHEK-TV Victoria reporter Keith Wells is expanding SendToNews, his digital content delivery company, into the U.S. with an office in San Francisco. Most major broadcasters and web-based news companies in Canada use the service. Darron Kloster, Times Colonist

05/06/11 - Vancouver market BBM PPM has been released for the period January 24 - April 24, 2011. News/Talk CKNW AM 980 continues to lead with a 12.1 share, Radio One CBU AM 690/FM 88.1 is second with 10.9 and The Beat CFBT-FM 94.5 is third with 8.3. Daily average Cume numbers, expressed in thousands, put The Beat first with 375.1, QM-FM CHQM-FM 103.5 second with 338.8 and Virgin Radio CKZZ-FM 95.3 third with 264.4. BBM data

05/06/11 - Seattle-based Fisher Communications has sent another letter to shareholders urging support of the company's board nominees. It accuses FrontFour Capital of failing to distinguish fact from fiction, as the Connecticut-based hedge fund attempts to take control at Fisher's annual general meeting of shareholders in Seattle on May 11. Fisher release

05/05/11 - Calls are increasing to release Al Jezerra reporter Dorothy Parvaz, who is being detained in Syria. Parvaz, who is a U.S., Canadian and Iranian citizen, formerly worked for the Seattle P-I and was a regular on KUOW-FM 94.9 Seattle. Mark Memmott, NPR Al Jezeera video

05/05/11 - A lawyer entered not-guilty pleas in B.C. Provincial Court in Surrey Wednesday on behalf of former Global TV CHAN-TV Vancouver reporter Ron Bencze. Bencze, facing nine sex-related charges, was not present for the proceedings. Jennifer Saltman, The Province

05/05/11 - News1130 CKWX AM Vancouver news/sports anchors Ryan Sullivan and Adam Forsythe, aka The Green Men Sully and Force, become media darlings in the run up to game three in the Canucks/Predators NHL playoffs in Nashville. What began as a low budget, low-tech prank 16 months ago has turned out to be a major gig. Kent Spencer, The Province

05/04/11 - KKXA AM 1520 Snohomish, expected to sign on this summer, has narrowed its format choice down to either all-news or 80s and 90s country. So far country is the leading choice by more than two to one in a vote held on sister station KRKO AM 1380 Everett's website. Meanwhile, KRKO has brought back Renae O’Keefe to do news updates. myeverettnews.com

05/04/11 - In a regulatory filing Tuesday, Mario Gabelli, the largest shareholder of Seattle-based Fisher Communications says the 28.5% of the shares he controls will support three of the four nominees proposed by hedge fund FrontFour Capital. Seattle Times

05/03/11 - Rick Dal Farra returns to Toronto in early June to assume the position of Regional Engineering Manager for Rogers Broadcasting. He has been Rogers BC Radio Director of Engineering, based in Vancouver since 2006.

05/03/11 - Jackie and Bender have signed a new three year contract with Seattle market KISSFM KBKS-FM 106.1. The morning duo recently celebrated their tenth anniversary with the station. All Access Music Group

05/03/11 - Former Seattle Post-Intelligencer editorial writer and columnist Dorothy Parvaz, now a journalist with Al Jazeera, has been missing since arriving in Syria on Friday. She was a panelist on the Friday news roundtable on Weekday with Steve Scher on KUOW-FM 94.9. Knute Berger, Crosscut.com Joe Copeland, Crosscut.com

05/03/11 - The FCC has granted voluntary assignment of license for KMCQ-FM 104.5 Covington from First Broadcasting Capital Partners, LLC to Queen Cities Broadcasting, LLC. FCC info

05/02/11 - Fisher Communications has announced that leading proxy advisory services Institutional Shareholder Services and Glass-Lewis & Co. have recommended that the shareholders vote in favor of Fisher's nominees in connection with its annual meeting on May 11. ISS has concluded that the incumbent board, rather than the dissidents, has a better strategy for delivering shareholder value. Glass-Lewis commented that the election of dissident nominees may be counterproductive with respect to the Company's long-term financial and operational health. Fisher release

05/02/11 - Classical KING-FM 98.1 Seattle officially went non-commercial at 12:01 a.m. today. Program director Bryan Lowe says that KING-FM will now play a minimum of six to seven more minutes of music each hour. Feliks Banel, Crosscut.com

05/01/11 - Seattle-based Fisher Communications will report its first quarter 2011 financial results before the market opens on May 10. A conference call to discuss its first quarter results will be held at 1:00 p.m. PT. Fisher release

04/29/11 - A cease and desist order has been served against Vancouver market Classic Rock 101 CFMI-FM 101.1 over a promotion where fans could take a sledge-hammer to an old van bearing the Chicago Blackhawks or Nashville Predators logo. CKNW news

04/29/11 - KBTC-TV Tacoma will be bearing initial costs of $1,500 to $2,000 plus monthly fees to deliver its signal to DIRECTV via microwave and fiber optics, which was previously distributed over the air. The sat provider dropped KBTC April 20th despite a plan by the station to implement the new delivery by early May. DIRECTV says it is working with the station’s engineers to restore the signal as quickly as possible. Tacoma News Tribune

04/29/11 - Seattle-based Fisher Communications has mailed another letter to company shareholders. It says that FrontFour Capital's only plan for value creation Is to attempt to sell the company for its own short term gain and highlights outperformance of its peer group on a relative basis between 2005 and 2010. Fisher release

04/28/11 - An advance copy of the May 2011 edition of Clay's Corner, prepared by Clay Freinwald for the Seattle Chapter of the Society of Broadcast Engineers newsletter The Waveguide is offered here as a courtesy to our readers.

04/28/11 - Well known B.C. broadcaster and The Tasting Room host Terry David Mulligan plans to challenge the Intoxicating Liquors Act, first passed in 1928 to restrict bootlegging, making it illegal to transport wine bought in one province to another without going through the second province’s liquor control board. CTV News Andy Ivens, The Province

04/27/11 - OMNI CHNM-TV Vancouver is now broadcasting news and programs over-the-air in 16:9 1080i HD, where it was previously 4:3.

04/27/11 - FrontFour has sent a letter to shareholders of Seattle-based Fisher Communications calling a letter that Fisher sent last week "misleading and baseless". The FrontFour letter says that shareholders should be seriously concerned with "Fisher's poor track record on capital allocation...." Radio Ink PR Newswire

04/27/11 - The FCC has granted a voluntary assignment of construction permit for KQXI-FM 91.5 Granite Falls from Alpha & Omega Broadcasting to Spirit Communications, Inc. The CP expires June 8, 2013. FCC info

04/26/11 - TV stations in Vancouver and Victoria performed well in the RTDNA regional Edward R. Murrow Awards. cartt.ca

04/25/11 - KBTC-TV Tacoma is expected to return to DIRECTV by May 1. It was dropped from the satellite provider April 20 after DIRECTV stated that the signal was not of sufficient strength at its recently relocated local receive facility (LRF) to qualify under the must carry rules. A donor helped KBTC find a an economical, alternate method of delivering the signal. KBTC is available over-the-air in most areas from Grays River to southwest BC. KBTC info

04/23/11 - Former Dallas Stars head coach Marc Crawford has been hired as a three-times-a-week contributor on Team CKST AM 1040 Vancouver following a guest appearance. Greg Douglas, Here 'N' There, The Sun

04/22/11 - Long time KIRO-FM 97.3 reporter/anchor Tony Miner is leaving the station to take the position of director of programming & news at KGMI AM 790 Bellingham. His last day at KIRO is May 6. BlatherWatch

04/22/11 - Sports director Jim Mullin has left Vancouver market CKNW AM 980. He had been aggressively reporting on the sale and move of the WHL Chilliwack Bruins to Victoria. Formerly a sports reporter at 'NW, Mullin had been sports director since 2009. All Access Music Group

04/21/11 - RTDNA has released the list of its 2011 Regional Edward R, Murrow Awards, with the Region 1 Radio Large Market Awards going to KPLU-FM 88.5 and KIRO-FM 97.3 Seattle and many of its Region 1 Television Large Market Awards to three Seattle TV stations. RTDNA info

04/21/11 - Seattle-based Fisher Communications has mailed a letter to shareholders urging rejection of FrontFour Capital's attempt to take control of the Fisher board. It cites FrontFour's lack of transparency, poor governance record and misleading statements. Fisher's annual meeting of shareholders will be held on May 11 in Seattle. Fisher release

04/21/11 - Updated: CBC has applied to the CRTC to increase the maximum ERP of CBU-2-FM 88.1 Vancouver from 19,500 watts to 97,600 watts directional and increase HAAT from 567.2 to 605.8 meters at the current CBC transmitter site on Mount Seymour. The station re-broadcasts Radio One CBU AM 690. 88.1 MHz is adjacent to the CHEK-TV Victoria analog audio transmission on 87.75 MHz, which will cease operation on channel 6 after the digital TV transition in Canada scheduled for August 31. CHEK-TV will move to RF channel 49 (not 43 as originally posted). CRTC info

04/21/11 - RTNDA Canada has announced its BC Regional Award winners recognizing excellence in electronic journalism. The awards will be presented in Vancouver on May 28. Broadcaster Magazine

04/20/11 - Oldies KJR-FM 95.7 increases its lead in the Arbitron March 2011 Seattle-Tacoma PPM with a 6.3 share. Soft AC KRWM-FM 106.9 takes sole possession of second place with a 5.7 share and Active Rock KISW-FM 99.9 is third with 5.4. Radio Online

04/20/11 - Columbia Academy director of operations Gord Peters says the school is doing its best to help students finish their education and recoup some of their tuition. The broadcast school, in operation for 45 years, announced Monday that it was closing its doors, leaving 16 staff and 98 students out in the cold. Elaine O'Connor, The Province

04/20/11 - Former CKWX Vancouver PD Ted Farr during the station's country days, now a radio consultant living in Kelowna, says he was shocked to hear he was being inducted into the B.C. Country Music Association Hall of Fame. The induction show will be held at the Red Robinson Show Theatre in Coquitlam on April 23. Chris Stanford, Kelowna Courier

04/20/11 - Overall viewers of local newscasts on Vancouver TV stations on the ebb? Global BC CHAN-TV slips while CTV British Columbia CIVT-TV holds its own. Harvey Oberfeld

04/19/11 - The FCC has granted voluntary assignment of license for KAPS AM 660, KBRC AM 1430 Mount Vernon and translator K271AH Camano from Jim Keane and Ann Keane to J & J Broadcasting Inc. It was announced in February that the stations had been sold for $1.15 million.

04/18/11 - Vancouver's Columbia Academy is closing its doors after 45 years, displacing about 90 broadcasting, film production and recording students. A number of Vancouver's well-known broadcast voices were graduates. CKNW News Facebook statement

04/18/11 - Reporter Ron Bencze, previously suspended from his job at Global BC CHAN-TV Vancouver, has been released by the station following an internal review. Bencze is facing nine sex-related charges involving a child under the age of 16. The Province

04/18/11 - Eastern Skagit County Community Radio KSVU-FM 90.1 Hamilton has received its FCC license and is now operating full time. The final programming schedule is being implemented over a period of a few weeks. The format will feature a mix of talk and music strips and blocks.

04/16/11 - The Green Men at Vancouver Canucks games, Adam Forsythe and Ryan Sullivan, are BCIT journalism grads on air at News1130 CKWX AM. Former Canucks commentator Tom Larscheid lauds this year's team as the best ever. Greg Douglas, Vancouver Sun

04/15/11 - Dan Niles, who had a lengthy career as a promoter for Capitol Records, has died following a stroke last Monday. A private family service is scheduled for May 1. 1969 MOHAI photo

04/14/11 - FrontFour has responded to Seattle-based Fisher Communications' letter to shareholders with a lengthy media release. The release accuses the Fisher board of misleading shareholders and CEO Colleen Brown for being responsible for $173 million in losses to company equity. Radio Ink PR Newswire

04/14/11 - CBS Radio News has hired veteran KIRO-FM 97.3 Seattle reporter Heather Bosch as a correspondent, based in New York. She has worked for KIRO for 10 years. All Access Music Group

04/13/11 - Veteran broadcast journalist Lynda Steele becomes the the new consumer reporter for CTV British Columbia CIVT-TV Vancouver, taking over the On Your Side news segment effective May 16. She has been anchoring the suppertime newscasts at Global Edmonton CITV-TV since 1995. Before moving there, she was a reporter for CKVU-TV Vancouver. Former consumer reporter and host of On Your Side, Chris Olsen, left the station last month to take the position of press secretary for B.C. premier-designate Christy Clark. CTV release

04/12/11 - Global BC CHAN-TV Vancouver reporter Ron Bencze faces four new charges of sexual assault and sexual interference with persons under the age of 16, in addition to five sex-related counts he was charged with in January. His next court appearance is scheduled for Thursday. Bencze has been suspended from Global TV without pay and has vowed to fight the charges. Tom Zytaruk, Surrey Now

04/12/11 - Seattle-based Fisher Communication has announced that it has filed definitive proxy materials with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for its 2011 Annual Meeting and that it has commenced the mailing of those materials to qualified shareholders. In an enclosed letter, the company is urging shareholders to reject an attempt by FrontFour Capital Group to take control of its Board of Directors. Fisher release

04/11/11 - A reliable source reports that Lisa Decker is out as SVP market manager for CBS Radio Seattle. She has been with the company since 1995. No replacement has been named.

04/11/11 - After seven years at Seattle market KISS KBKS-FM 106.1, Nina Hajian moves to co-host mornings at KZZO-FM 100.5 Sacramento. All Access Music Group

04/11/11 - Seattle market The Mountain KMTT-FM 103.7 celebrates 20 years as a Triple A station. To celebrate, the station is putting on a 20th Anniversary Show with Paul Simon at the WaMu Theater on Friday, April 15.

04/11/11 - 32-year-old Wall Street whiz kid and Seattle-based Fisher Communications board member David Lorber argues that the company, led by CEO Colleen Brown, has "continuously underperformed" and has dismissed acquisition offers without due consideration. A shareholder vote is scheduled for May 11. Rami Grunbaum, Seattle Times

04/09/11 - Legendary sports broadcaster Dave Niehaus was honored with a touching tribute last night, as the Seattle Mariners played their home opener at Safeco Field with Niehaus' widow, Marilyn, throwing out the first pitch. The Mariners' play-by-play broadcaster since the team's inception in 1977 died of a heart attack last November 10 at age 75. Jerry Brewer, Seattle Times Meanwhile, Seattle City Council has unanimously approved a measure to name the street outside Safeco Field, as "Dave Niehaus Way South." Geoff Baker, Seattle Times

04/09/11 - Former CKDA Victoria announcer Murray David Collins died March 28 in Victoria. He was 60. His radio career spanned 30 years and included stops at stations in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Times Colonist obituary Puget Sound Radio posting Radio West posting

04/09/11 - Vancouver Canucks PA announcer and former CKNW AM 980 newsman John Ashbridge is recovering after suffering a third-degree heart blockage, then a pacemaker malfunction. Veteran commercial voice Al Murdoch has been filling in at Rogers Arena. Greg Douglas, Vancouver Sun

04/08/11 - KING-FM 98.1 Seattle will become a listener supported station in May, two months earlier than originally planned due to better than expected fund raising. The station will rely on pledge drives and corporate sponsors instead of commercial revenue streams. Amy Rolf, Seattle P-I

04/08/11 - KVOS-TV Bellingham is reported to be making changes effective May 25, when Me-TV will be broadcast on the 12.1 main channel and a .2 subchannel will be added, broadcasting 24 hour music video channel THECOOLTV.

04/08/11 - The FCC has granted voluntary assignment of licenses for KBIS AM 1490 and KBDB-FM 96.7 Forks from First Broadcasting Capital Partners, LLC to Walla Walla-based Xana HD Solutions, LLC. The transaction was reported to be $25,000, transfered as is after the stations were damaged by a lightning strike last December. rbr.com backgrounder

04/07/11 - At his request there will be no formal service for veteran broadcaster Paul E. "Buzz" Barr, who died at Pacific Care Center in Hoquiam on March 24, a month short of his 74th birthday. He spent close to 50 years in broadcasting, with stops in Aberdeen, Centralia, Bremerton, Tacoma, and Seattle. He managed KGHO Hoquiam for several years and later became part owner of KCSY Soldotna AK. ObitsforLife obituary Sky Valley Chronicle backgrounder

04/06/11 - Former Mount Vernon, Bellingham and Seattle broadcaster Glenn Beck will be leaving his daily Fox News show to concentrate on developing “a variety of television projects for air on the Fox News Channel as well as content for other platforms including Fox News’s digital properties.” Melissa Bell, Washington Post

04/06/11 - Sharron Bates, news editor at Global BC and Sandra Hermiston, segment producer at CTV British Columbia are among seven recipients of the 2011 JWF Professional Development Fellowships. Jack Webster Foundation release

04/06/11 - The CRTC has made the following approvals to applications processed pursuant to streamlined procedures: post-transition digital TV transmitters for CBUT-TV and CHNM-TV Vancouver and an amendment to the proposed technical parameters and antenna site for the new mono transmitter CBU-1-FM Abbotsford. CRTC info

04/05/11 - Seattle-based Fisher Communications president and CEO Colleen Brown is one of the six recipients of Broadcasting & Cable's 2011 Technology Leadership Award. Awards will be presented on Monday, April 11th as part of the NAB convention in Las Vegas. The awards pay tribute to technology leaders who have displayed innovation, imagination and achievement. Fisher release

04/05/11 - Larry Gifford takes over as the new program director at KIRO-FM 97.3 and KTTH AM 770 Seattle effective May 2. He was formerly PD of ESPN Radio. Radio Ink

04/03/11 - Some lineup changes have taken place at The Peak CKPK-FM 100.5 Vancouver following Peter Schaad's move to Whitecaps soccer play-by-play at Team CFTE AM 1410. James Sutton moves to p.m. drive with Laurie Logan and APD Tamara Stanners splitting midday shifts. Laurie also shares evenings with Cory Ashworth.

04/02/11 - Updated: Veteran contract engineer Jim Dalke will be presenting When the Inspector Comes Knocking at this year's NAB Show in Las Vegas, scheduled for April 9-14. Additionally, president and GM Andy Skotdal will be telling the story of KRKO Everett. Registration is still open, which includes a $100 discount off any education package.

04/02/11 - Longtime KOMO AM 1000 Seattle host John Carlson will join Steve Scher on KUOW-FM 94.9 starting May 15. His last appearance on KOMO will be April 25. BlatherWatch Editors note: Thanks to BlatherWatch for this timely April Fools' joke.

04/02/11 - Former Team CKST AM 1040 Vancouver morning host James Cybulski will host a three hour p.m. drive show on TSN Radio 1050 when it launches April 13 in Toronto. TSN

04/01/11 - KATC-FM 95.1 Colorado Springs, CO p.m. drive personality Nick Alan is joining The Wolf KKWF-FM 100.7 Seattle as night personality and imaging director All Access Music Group Meanwhile KKWF morning host Fitz duped April 1st listeners with the sound of a cat meowing every 25-45 seconds. All Access

04/01/11 - Former longtime KIRO AM 710 Seattle morning co-anchor Gregg Hersholt is joining KXL AM & FM Portland as afternoon news anchor and managing editor effective April 4. He had been with KIRO for 26 years. All Access Music Group Crosscut.com backgrounder

04/01/11 - KKXA call letters have been issued for the new station licensed to Snohomish on 1520 kHz and expected to sign on this summer. The new call is a salute to the old KXA AM 770 Seattle. It is licensed to operate from one tower non-directional daytime with 20 kW and directional with 50 kW night and critical hours. FCC info

04/01/11 - The CRTC is taking Vancouver Co-operative Radio CFRO-FM 102.7 to task for its third consecutive licence term with issues of non-compliance with Commission regulations. The licensee is required to show cause at a hearing beginning May 17 in Gatineau, QC. CRTC info

03/31/11 - After waiting out a six month non-compete clause, Bob Rivers returns to the airwaves Friday morning at Oldies KJR-FM 95.7 Seattle. He will be joined by his former on-air team, Spike O'Neill and "Downtown" Joe Bryant. Alyssa Kleven, MyNorthwest.com

03/30/11 - An advance copy of the April 2011 edition of Clay's Corner, prepared by Clay Freinwald for the Seattle Chapter of the Society of Broadcast Engineers newsletter The Waveguide is offered here as a courtesy to our readers.

03/28/11 - Japanese tsunami fund raising efforts across six markets by Seattle-based Fisher Communications considered one of the most successful by the Red Cross. Funds will be used to assist 95 medical teams. Fisher release

03/28/11 - Construction of transmission towers for the new station licensed to Snohomish on 1520 will begin as soon as weather allows. President & GM Andrew Skotdal says the new station's startup comes at the right time with an ecomonic recovery. Mike Benbow, HeraldNet

03/27/11 - A standing-room-only crowd of more than 200 packed the Vancouver Hotel ballroom on Saturday to celebrate the life of renowned historian, author and broadcaster Chuck Davis. He died of cancer last November at age 75. Damian Inwood, The Province RedRobinson.com

03/27/11 - A Celebration of Life has been announced for Don Smith. It will be held at Capilano Golf & Country Club in West Vancouver at 2:00 pm March 31. The former BCTV president died March 19 at age 80. Sun/Province obituary

03/27/11 - A private memorial service will be held at a later date for Bruce Payne who died Thursday at his Cowichan Valley home at age 64. He started his broadcasting career in Nanaimo at age 17 before working at a number of radio and TV stations throughout B.C. Times Colonist obituary

03/26/11 - Vancouver historian, author and broadcaster Chuck Davis will be memorialized today at 2 p.m. at the Hotel Vancouver. Daniel Wood, The Tyee

03/26/11 - Puget Sound Radio reports that former CHEK-TV Victoria host Bruce Payne died Thursday at his home in the Duncan area. After working at a number of BC radio stations, he was with CHEK from the early 1970s to 1986. He also had served on the Duncan and North Cowichan councils. PSR info

03/25/11 - KIRO-FM 97.3 Seattle launches Ron and Don's Operation: Airlift Japan, a campaign to aid 63 orphans in need of basic supplies in Japan. KIRO release

03/25/11 - Veteran Northwest broadcaster Buzz Barr died Thursday at age 74. He was a PD at KOL Seattle and KISN Portland. In later years he owned a station in Kenai, AK and an ad agency in Aberdeen. No service has been scheduled. All Access Music Group Blatherwatch

03/24/11 - Christmas music didn't make KJR-FM 95.7 number one in December, but the station moved to that position in the Arbitron February '11 Seattle-Tacoma PPM. dmr/All Access Music Group

03/23/11 - Seattle-based Fisher Communications has announced that it has retained Moelis & Company as its financial advisor to explore the possibility of financing or selling Fisher Plaza, located near downtown Seattle. Fisher release

03/22/11 - Oldies KJR-FM 95.7 moves into first place in the Arbitron February '11 Seattle-Tacoma PPM with a 5.5 share. Active Rock KISW-FM 99.9 and Soft AC KRWM-FM 106.9 are tied for second with 5.4 shares. Radio Online

03/22/11 - A man walked into The Q CKKQ-FM 100.3 yesterday and pointed a fake firearm at employees. Cindy E. Harnett, Time Colonist

03/22/11 - A vote on May 11 will likely determine whether Seattle-based Fisher Communications will continue to exist or be sold off. Shareholder FrontFour Capital is nominating a slate of candidates in an attempt to take control of the board and put the company up for sale. RBR/TVBR

03/22/11 - Former KJR Seattle and KVOS-TV Bellingham owner Barry Ackerley died yesterday morning at the Eisenhower Medical Center in Rancho Mirage, CA. He was 76. In 1983 he purchased the Seattle SuperSonics to ensure the team remained in Seattle. KJR news

03/21/11 - As reported here last week, the new AM station officially licensed to Snohomish on 1520 kHz is expected to be on air by this summer. The question is out as to what format it should run. My Everett News

03/19/11 - Don Smith, BCTV CHAN-TV Vancouver vice-president of sales beginning in 1973 and president in 1982, died this morning at Lions Gate Hospital in North Vancouver after being recently diagnosed with inoperable lung cancer. He was 80. Smith was actively involved in the television industry for 45 years with positions in both Ontario and British Columbia. During his years at BCTV, he became a member of the Variety Club and helped foster its relationship with the station, which produces its annual telethon. He retired from broadcasting in 1996, but continued as a consultant. He was the recipient of a number of awards, including induction into the Canadian Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 1997. CCF biography

03/19/11 - KING-TV Seattle has been chosen as "Large Market Station of the Year" in the 2011 competition by the National Press Photographers Association. KING photographers have also won recent awards. Seattle Times

03/17/11 - The FCC has granted an application by Fisher Broadcasting to change the transmitter location of Seattle market KUNS-TV from 47-30-17 121-58-4 to 47-37-55 122-21-9 (KOMO-TV tower). ERP will increase from 240 kW to 1000 kW and HAAT will decrease from 719 to 244 meters. FCC info

03/16/11 - The FCC issued a Finding Of No Significant Impact (FONSI) today for 1520 AM Snohomish, clearing the way for construction of what will likely be the last new AM radio station built in the central Puget Sound basin. KRKO AM 1380 Everett President & GM Andrew Skotdal says that the new station should be on air by this summer. Meanwhile, there is an application pending for a new station on 740 kHz in Redmond, but there has been no recent action on it. FCC CP info

03/16/11 - As of today, KWJZ-FM 98.9 Seattle has changed call letters to KLCK. Its smooth jazz format changed to modern AC Click 98.9 Modern Music on December 27. FCC info

03/15/11 - The Peak CKPK-FM 100.5 Vancouver and Music BC have announced the launch of the third edition of the award winning Peak Performance Project music competition. Additionally, The Fox CFOX-FM 99.3 will launch its 2011 Seeds contest beginning March 25. Francois Marchand, Vancouver Sun Item #2

03/15/11 - In addition to the appointment of CTV's Chris Olsen as press secretary for B.C. premier-designate Christy Clark, Rebecca Scott has been named her new communications officer and deputy press secretary. Scott is a former CFAX AM 1070 Victoria news anchor and talk show host, and most recently a reporter and talk show producer at Vancouver market CKNW AM 980. Official Release

03/14/11 - KIRO-TV Seattle morning anchor Chris Egert and photographer Tom Matsuzawa have flown to Japan to cover the aftermath of last week’s earthquake and tsunami. TV Spy KIRO video

03/14/11 - Chris Olsen, host of the CTV British Columbia CIVT-TV Vancouver news segment Olsen on Your Side, has left the station to take the position of press secretary for B.C. premier-designate Christy Clark. He was a reporter and assistant news director at CKNW AM 980 during the 1980s and '90s before moving to television in 1997. He had hosted the popular consumer segment on CTV for ten years. Official Release

03/14/11 - The 29th Annual Canadian Music & Broadcast Industry Awards have been presented, with Station of the Year - CHR going to The Beat CFBT-FM 94.5 and Station of the Year - Country to JRfm CJJR-FM 93.7 Vancouver. Jason Manning at The Ocean/JACK-FM CIOC-FM 98.5/CHTT-FM 103.1 Victoria scored a two way tie for Program Director of the Year - Medium Market. CMW details

03/13/11 - Flashback to 1958 as Brown Bros. Ford in Vancouver opened a new facility with on-location CKWX deejay Red Robinson spinning records to a large crowd of young followers dancing in the parking lot. Alyn Edwards, Vancouver Sun Red Robinson.com

03/12/11 - KIRO-FM 97.3 Seattle talk show host Luke Burbank speaks out on National Public Radio federal funding. New York Daily News

03/12/11 - Former Dan Russell SportsTalk show Vancouver producer Scott Woodgate has joined Rogers Sportsnet as vice-president of programming following five years as a network specials producer for CTV News. Greg Douglas' End Zone, Vancouver Sun

03/10/11 - Vancouver market BBM PPM has been released for the period November 29, 2010 - February 27, 2011. The lead of News/Talk CKNW AM 980 narrows with a 12.0 share, as Radio One CBU AM 690/FM 88.1 moves into second with 10.2 and QM-FM CHQM-FM 103.5 is third with 10.0. Daily average Cume numbers, expressed in thousands, put The Beat CFBT-FM 94.5 first with 376.0, QM-FM second with 374.0 and Virgin Radio CKZZ-FM 95.3 third with 261.0. BBM data

03/10/11 - The FCC has granted a construction permit to KOMO-TV Seattle to increase power from 810 kW directional to 1000 kW non-directional with a HAAT increase from 223 to 259 meters. FCC info

03/09/11 - Former Vancouver and Kelowna broadcaster Ted Farr is one of ten inductees into the British Columbia Country Music Association Hall of Fame. He was news director at CKLG then program director at CKWX Vancouver during its country music format days in the 1980s. He also served as GM at The Juice CJUI-FM 103.9 Kelowna last year, and is currently president of Ted Farr Media. The induction show will be held at the Red Robinson Show Theatre in Coquitlam on April 23.

03/08/11 - Seattle-based Fisher Communications has nominated four directors for election at its 2011 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. Two current directors are retiring and the board is being reduced from ten directors to nine. Fisher release

03/08/11 - As part of the CRTC approval to change effective control of CTVglobemedia Inc.’s licensed broadcasting subsidiaries to BCE, the company has pledged to add new morning, noon and afternoon news programs at its TV stations in Western Canada, including CTV British Columbia CIVT-TV Vancouver, creating 80 new jobs. Broadcaster Magazine

03/08/11 - Nine year old pianist Nathan Lee from Sammamish has won the KING-FM 98.1 Seattle Ten Grands Young Artist Award. He will play at the Ten Grands concert April 1 at Benaroya Hall. Seattle Times Meanwhile, KING-FM becomes a listener-supported station as commercial advertising ends June 30. KING info

03/07/11 - The future of /A\ CIVI-TV Victoria, along with its other A-Channel sister stations, has been assured for the next three years as part of an approval by the CRTC to change the effective control of CTVglobemedia Inc.’s licensed broadcasting subsidiaries to BCE. In addition, BCE will now own all of CTVgm’s radio stations. CRTC decision

03/07/11 - First Broadcasting Capital Partner's KMCQ-FM 104.5 Covington and two Ohio FM stations are being assigned to Queen Cities Broadcasting, LLC. Queen Cities is a "Trust Controlled Entity" backed by lender CapitalSource Finance. All Access Music Group

03/05/11 - Former Vancouver Capilanos play-by-play announcer Hal Rodd will be confirmed next week as one of two inductees into the Vancouver Canadians Broadcast and Journalism Hall of Fame. He called games on CKMO in the early 1950s. Joining him in the Hall will be Vancouver Province reporter/columnist Lowell Ullrich. End Zone, Greg Douglas, Vancouver Sun (Note call letter typo in Sun item.)

03/04/11 - Former Vancouver broadcaster Freeway Frank will co-host the morning show at Virgin Radio CJFM-FM 95.9 Montreal beginning March 21. He hosted shows at CKLG and CKZZ-FM Vancouver during the 1990s and more recently the syndicated Canadian Top 20. Broadcaster Magazine

03/04/11 - A memorial service has been announced for Vancouver historian, author and broadcaster Chuck Davis who died November 20 at age 75. It will be held in the Pacific Ballroom at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver on Saturday, March 26th from 2 to 4 p.m.

03/03/11 - KOMO-TV Seattle has been recognized by The USC Annenberg School, the Norman Lear Center and Reliable Resources for its broadcast political coverage with the Walter Cronkite Award for Excellence in Television Political Journalism in the Local Broadcast/Large Market category for 2010. The award recognizes journalistic excellence in political coverage by television stations and will be presented at the awards ceremony April 26 at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles. Fisher release

03/03/11 - Seattle-based Fisher Communications has announced strong fourth quarter and full-year 2010 financial results, with fourth quarter TV advertising revenue increasing 61%. Much of the fourth quarter increase was due to strong political advertising revenue. Fisher release

03/02/11 - Dave Biro, assignment editor at /A\ CIVI-TV Victoria and Earl Seitz of CFJC-TV Kamloops have been named to receive RTNDA Canada Lifetime Achievement Awards in the BC Region. RTNDA release

03/02/11 - The FCC has accepted for filing, applications for the voluntary assignment of license for KBIS AM 1490 and KBDB-FM 96.7 Forks, from First Broadcasting Capital Partners to Walla Walla-based Xana HD Solutions, LLC. The purchase price is listed as $25,000. Both stations were damaged by lightning on December 9, with KBIS apparently still off the air. FCC info RBR backgrounder

03/01/11 - Peter Schaad, who will be handling play-by-play for the Vancouver Whitecaps FC on TEAM 1410 CFTE AM, aims to have the best broadcast in the league. Longtime Vancouver 86ers and national team goalkeeper Paul Dolan will provide color commentary. Marc Weber, The Province

02/28/11 - Anna & Kristina's Grocery Bag hosted by Vancouver TV journalists Anna Wallner and Kristina Matisic will air three times daily starting Tuesday on Oprah Winfrey's OWN network, which also launches in Canada tomorrow. Marsha Lederman, Globe and Mail

02/27/11 - An advance copy of the March 2011 edition of Clay's Corner, prepared by Clay Freinwald for the Seattle Chapter of the Society of Broadcast Engineers newsletter The Waveguide is offered here as a courtesy to our readers.

02/26/11 - Community station CHLY-FM 101.7 Nanaimo, operated by the Malaspina Radio Society, has been banned from hosting events at Vancouver Island University following problems at a Halloween dance last year. Radio officials waited to go public with the one-year ban, which took effect on November 1, and VIU officials say the ban may be reconsidered pending future meetings. Danielle Bell, Nanaimo Daily News /A\ News video

02/25/11 - Seattle-based Fisher Communications has announced the election of Anthony Cassara to its board of directors, replacing the vacant board seat formerly occupied by Deborah L. Bevier, who resigned in December. Cassara has been in broadcasting since 1977 and currently serves on boards in Los Angeles. Fisher release In addition, Fisher will report its fourth quarter 2010 and full year 2010 financial results before the market opens on March 3, with a conference call to discuss the results after the market closes. Fisher release

02/24/11 - Bonneville Seattle operations manager Ryan Hatch, formerly PD at KTAR AM 620 Phoenix, is returning to the Arizona city to become director of news/talk and sports programming at the station and its FM sister. NTS MediaOnline

02/24/11 - Lender CapitalSource Finance has won the assets of First Broadcasting Capital's KMCQ-FM 104.5 Covington and two Ohio FM stations at auction Wednesday in Chicago. It gives CapitalSource the collateral but not the licenses. radioinfo.com

02/24/11 - Former Vancouver journalist and talk show host Gary Bannerman pays tribute to David Ingram, who died Monday in North Vancouver. The tribute on his Bannerline Group website can be read here.

02/23/11 - The CRTC has approved an application by Rogers Broadcasting to add a synchronous repeater on Salt Spring Island to rebroadcast the programming of CIOC-FM 98.5 Victoria. It will operate with a maximum ERP of 45 watts at 662 meters HAAT. CRTC approval

02/22/11 - A U.S. District Judge has granted a motion by broadcasters to block Seattle-based Ivi Inc. from streaming live TV signals in four cities including Seattle and New York. Ivi plans to appeal the ruling. Joelle Tessler, Seattle Times

02/22/11 - Soft AC KRWM-FM 106.9 holds on to first place in the Arbitron January '11 Seattle-Tacoma PPM with a reduced 5.6 share, News/Talk KIRO-FM 97.3 moves up sharply into second with 5.5 and Oldies KJR-FM 95.7 is third with a 4.8 share. Radio Online

02/22/11 - Vancouver US/Canada income tax, visa and immigration specialist who operated CEN-TA Tax, David Ingram died yesterday at Lions Gate Hospice in North Vancouver after being diagnosed several months ago with three cancerous tumors. He had written several books on income tax preparation and had hosted his own show for many years on local cable channels. Over the years he had filled in on numerous talk shows on Vancouver radio, along with co-hosting It's Your Money on CKBD for four years during the mid 2000s. Ingram was 68.

02/21/11 - John Peake has been named operations manager for Clear Channel's Seattle radio group. He was most recently show director for syndicated Phoenix-based Johnjay & Rich. He replaces Shellie Hart, who remains on air at KUBE-FM 93.3 and programmer for KNBQ-FM 102.9 Centralia and KSGX-FM 104.9 Eatonville. Radio Online

02/20/11 - As Village 900 CKMO AM from Camosun College in Victoria talks about a future shut down of its over-the-air broadcasting in favor of the Internet, the 900 kHz frequency in the city dates back in history. Dave Obee, Times Colonist

02/20/11 - After some initial pitfalls, The Hawk CHWK-FM 89.5 Chilliwack made its official debut at at 12:05 p.m. two years ago today. The station claims a major community presence and a number of news firsts. mychilliwacknews.com launch video

02/19/11 - After over forty years as a journalist and TV reporter/anchor, John Gibbs is retiring from CBC Vancouver. His career included positions with the Vancouver Sun, BCTV, CTV and Global. He was with BCTV for over a decade before moving to CBC Vancouver as a reporter and anchor in 1992. A goodbye party will be held February 23 at Beatty Street Bar & Grill, 755 Beatty Street, Vancouver beginning at 5 p.m.

02/18/11 - Peter Schaad moves from afternoon drive at The Peak CKPK-FM 100.5 Vancouver March 11 to handle Whitecaps play-by-play at TEAM 1410 CFTE AM. TEAM 1410 announced last week that it will be the official voice of the Vancouver Whitecaps FC for the next two years, broadcasting all 34 regular season matches, playoffs and international “friendly” matches beginning March 19. Peter will also host a one hour soccer show weekdays from 3-4 p.m. Additionally, after ten years, he will be leaving his teaching position at Columbia Academy. Greg Douglas, Vancouver Sun

02/18/11 - A public disposition of collateral, including certain assets of KMCQ-FM 104.5 Covington and two Ohio FM stations is scheduled for February 23 in Chicago. Reference is made to the Revolving Credit and Security Agreement dated December 19, 2003 between CapitalSource Finance and First Broadcasting Capital Partners. Inside Radio Full public notice

02/18/11 - The FCC has granted a construction permit to Bellevue College to relocate the KBCS-FM 91.3 transmitter from 47-35-9 122-08-41 to 47-32-39 122-06-29 (Cougar Mountain). HAAT will increase from 65 to 389 meters and power will decrease from 8 kW non-directional to 1.8 kW directional. FCC info

02/18/11 - The FCC has granted a construction permit to PRC Tacoma to relocate the KXOT-FM 91.7 transmitter from 47-18-14 122-23-43 north of Tacoma to 47-32-53 122-48-22 (Gold Mountain) near Bremerton. HAAT will increase from 223 to 582 meters and power will decrease from 23 to 4.3 kW directional. FCC info

02/17/11 - Kaci Aitchison on Q13 KCPQ-TV interviews some of the people behind the operation of C89.5 KNHC-FM, based at Nathan Hale High School in Seattle, as it turns 40. Q13 video More videos

02/16/11 - KOMO-TV Seattle anchor Kathi Goertzen is returning home again after being back in the hospital since February 8 to treat an infection which developed after brain tumor surgery. KOMO news

02/16/11 - KING-TV Seattle consumer reporter Jesse Jones returned to the air Monday following cancer treatments. He went on sick leave in December when cancer cells were discovered in his lungs. KING news/video

02/16/11 - Bob Stelton of St. Louis market WXOS-FM 101.1 is returning to Seattle to co-host with Dave Grosby noon-3 p.m. on ESPN KIRO AM 710. He previously worked at KJR AM 950. KIRO release

02/16/11 - The Canadian Broadcast Standards Council has ruled that a story about the killing of a mother and baby raccoon in Esquimalt, aired by CHEK-TV Victoria on its News at Five on July 19, 2010 was unfair and an abuse of privacy. CBSC release CBSC decision

02/16/11 - Former host of Evening Magazine on KING-TV Seattle for 14 years, John Curley returns to the airwaves to host The John Curley Show weekdays from 7 to 10 p.m. on KIRO-FM 97.3. KIRO release

02/15/11 - The signing of their program Anna & Kristina's Grocery Bag to Oprah Winfrey's OWN network for two years by former Vancouver TV journalists Anna Wallner and Kristina Matisic, has increased its reach to 35 countries and 80 million homes in the U.S. Mia Stainsby, Vancouver Sun

02/14/11 - In a deal filed with the FCC, Valley Broadcasters, Inc. is selling KAPS AM 660 and KBRC AM 1430 (including its 102.1 FM translator) Mount Vernon to J & J Broadcasting for $1.15 million. All Access Music Group

02/13/11 - Long time humorist Eric Nicol, who died February 2 at age 91, wrote 6,000 daily columns for The Province between 1951 and 1986, along with numerous radio plays for CBC, magazine articles and 39 books. Three of his books won Stephen Leacock Medals. Damian Inwood, The Province

02/13/11 - Residents opposed to transmitters at Triangle Mountain in Colwood are being urged to gather at city hall Monday in support of a nuisance bylaw governing the towers. The Triangle Mountain site houses cellular and the CIOC-FM 98.5 and CHTT-FM 103.1 Victoria transmitters. Bill Cleverley, Times Colonist

02/12/11 - The previously announced shut down of OTA broadcasting by Village 900 CKMO AM Victoria likely won't happen until after 2013 to allow agreements with Rogers Communications on equipment and transmitter use to wind down and federal regulators to agree before the station switches to streaming. Dialling in Digital, Darron Kloster, Times Colonist

02/11/11 - The FCC has dismissed an application by Trinity Broadcasting of Washington to increase power of KTBW-TV channel 14 from 90 kW to 575 kW. Application FCC data

02/10/11 - The J.P. Patches kids show debuted 53 years ago today with the launch of KIRO-TV Seattle. J.P., aka Chris Wedes, now 82 years old and off the air for nearly 30 years, continues to endure through DVDs, a website, a book, a statue in Fremont, and thousands of devoted fans called Patches Pals. Feliks Banel, Seattle PI YouTube video tour

02/10/11 - The CKMO Radio Society, which operates non-profit Village 900 CKMO AM from Camosun College in Victoria, has determined to change from AM radio broadcasts to Internet streaming. Money saved on operation of the 10,000 watt transmitter would be channeled into long-overdue updates to critical equipment and a stronger online presence. The Society has not released a specific date that the AM 900 signal would go dark. CKMO started broadcasting on AM 900 in 2000 following a frequency swap with Rogers Media. Village 900 info History

02/10/11 - TEAM 1410 CFTE AM Vancouver will be the official voice of the Vancouver Whitecaps FC for the next two years. It will broadcast all 34 regular season matches, all playoff games, and all international “friendly” matches, kicking off with the club’s MLS debut at Empire Field against Toronto FC on Saturday, March 19. TEAM 1410 will also air a weekday Whitecaps FC show. News release

02/09/11 - KOMO-TV Seattle broadcaster Kathi Goertzen has been re-admitted to hospital following her recent brain surgery. Doctors want to more closely monitor her healing progress and she is expected to return home in a few days. KOMO news Seattle Times

02/08/11 - CKWX News1130 Vancouver celebrates 15 years as an all news station today. It takes a nostalgic look at the event during the broadcast day today. Prior to the format flip, it had been a country music station for 23 years. News1130 photos and audio

02/07/11 - Seattle-based New Northwest Broadcasters receiver Revitalization Partners has sold NNB's five stations in the Klamath Falls, OR market to Oregon-based Basin Mediactive LLC for $600,000. The deal is expected to close on or before May 1. Basin Mediactive has been operating stations since 1936. All Access Music Group News release

02/07/11 - Sexual assault charges against suspended Global BC CHAN-TV Vancouver reporter Ron Bencze have been held over until an arraignment hearing on February 28 in Surrey Provincial Court. None of the allegations has been proven in court. Bencze joined Global in 2004. Tracy Sherlock/Tiffany Crawford, Vancouver Sun Meanwhile a "very large" investigation is under way, with further witnesses being interviewed which could lead to further charges. CTV news

02/06/11 - A Memorial Mass will be held at Immaculate Conception Church in Vancouver at 3:00 p.m. today for long time humor columnist Eric Nicol, who died February 2 at age 91. His regular columns appeared in the News Herald, Vancouver Sun and Province over several decades. He had numerous radio plays broadcast by CBC and wrote magazine articles and 39 books. He received the Order of Canada in 2006. Jack Knox, Times Colonist Sun/Province obituary

02/06/11 - As C-89.5 KNHC-FM, based at Nathan Hale High School in Seattle turns 40, it continues to be a trend leader and students call the shots. Marian Liu, Seattle Times

02/05/11 - KOMO-TV Seattle broadcaster Kathi Goertzen is back at home following an operation Wednesday to get rid of a dangerous new tumor growing near her brain. However, doctors were not able to save her facial nerve and they admit the tumor cells could grow back. KOMO news update Carol M. Ostrom, Seattle Times update

02/05/11 - Former San Diego and San Jose programmer Jim Richards has been hired as PD for Click 98.9 KWJZ-FM Seattle. The station dropped its smooth jazz format in late December. All Access Music Group

02/03/11 - Vancouver market BBM PPM has been released for the period October 25, 2010 to January 23, 2011. News/Talk CKNW AM 980 continues its lead with a 12.2 share, QM-FM CHQM-FM 103.5 is second with 9.6 and Radio One CBU AM 690/FM 88.1 is third with 9.4. Daily average Cume numbers, expressed in thousands, put The Beat first with 379.9, QM-FM second with 365.6 and Virgin Radio CKZZ-FM 95.3 third with 269.5. BBM data

02/03/11 - Doctors are optimistic after KOMO-TV Seattle broadcaster Kathi Goertzen underwent over 10 hours of surgery Wednesday to remove parts of a tumor growing in her brain. She will be recovering in intensive care for the next two to three days. KOMO news

02/02/11 - Kelly Ransford moves to Seattle Market The Mountain KMTT-FM 103.7 as morning show producer from her position as assistant PD/MD at KFOG-FM 104.5 San Francisco. All Access Music Group

02/02/11 - Former KGY AM 1240 Olympia GM and morning host Dick Pust announced Monday he will run for mayor of the capital city. His tenure with KGY ended earlier this month after 33 years with the station. Matt Batcheldor, The Olympian

02/02/11 - KOMO-TV Seattle broadcaster Kathi Goertzen is back in the operating room today for surgery to remove parts of a brain tumor that are growing again. She has been battling the tumor for about 11 years. KOMO news and videos Susan Gilmore, Seattle Times

02/01/11 - The CRTC has approved post-transition digital TV transmitters for CBUFT Vancouver to operate on channel 26 with a maximum ERP of 27,520 watts at 615.4 meters HAAT and for CIVI-DT-2 Vancouver (to repeat CIVI-DT Victoria) on channel 17 with a maximum ERP of 35 kW at 634.3 meters HAAT. Both will operate from Mount Seymour. CRTC decisions

02/01/11 - Registration has opened for the 64th Annual British Columbia Association of Broadcasters Conference scheduled for May 4 - 6 at the Delta Grand Okanagan Resort and Convention Centre in Kelowna. BCAB info

01/31/11 - An advance copy of the February 2011 edition of Clay's Corner, prepared by Clay Freinwald for the Seattle Chapter of the Society of Broadcast Engineers newsletter The Waveguide is offered here as a courtesy to our readers.

01/31/11 - Virgin Radio CKZZ-FM 95.3 Vancouver p.m drive host Kevin Lim returns to Sunfm CHSU-FM 99.9 Kelowna to take over a.m. drive duties, replacing Tarzan Dan Freeman, previously announced as moving to afternoon drive at fun FM CFUN-FM 104.9 Vancouver beginning in late March. Kevin hosted p.m. drive at Sunfm Kelowna from 2005-09.

01/31/11 - The FCC has granted a modification of construction permit to KFFV-TV Seattle for a transmitter move from West Tiger Mountain to 47-36-56 122-18-29 in Seattle. ERP decreases from 240 to 235 kW and HAAT decreases from 714 to 210 meters. FCC data

01/30/11 - CTV and Rogers Broadcasting Ltd., along with the Triangle Mountain property owner, have filed a civil claim in B.C. Supreme Court seeking to have a nuisance bylaw on electronic signals, passed last February by the city of Colwood, declared unconstitutional and set aside as null and void. The Triangle Mountain site houses cellular and the CIOC-FM 98.5 and CHTT-FM 103.1 Victoria transmitters. Various forms of radio communication have existed on the mountain since the 1920s. Bill Cleverley, Times Colonist Industry Canada backgrounder and history

01/28/11 - Vancouver sports icon Paul Carson, who died from pancreatic cancer on December 21, 2010 at age 60, pioneered the advent of sports radio and television in Canada. The Celebration of the Life of the Great Carsoni is Saturday, January 29th, at 3 p.m., at the Hollyburn Country Club in West Vancouver. Tom Mayenknecht, Vancouver Sun

01/28/11 - FrontFour Capital Group, a major shareholder of Seattle-based Fisher Communications, wants to put four of its representatives on Fisher’s board who would work to sell the company. In a letter to Fisher, FrontFour writes that it has “serious concerns with the continued underperformance of the company under this board,” Earlier this month, Fisher's board turned down an unsolicited $211 million buyout proposal from Richmond, BC-based Huntingdon Real Estate Investment Trust. Puget Sound Business Journal

01/28/11 - Three all-Christmas stations topped the Arbitron Holiday '10 Seattle-Tacoma PPM. All Access Music Group looks at the up and down trends in the market. All Access analysis

01/27/11 - Seattle market KRIZ AM 1420 Renton has returned to the air after going dark last August. A special temporary authority was granted by the FCC last May stating that the station had lost its tower site and would be transmitting from its sister station KYIZ AM 1620 facility. FCC data

01/27/11 - Global BC CHAN-TV Vancouver has announced that reporter Catherine Urquhart will return to her normal on-air duties on Monday, but found that she “breached accepted journalistic principles and editorial standards related to the avoidance of real or apparent conflict of interest.” Urquhart was suspended last week after the revealing of an email exchange between her and former B.C. solicitor-general Kash Heed's campaign manager Barinder Sall. Andy Ivens, The Province Jonathan Fowlie, Vancouver Sun

01/26/11 - Soft AC KRWM-FM 106.9 is in first place in the Arbitron Holiday '10 Seattle-Tacoma PPM with a 10.1 share, Classic Hits (now Oldies) KJR-FM 95.7 moves up sharply to second with a 7.7 share and Christian CHR KCMS-FM 105.3 moves up to third with a 4.5 share. Radio Online

01/26/11 - Many BC radio stations will broadcast the Great British Columbia ShakeOut at 10 a.m. today with the slogan "Drop! Cover! and Hold On!". The drill has been organized by the B.C. Earthquake Alliance and coincides with the 311th anniversary of the massive Cascadia earthquake in 1700, which caused damage from Vancouver Island to California. Richard Watts, Times Colonist A similar drill is being conducted in Oregon at 10:15 a.m.

01/25/11 - The flip of KVI AM 570 Seattle from talk to oldies last November diminished the local voice of Republican politics. Some of KVI's former hosts are at other stations, but that doesn't match the local conservative force that the station had in its heyday. Jim Brunner, Seattle Times

01/25/11 - C-89.5 KNHC-FM, based at Nathan Hale High School in Seattle, is celebrating its 40th birthday on February 12 with a number of artists at Neighbours Nightclub on Capitol Hill. The official sign-on date at 89.5 MHz was January 25, 1971. KNHC early roots Wikipedia history

01/24/11 - Cherry Creek Radio and Sunnylands Broadcasting have filed petitions to deny applications by Townsquare Media to purchase a dozen stations owned by Seattle-based New Northwest Broadcasters through NNB receiver Revitalization Partners. The purchase of the NNB stations would put Townsquare into "massive noncompliance" with FCC ownership limits, says Cherry Creek. RBR.com

01/23/11 - Vancouver's first on-camera news reader at CBUT, Tom Robinson, who died December 27 at age 91, often emceed community events. He began in broadcasting at CKWX, then moved to CBC radio in 1950 and television when it signed on in 1953. Damian Inwood, The Province

01/23/11 - Former KVI AM 570 talk show host Kirby Wilbur unseated state Republican Party Chairman Luke Esser on the first ballot Saturday at a meeting in Tukwila. Wilbur's conservative talk show aired for 16 years on KVI, before being canceled in 2009. Jim Brunner, Seattle Times

01/22/11 - The Wolf KKWF-FM 100.7 Seattle morning host Fitz, announced earller this week as one of five winners of the Men of Radio Co-host for a Day Search! on Live! with Regis and Kelly, will make his appearance this coming Monday, January 24. Schedule and videos

01/22/11 - CHUM Radio says there are no plans to re-brand Team CKST AM 1040 Vancouver in the wake of a move by The Sports Network (TSN) into Canadian radio. There is not yet confirmation over the future for Don Taylor with Team 1040. Short Hops, Greg Douglas, Vancouver Sun Additionally, Team 1040 PD Rob Gray will be involved in getting a new Toronto TSN station operational in the near future. Bruce Dowbiggin, Globe and Mail

01/21/11 - Following a request by CBC, the CRTC has revoked the licenses for the Corporation's transitional digital radio stations CBU-DR-1, CBU-DR-2, CBUF-DR-1 and CBUX-DR-1 Vancouver, along with its digital stations in Toronto, Windsor and Ottawa. This decision appears to spell the final end to digital audio broadcasting (DAB) in Canada operating under the EUREKA-147 system, originally licensed in the late 1990s. CRTC decision

01/21/11 - The CRTC has written to the Canadian Broadcast Standards Council (CBSC) asking it to review its determination that the unedited version of the song Money for Nothing by Dire Straits was inappropriate for Canadian radio. The CBSC directive, released last week, was met with disbelief by listeners and radio personnel across Canada, and prompted statements from both private and campus stations in Vancouver. CRTC release CRTC letter to CBSC Derek Abma, Postmedia/Vancouver Sun

01/20/11 - Prof. Anne MacLennan of the Remembering Radio Project is conducting a national study on Canadian radio during the 1930s. Her research group is currently looking for people 78 years and older who lived in B.C. during the 1930s to conduct phone interviews (usually 15 to 30 minutes) about their memories of early radio. Further information

01/20/11 - Airchecker reports that Tarzan Dan Freeman will be the new afternoon drive host at fun FM CFUN-FM 104.9 Vancouver beginning in late March. He is currently hosting mornings at Sunfm CHSU-FM 99.9 Kelowna, and worked the Vancouver market at CKXY AM 1040 from 1988-90. Airchecker

01/20/11 - Catherine Urquhart is the second Global BC CHAN-TV Vancouver reporter to be taken off air in as many days pending a review into whether she breached journalistic standards, after the revealing of an email exchange between Urquhart and former B.C. solicitor-general Kash Heed's campaign manager Barinder Sall. Global BC news director Ian Haysom said the matter "is being independently reviewed by the senior director of editorial policy for Global News to see whether any journalistic standards have been breached." Andrea Woo, Vancouver Sun

01/20/11 - The Seattle Mariners have decided how to replace Hall of Fame broadcaster Dave Niehaus. The club will employ at least five announcers with prior experience in the booth on a rotating basis to work primarily with Rick Rizzs on radio broadcasts for the upcoming season. Niehaus died November 10 at age 75, and had been the club's primary broadcaster since its expansion season in 1977. Greg Johns, MLB.com Larry Stone, Seattle Times

01/20/11 - KIRO-TV Seattle sports director and HGTV host Gaard Swanson moves to WKMG-TV Orlando as the primary male news anchor. He will co-anchor with Lauren Rowe at 6 and 11 p.m. beginning February 3. Hal Andrew Gauthier, TVSpy

01/20/11 - When asked if University of British Columbia station CITR-FM 101.9 would play Money for Nothing, recently censored by the Canadian Broadcast Standards Council, program coordinator Bryce Dunn says, “Dire Straits is a band that is more suited to AOR and classic rock radio.” Similar answers have been received from other campus stations in Canada, which are limited from playing mainstream music. Carson Jerema, macleans.ca

01/19/11 - Global BC CHAN-TV Vancouver reporter Ron Bencze has been suspended with pay following allegations that he committed sexual offences involving a person under 16. Global BC news director Ian Haysom released a brief statement saying that Bencze will "vigorously defend himself against the charges". Jennifer Saltman, The Province A criminal lawyer says accusations against someone in the public eye can be devastating to their career, personal reputation, and family. Andrea Macpherson, News1130

01/19/11 - Former KVI AM 570 Seattle talk show host Kirby Wilbur is campaigning to unseat State Republican Chairman Luke Esser at the state committee meeting Saturday. Jim Brunner, Seattle Times

01/19/11 - PD Sharpie Larry Sharp is leaving his position at KISM-FM 92.9 Bellingham after only a few months, to be closer to family in the Bay Area. Sister station KAFE-FM 104.1 PD Ken Richards is named interim PD. Sharp will be PD of KFOX-FM 98.5 San Jose, simulcast on 102.1 in San Francisco. Radio Online

01/19/11 - Bonneville International Corp. will retain its Seattle, LA and Phoenix clusters, as it sells its Chicago, Washington, St. Louis and Cincinnati stations to Hubbard Broadcasting Inc. for $505 million. All Access Music Group

01/19/11 - Praise KWPZ-FM 106.5 Lynden will receive the prestigious NRB Large Market Radio Station of the Year Award and KWPZ’s Jim Bouma and Lynette Morgan will jointly receive the prestigious NRB Air Personality of the Year Award (Music Format). Both will be presented during NRB 2011 to be held at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center in Nashville TN February 26 - March 1. NRB release #1 NRB release #2

01/19/11 - A revealing email exchange between the campaign manager for former British Columbia solicitor-general Kash Heed and Global BC CHAN-TV reporter Catherine Urquhart has been exposed, as Heed comes under investigation for alleged breach of trust and other related offences. News1130 Jonathan Fowlie, Vancouver Sun

01/18/11 - Award winning Global BC CHAN-TV Vancouver reporter Ron Bencze is facing five sex-related charges involving a child under the age of 16. The offences allegedly took place over a 10-year period between 2001 and 2010. He has more than 20 years experience in radio and TV news, having joined Global BC in 2004. Tiffany Crawford, Vancouver Sun Global BC news

01/18/11 - Three Surrey men have won a default judgment in a lawsuit against Radio India KVRI AM 1600 Blaine. The judgment states that managing director Maninder Gill and 11 staffers will have to pay damages and costs that will be assessed later. Jennifer Saltman, The Province

01/17/11 - The Wolf KKWF-FM 100.7 Seattle morning host Fitz is one of five winners of the Men of Radio Co-host for a Day Search! and will appear as a co-host next week on Live! with Regis and Kelly. Info and video

01/17/11 - Team CKST AM 1040 Vancouver owner CHUM Radio Vancouver wants to keep the Vancouver Canucks broadcast rights after the current contract expires next year, and talks are underway to try to reach a new deal. The team's standings at the top of the NHL translates into increased listeners and revenue. Bruce Constantineau, Vancouver Sun

01/15/11 - Mike Killeen and Tamara Taggart have been the new suppertime news anchors at CTV British Columbia CIVT-TV Vancouver since January 3. The two are interviewed by Joseph Planta at thecommentary.ca.

01/15/11 - Two years after being released from morning drive at Seattle market The Mountain KMTT-FM 103.7, Marty Riemer returns to the station to host p.m. drive. Chris Kornelis, Seattle Weekly

01/14/11 - The Hawk CHWK-FM 89.5 Chilliwack PD Glen Slingerland says his station will comply with the CBSC decision by pulling the seven minute album version of Money for Nothing and replacing it with the edited four minute version. MyChilliwackNews.com

01/14/11 - Radio visionary David Marsden, who brought alternative rock to Vancouver in the early '90s with the launch of Coast 1040 CKST AM, will be honored with the Allan Waters Broadcast Lifetime Achievement Award during his induction to the Canadian Music and Broadcast Industry Hall of Fame on March 11 at the Canadian Radio Music Awards. CMW release

01/14/11 - The Canadian Broadcast Standards Council decision Wednesday that a word in the Dire Straits 1985 hit song Money for Nothing is not acceptable for Canadian ears has prompted reaction locally, nationally and internationally. K97 CIRK-FM 97.3 Edmonton plans to air the unedited song repeatedly for one hour tonight starting at 8 p.m. mountain time, in protest over the ruling. CBSC release Mike Barber, Vancouver Sun Vancouver market Classic Rock CFMI-FM 101.1 feedback and poll results

01/14/11 - A new "KVOS school of broadcasting" is under development, providing student internship opportunities at Western Washington University. Independent station KVOS-TV Bellingham has been broadcasting for more than 57 years, and continues to focus its efforts on life in the Northwest. Tessa Johnston, The Western Front

01/13/11 - Co-op Radio CFRO-FM 102.7 Vancouver board member Robin Puga and program coordinator Leela Chinniah discuss the reasons behind the application to swap frequencies with The PEAK CKPK-FM 100.5. Jane Williams, rabble.ca audio

01/12/11 - KUOW-FM 94.9 Seattle assistant GM Marcia Scholl has been elected chair of the Development Exchange, Inc. Board of Directors. DEI is the organization helping public radio stations in fundraising development issues. All Access Music Group

01/12/11 - 16-year veteran meteorologist Michael Kuss, the new weather anchor on the suppertime news at CTV British Columbia, reflects on his career which has taken him all over North America. Mike Devlin, Times Colonist

01/11/11 - Christian Hall, former Vancouver market CFMI-FM 101.1 PD and CFOX-FM 99.3 APD, has been named to the new position of national program manager for Regina-based Harvard Broadcasting. He will be responsible for the ongoing development and enhancement of programming formats and strategies for all Harvard's stations. He has been operations manager/PD at Harvard's CFEX-FM 92.9 Calgary since 2006.

01/11/11 - Former Vancouver radio personality Barry Wall has had an application for a new classic hits FM station in Prince Rupert, BC turned down by the CRTC. He had applied for 99.1, but the Commission gave the nod to a competing application for the same frequency by Astral Media to flip its existing CHTK AM 560. Wall was with the morning show on CKKS-FM (now JACK CKLG-FM 96.9) Vancouver from 2000-01 and then GM and PD of CFNR-FM Terrace from 2004-08. CRTC decision Muskeg News backgrounder

01/10/11 - Retired sports broadcaster Tom Larscheid has been named as the 2011 inductee into the B.C. Sports Hall of Fame in the Media category. He served as the Vancouver Canucks’ radio color commentator for 33 years and worked B.C. Lions broadcasts from 1975 to 2000. Gary Kingston, Vancouver Sun

01/09/11 - Station manager Bob Simpson has resigned from his position at CFSI-FM 107.9 Salt Spring Island. The new paid station manager is Dave Gordon who will be working alongside PD/operations manager/production manager Mike Cherry. Gordon has worked as a CFSI volunteer show host & co-host, board op, producer, remote manager/host and trainer of new volunteers. Simpson remains with CFSI as a volunteer on-air host, continuing with his weekly oldies show for the immediate future.

01/09/11 - Twenty-year CBC Vancouver veteran Sandy Robson died December 10 at age 76. Before retiring in 1999, she had been a newsroom researcher, script assistant, copywriter and scheduler. Prior to working at CBC she operated Sandra Robson Promotions, working with artists such as The Irish Rovers, Valdy, The Poppy Family, Kenny Rogers, The Amazing Kreskin, and Bachman Turner Overdrive. A Celebration of Life will be held at the home of her niece on Sunday, January 16. Sun/Province obituary

01/09/11 - The takeover bid for Seattle-based Fisher Communications is the first of the year, but likely won't be the last Puget Sound company to go. Jon Talton, Seattle Times

01/08/11 - Dick Pust, who was released from his positions as GM and morning host from KGY AM 1240 Olympia earlier this week, will appear as a special guest with DJ Dale at 9 a.m. Wednesday, January 12 on KMAS AM 1030 Shelton. "KMAS has offered Dick a chance to say goodbye and to thank his generations of fans and listeners!" He had been on air for 51 years and served as GM of KGY since 2006. In addition, Mixx KXXO-FM 96.1 Olympia is holding a community reception for him in their meeting room on Thursday January 20 at 5:30 p.m. Rolf Boone, The Olympian Meanwhile, Pust says he has been called by stations and has been offered a job at two of them. Rolf Boone, The Olympian

01/07/11 - A memorial service has been announced for former CKWX and CBC Vancouver announcer Tom Robinson, who died December 27 at age 91. It will be held at 1:30 p.m. Friday, January 14 at Kerrisdale Presbyterian Church, 2733 West 41st Avenue. Sun/Province obituary

01/07/11 - The CRTC has approved an application by CTV Corp. to add a post-transition digital transmitter for CIVI-TV Victoria. It will operate on channel 23 with a maximum ERP of 1500 watts at 99.6 meters HAAT. It must be in operation no later than August 31, 2011. CRTC decision

01/06/11 - Vancouver market BBM PPM has been released for the period September 27 to December 26, 2010. News/Talk CKNW AM 980 continues its lead with a 12.0 share, QM-FM CHQM-FM 103.5 is second with 9.6 and The Beat CFBT-FM 94.5 is third with 9.2. Daily average Cume numbers, expressed in thousands, put The Beat first with 390.4, QM-FM second with 367.7 and Virgin Radio CKZZ-FM 95.3 third with 276.6. BBM data

01/06/11 - FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski says the Commission will take swift action to open the dial to new low-power radio stations following the signing into law of The Local Community Radio Act by President Obama. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) steered the unanimous Senate passage of the act in December, which changes the rules, allowing for more LPFM stations to be licensed nationwide, but doing so in a manner that addresses the interference concerns of full-service FM radio stations. All Access Music Group

01/06/11 - Brian Antonson, former associate dean at the BCIT broadcast and media communications department, says the recently proposed $1.4-million frequency swap deal between The PEAK CKPK-FM 100.5 and Vancouver community station Co-op Radio CFRO-FM 102.7 is a “good business decision” with benefits to both parties. The agreement is subject to CRTC approval. Carlito Pablo, straight.com

01/06/11 - Accounts vary on the actual reason why 51-year broadcast veteran Dick Pust left his positions at KGY AM 1240 Olympia. Rolf Boone, The Olympian

01/06/11 - Is the offer from Huntingdon Real Estate Investment Trust to acquire Seattle-based Fisher Communications actually aimed at the acquisition of Fisher Plaza and not the 20 TV stations and 10 radio stations that Fisher owns? Feliks Banel, Crosscut.com

01/05/11 - After a whopping 51 years behind the mike, GM and morning host Dick Pust has left his positions at KGY AM 1240 Olympia. He became general manager in 2006. Rolf Boone, The Olympian

01/05/11 - Pamela Martin, who co-anchored her final newscast on CTV British Columbia CIVT-TV last week, has joined Vancouver talk show host Christy Clark's election team to lead her membership drive. CBC News Doug Ward, Vancouver Sun

01/04/11 - Seattle market The Mountain KMTT-FM 103.7 morning host Sean Demery has left the station. His new destination has yet to be announced and a replacement has not yet been named. All Access Music Group

01/04/11 - Seattle-based Fisher Communications defends its rejection of an unsolicited buyout offer from Richmond, BC-based Huntingdon Real Estate Investment Trust. With the exception of one director, Fisher's board concluded unanimously that the proposal was not in the best interest of shareholders. Fisher announced yesterday that the one director, David Lorber, is also a member of Huntingdon's board of trustees, and has been excused from all Fisher board deliberations and reports in connection with the Huntingdon offer. Radio Ink

01/04/11 - The FCC has granted a voluntary assignment of license for KKMO AM 1360 Tacoma from Inspiration Media Inc. to Sea-Mar Community Health Center. It was announced in early November that the station had been sold for $2.7 million. FCC info

01/03/11 - Bob Rivers, who did his last show at KZOK-FM 102.5 Seattle September 30, will return to the airwaves on April 1 at KJR-FM 95.7 when his non-compete clause expires. He will be joined by his former on-air team, Spike O'Neill and Downtown Joe Bryant. Alyssa Kleven, MyNorthwest.com

01/03/11 - KWJZ-FM 98.9 Seattle, which dropped its smooth jazz format at 3 p.m. December 27, fell from number three to 22nd among adult listeners following introduction of PPM. It managed to hold on longer than stations which replaced the format in New York, Boston, Chicago and San Francisco. Paul de Barros, Seattle Times

01/03/11 - Seattle-based Fisher Communications has turned down an offer from Huntingdon Real Estate Investment Trust, based in the Vancouver suburb of Richmond, to buy the company for $211 million. Huntingdon owns office, industrial, retail and parking lots across Canada. Puget Sound Business Journal AP/Seattle Times Fisher release

01/03/11 - The FCC has granted a construction permit to Bates Technical College to increase ERP for KBTC-TV Tacoma from 45 kW to 100 kW. FCC data

01/01/11 - Before he passed away last week, Paul Carson shared his thoughts about new Vancouver Canucks color commentator Dave Tomlinson, whose goal was to become an NHL analyst. A Promise Fulfilled, Greg Douglas, Vancouver Sun

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This page last updated Friday, January 13, 2012