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Bill Waterson of Calvin & Hobbes Q&A'd - William World News
Monday, February 01, 2010
Bill Waterson of Calvin & Hobbes Q&A'd
Bill Watterson, creator of beloved 'Calvin and Hobbes' comic strip looks back with no regret - Plain-Dealer (Cleveland) There isn't much insight from the creator of "Calvin & Hobbes" in the Q&A, but I'm posting it anyway. I haven't read the comics regularly since "Calvin & Hobbes" and "The Far Side" went away. Let me know if anything is in their ballpark for brilliance. H/T Kevin Reiss Labels: Media
posted by WFY @ 12:03 PM |
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Mike O'Meara Show returning as a podcast today at 1 p.m. - William World News
Monday, December 07, 2009
Mike O'Meara Show returning as a podcast today at 1 p.m.
After a hiatus of several months, the Mike O'Meara Show returns as a podcast today on mikeomearashow.com. O'Meara, plus Robb Spiewak, Buzz Burbank and new cast member Oscar Santana, formerely of the Big O & Dukes show will be "broadcasting" at 1 p.m. daily. Still no over-the-air gig for the show, though DCRTV posted rumors that the show would be heading to Citadel's 105.9 FM to do mornings. Jack Diamond, of Mix 107.3, another Citadel station and a long-time O'Meara rival, is said to have nixed it. Mike O'Meara Show, radio, Mike O'Meara podcastLabels: Media, Radio
posted by WFY @ 9:00 AM |
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MASN to show all Nats games in HD - William World News
MASN to show all Nats games in HD
MASN (Malevolent Angelos Sports Network) is putting all of the Washington Nationals 2010 games in HD. This is a rare sign of competence from the inept, anti-Nats/DC network owned and operated by Peter Angelos. Gutless MLB Commissioner Bud Selig agreed to a corrupt bargain with Angelos just before the 2005 season to avoid a lawsuit. Angelos of course voted against baseball's return to D.C. because he is a coward who mistakenly believes Washington and Baltimore are the same market. Angelos then kept the Nats off of most area cable systems until September 2006, costing the Nats two years of exposure to the greater D.C. area. It stifled the fanbase and hurt the District of Columbia's investment in Nationals Park. Once the Nats were available, Angelos continued his bad faith by making network Baltimore-centric and treating the Nats as the secondary team. The network is prone to technical incompetence. Keep all of this in mind if you are tempted to buy tickets to Angelos' Orioles -- you don't want to reward bad behavior do you? The news was apparently supposed to be embargoed until today, but Rob Dibble showed his is as good as keeping secrets as he is broadcasting by tweeting about it it on Friday afternoon. I wish I had gotten to post this sooner, I dont' want any of you thinking I'm respecting a MASN embargo. Washington Nationals, Nats, MASN, Rob DibbleLabels: Media, Nats/MLB 2009, Television, Washington Nationals
posted by WFY @ 8:11 AM |
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NJ Nets: Biggest losers on two tabloid backpages, NBA - William World News
Thursday, December 03, 2009
NJ Nets: Biggest losers on two tabloid backpages, NBA
The New Jersey Nets lost their 18th game in a row to start the 2009-2010 NBA season. The ignominious distinction is observed by the backpages of both New York City tabloids today. I like to think this is happening because the Nets took "NEW JERSEY" off of the road uniforms. Their owner, Bruce Ratner, has been trying to move them to Brooklyn for years and seems to be getting closer. I'd rather they stay in the Garden State and move into the Prudential Center in Newark where the NHL Devils play. I wonder if the new BS Sports Blog will comment on this development. Speaking of the NBA, the Washington Wizards have won 4 of 5 ( The Post). Where can I get my Earl Boykins jersey? New York Tabloids, Daily News, New York Post, NJ Nets, New JerseyLabels: Media, New Jersey, Tabloids, Wizards/NBA
posted by WFY @ 12:05 PM |
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Will the Wash. Times void be filled? Maybe - William World News
Will the Wash. Times void be filled? Maybe
The apparent demise of The Wash. Times as we know it means a lot of quality writers and editors section will soon be out of work. That is a shame of course, but hopefully some recent and upcoming developments in D.C. media will lead to new employment for the doomed. The first thing that comes to mind is the open position on The Post's Nationals beat. Mark Zuckerman and Ben Goessling have both been solid reporters on Nats beat -- on a day-to-day basis, they were better than outgoing Chico Harlan, who was often trying to hard too be snarky and did not like his job. That showed in Chico's lack of reporting what was actually going on. Zuckerman and Goessling are reporters first, but good writers too. Secondly, Allbritton Communications Co. wants to start a local news Web site "that can become for local news what POLITICO's become for political junkies." Obviously, that could be of interest for local reporters and columnists as well as folks from sports. I think if they want to really go for broke, they ought to do it with sports. Another possible winner of this decision -- CSNWashington.com, Comcast SportsNet's local site. If they want to make a run about being a big deal, they have one less competitor and can probably find a few writers and columnists who want to be a part of it. Also, will ESPN go and create espnDC.com like they have with Chicago, Boston and Dallas? Lastly, there is The Washington Examiner, a "pioneer" in the "let's give it away free to some people, but not others" circulation model. I think of they are unlikely to make much of a move to capitalize on their rival's downfall. Their business model is bare-bones and heavily reliant on bloggers who get paid by the pageview, so I don't expect to see any familiar bylines moving over that daily. The same probably goes for NBCWahington. I am hopeful that some of these established and emerging outlets will be able to snap up a number of the writers and editors from The Wash. Times and keep their voices out there. Hang in there folks! We value what your body of work and hope that other local media sees that and hires you. Now get your resumes out there! The Washington Times, Rev.SunMyungMoon, newspaper, DC, Labels: BeltwayLand, Media, The District
posted by WFY @ 6:03 AM |
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Massive layoffs, change of strategy coming to The Washington Times - William World News
Wednesday, December 02, 2009
Massive layoffs, change of strategy coming to The Washington Times
TWT announces new structure, layoffs - The Wash. TimesWashington Times to cut staff to reach goals - The PostWashTimes cutting staff up to 40 percent - PoliticoUDPATED 6:00 AM THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2009Rev. Sun Myung Moon has apparently gotten tired of not making money -- his Washington Times is giving up as a general interest daily newspaper after 27 years. Massive layoffs (40% is being mentioned) are on the way, probably 60 days from now. This is an about-face for the paper which as recently as three years ago had serious plans for getting its Web site into the "top 10" in overall traffic. That goal was never realistic though. Even a year ago, they were still pushing forward with the hiring of the John Solomon as managing editor. He left the paper last month. The paper will follow The Washington Examiner model of circulation and be distributed free in certain zip codes, plus some "premium price home-delivery" and newsstand sales. The content will be the paper's bread and butter -- commentary from and for political conservatives. Local coverage and sports appear to be casualties of the reorganization and that is a real shame. Having two local sports sections available in town was great for sports fans and their Metropolitan section got some stories the Post did not. I'll have more on the sports tomorrow. Despite the crazy man that owns the paper, The Wash. Times has been an important part of D.C. media for a long time and it will be missed. 25 years of The Wash. Times - May 17, 2007 The Washington Times, Rev.SunMyungMoon, newspaper, DC, Labels: BeltwayLand, Media, The District, Whiskey-Tango-Foxtrot
posted by WFY @ 9:06 PM |
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Traffic reports used to originate from the Washington Monument - William World News
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Traffic reports used to originate from the Washington Monument
30 years of steering you home - WTOPThe dean of D.C. traffic reporters Bob Marbourg celebrated his 30th anniversary as a traffic reporter yesterday. Congratulations to him, but the most interesting part of the story was that before he took the job, traffic reports used to come from a department of transportation employee stationed on top of the Washington Monument. That's pretty cool and just about impossible to imagine these days with traffic stretching up to 40 miles away from the monument now, but back that then it was pretty resourceful. Back to Marbourg, what do you suppose the odds that he and morning traffic reporter Lisa Baden have a rivalry with each other? Washington Monument, Bob Marbourg, WTOP, traffic reportLabels: BeltwayLand, History, Media, Radio, The District, Transportation
posted by WFY @ 10:00 AM |
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27TH HEAVEN: NY tabloids celebrate Yankees win with same cover headline - William World News
Thursday, November 05, 2009
27TH HEAVEN: NY tabloids celebrate Yankees win with same cover headline
Not surpsingly, editors at both New York City tabloids were thinking the same thing late last night. While the headline seems a little corny, I'm not complaining about it. They were thinking the same thing on Long Island too.  UPDATE: ESPN did it too:  Apparently deadpsin noticed this stuff too -- If this anyone other tan Steve Allen, you're stealing my bit. New York Tabloids, Daily News, New York Post, Yankees, Newsday, Labels: Media, New York, Tabloids, Yankees
posted by WFY @ 8:30 AM |
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Yankees clinch playoffs, matching backpage tabloid headlines - William World News
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Yankees clinch playoffs, matching backpage tabloid headlines
It seems like it has been forever since the two New York City tabloids had headlines on the cover that matched. Today, the morning after the Yankees clinched their 14th playoff berth in 15 seasons we see the same headline. Why did the news need to add quotes around "in" though? New York Tabloids, Daily News, New York Post, Yankees, NewsdayLabels: Media, New York, Tabloids, Yankees
posted by WFY @ 10:00 AM |
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QWK Rock reborn as QWiK Rock - William World News
Wednesday, September 09, 2009
QWK Rock reborn as QWiK Rock
QWIK Rock to launch tonight - The CollegianState College's QWK Rock is back -- sort of. Last week, Magnum Broadcasting launched QWIK Rock on 105.9 and 106.9 FM. That didn't take long. QWK Rock on 103.1 FM closed down earlier in the summer. The format will contain current rock and some for the 80s and 90s. Tomorrow, D.C. rock radio news
QWK Rock, QWIK Rock, radio, State College, Penn State, Magnum BroadcastingLabels: Media, PSU/Happy Valley, Radio
posted by WFY @ 12:52 PM |
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State College's QWK Rock off the air - William World News
Tuesday, August 04, 2009
State College's QWK Rock off the air
State College loses long-running rock radio station - The CollegianQWK Rock changes its tune - CDTForever Broadcasting took long-time rock station WQWK 103.1 FM (97.1 back when I was an undergrad) off the air yesterday. QWK Rock (pronounced Quick Raaaahhhck) lives on online at qwkrock.com. Apparently, they had trouble convincing advertisers that they had a money demographic. It had been on-air for about forty years. In its place is conservative talk radio. Like Elvis Costello said, radio is a sad salvation. QWK Rock, WQWK, radio, State College, Penn State, Forever BroadcastingLabels: Media, PSU/Happy Valley, Radio
posted by WFY @ 12:02 PM |
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The Post advertises on washingtontimes.com - William World News
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
The Post advertises on washingtontimes.com
 Searching for this morning's Nats headlines, I noticed that the prime advertising real estate on washingtontimes.com had an ad for The Washington Post, the direct competitor. This probably happened because washingtontimes.com advertising inventory is being handled by a third party network and not the Web site staff. One would at least hope so because this looks kind of bad if they are selling ads to their biggest rival. Here is what a colleague in Ad Ops has to say about this: That's hilarious.
I would assume that it’s coming from a remnant ad network that they're running on their site...It seems very strange that they wouldn’t have The Washington Post in their blocked list, assuming they have one.
Maybe Dan Snyder is running their sales department over there. You know he'll sell ads to anyone and put them anywhere he can. Washington Post, Washington Times, advertising, Labels: Blogging/WWW, Media
posted by WFY @ 8:30 AM |
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Gene Weingarten takes package, will only chat monthly - William World News
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Gene Weingarten takes package, will only chat monthly
Last week, Gene Weingarten announced that he was taking a package from The Post, but would continue to host Chatological Humor monthly and write his "Below the Beltway" column weakly err weekly. Yes, I took it because I wanted to. Generously, The Post offered to hire me back, on contract, to do the same job I am doing now, whatever that is. But I'm 57, and want to start on some book and movie projects before I get even older and feebler and the DNA in my brain further deteriorates to the point that I can''t even finish my own senten We should all be so lucky. More details: I'm not really going anywhere. I accepted a partial contract, and will still be writing my weekly column, which Tom The Butcher, also on contract, will still be editing. Tom and I will still be working on The Post Hunt. Mostly what's different is that after July 1, I'm no longer doing big magazine stories or The Gene Pool, which is the discussion group you all tend to deride because you don't understand that the golden future of journalism is unedited ranting and gnashing by citizen journalists. So, boo, I like chat on a weekly basis and the long magazine stories tend to be much better than the weekly column. The Gene Pool was stupid. His final weekly chat is going on right now. I'll miss stuff like this on a weekly basis: Okay, this has been quite a few days for celebrity deaths. First Ed, then Farrah, then Michael. Just when we thought we were done with the mourning ... Billy! Still, that last one felt so ... right, like when they added "Bobby" to "Abraham, Martin and John."
I guess I am the only one who thinks Michael Jackson was essentially a shallow disco phenomenon, generously talented but mostly a product of cynically manipulated personal style and shrewd marketing, personally abhorrent in a number of significant ways related to racial identity and sexual proclivities, and not worthy of all this adulation, particularly by the media, whose hemorrhage of unquestioning accolades is suspiciously self-serving. Okay, just checking. Hey, man, I'm unmoved by Jacko's demise too, but that's harsh, the guy was scary talented. PREVIOUSLYWeingarten is a hack!Post PulitzersWeingarten does it againQ&A: Gene Weingarten Washington Post, Gene WeingartenLabels: Chats, Media
posted by WFY @ 12:00 PM |
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Radio, radio: HFS sort or returns; WJFK going sports; Don Geronimo on in Delmarva - William World News
Monday, June 22, 2009
Radio, radio: HFS sort or returns; WJFK going sports; Don Geronimo on in Delmarva
Cerphe has launched HFS2 on 94.7 HD2. It is a modern incarnation of the former modern rocker that died in 2005, after many years of neglect by CBS Radio. If you have a HD radio, let me know if its any good. WJFK, another CBS radio station, might be flipping to sports according to The Post. What would that mean for Mike O'Meara Show is uncertain. I'd be annoyed if that goes away. In the end, if they don't get any of the local teams, like the Capitals and Nationals on the frequency, I don't see much point of them flipping to sports. Actually, I don't see the point anyway since sports talk has never done well as a format in this town, though an alternative to Dan Snyder's Redskins Radio (980 AM) isn't a bad idea. Personally, I can't stand most sports talk, too many idiots calling in. Speaking of O'Meara, his former partner, Don Geronimo landed a gig in Delmarva. His new show started today on WGMD. No stream or podcasts are planned per contractual obligations with CBS Radio. He blogs and is on Twitter. By the way, is it just me or has BIG 100.3 gotten worse since its competitor the late Classic Rock 94.7 flipped formats? As always, if you don't want to wait for me to blog about radio, go to Dave Hughes' dcrtv.com HFS2, WJFK, Mike O'Meara Show, DonGeronimoLabels: Media, Radio
posted by WFY @ 2:00 PM |
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New newspaper Web sites: Baltimore Sun & CDT - William World News
New newspaper Web sites: Baltimore Sun & CDT
In the last month or so, two newspaper Web sites in my regular rotation have redesigned their front pages. centredaily.com - The new CDT site is so...2002. After all of these years, the paper of record in State College still doesn't have a very good Web site. The new design is functional, but blocky and boring. The top navigation is useful though. The site loads slowly though, about 5 seconds before the page becomes visible and it does not completely load until about 12 seconds have elapsed. baltimoresun.com - The new Web site debuted last week with the "flag" showing "THE BALTIMORE SUN" prominently in the same typeface as the dead tree version. The page is full of modules with internal tabs that make finding stories about specific topics from the "print sections" possible without navigating away from the home page. That is a good thing too since the load time on this page is pretty bad -- about 9 seconds for it to start appearing in the browser and 16 seconds until all the scripts have loaded. The modules probably have something to do with the slow load time, so in the end, they are probably a mixed blessing. The page also has a little too much "trapped gray space." Overall though, not a bad design and improvement over previous efforts. CDT, Centre Daily Times, Baltimore Sun, newspapers, Web sites, redesignLabels: Blogging/WWW, Media
posted by WFY @ 12:14 PM |
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The Bronx Beltway is a stupid nickname for new Yankee Stadium - William World News
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
The Bronx Beltway is a stupid nickname for new Yankee Stadium
Readers choose The Bronx Beltway as the new Yankee Stadium's nickname - NY Daily NewsHuh? Why in the world would anyone give the new Yankee Stadium the nickname "the Bronx Beltway?" How does that make sense? Let's just let a nickname come about organically rather than rush to come up with something. *bronx cheer* New York Yankees, Yankee Stadium, Bronx BeltwayLabels: Media, New York, Tabloids, Yankees
posted by WFY @ 2:00 PM |
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Final Marc Fisher chat - William World News
Thursday, June 04, 2009
Final Marc Fisher chat
Potomac Confidential - The Post"Join Post Metro columnist Marc Fisher on Thursday, June 4, at Noon ET for the final regular edition of Potomac Confidential, a chance to talk about the future of news-gathering, the Virginia governor's race, how the GM bankruptcy will affect Washingtonians, and lessons learned from a decade of column-writing." I will miss his column and chat an awful lot. Labels: Chats, Media
posted by WFY @ 10:00 AM |
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Marc Fisher's final column - William World News
Friday, May 29, 2009
Marc Fisher's final column
MARC FISHER - After 1,250 Columns, the End - The PostFisher is moving on to an Metro editor position: There are a million stories in the naked city, someone once said, and I told 1,250 of them here, and another 1,200 on the blog. I heard from readers 250,000 times and I tried to respond to all of them. I could stay on this road for years to come, I love it so. But this path feels worn and familiar, and the challenge now is to hack out a new one.
Newspapers are in a fight to survive, desperately searching for new ways to reflect the world to an audience that is less trusting, more distracted and diffuse. For many people now, digital connections seem to trump geography as the central definition of home. But those electronic ties don't fulfill all our needs. Where we live still matters. Starting next month, I'll be putting together a group of writers whose job it will be to tell the truths of Washington in compelling and essential ways, combining traditional storytelling with new forms that involve and engage the people who live here. Sounds like it is worth a shot. Fisher was the best Washington columnist around and I will miss his columns and chats. Marc Fisher, Washington PostLabels: BeltwayLand, Media
posted by WFY @ 2:00 PM |
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# posted by :
Monday, June 01, 2009 4:20:00 PM
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Tuesday, June 02, 2009 8:24:00 AM

RIP Harry Kalas - William World News
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
RIP Harry Kalas
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- While milling around Nationals Park yesterday, Fritz got a surprising text message from a friend that Phillies broadcaster Harry Kalas had collapsed and died. As details began to emerge, we determined that the ambulance we saw on the way into Nationals Park was probably for Kalas. The Nationals had a moment of silence for Kalas just before the start of yesterday's game. I have been a fan of Kalas for a long time, though it was from his work with NFL Films and network radio telecasts of NFL games. It seemed like whenever we would drive out to cut down a Christmas tree in the country, we'd listen to an out-of-market game on Mutual that Kalas was doing. I also enjoyed his NFL Films narration. I might have seen him doing Phillies work a few times over the years and for some reason I remember watching a Cubs vs. Phillies game that went to rain delay Kalas joined the Cubs broadcasters for some lively banter -- that's good rain delay theater if you ask me. Lastly, my great Uncle Bill, a lifelong Philadelphian and baseball fan (originally the A's until they moved to Kansas City, then the Phillies) used to correspond with Kalas regularly. After Uncle Bill died, his family discovered these letters. Kalas later acknowledged Uncle Bill's death on air. Kalas will be missed. I'm glad he got to call a Phillies championship live last season. Harry Kalas 1936 - 2009 - The Inky & Philly Daily NewsHarry Kalas, Longtime Phillies Broadcaster, Dies at 73 - The PostHarry Kalas Tribute - Baseball Insider, The PostThom Loverro: Kalas' legacy much deeper than his voice - The Wash. TimesPRESS RELEASE - Washington Nationals statement on the passing of Harry Kalas - nationals.comPRESS RELEASE - Kalas family statement - phillies.comLong-time NFL voice Kalas dead at 73 - AP/NFL Harry Kalas, Philadelphia Phillies, broadcasterLabels: Media, Nats/MLB 2009, Radio, Television, Washington Nationals
posted by WFY @ 12:38 PM |
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MASN details, but I still don't like the channel - William World News
Monday, April 06, 2009
MASN details, but I still don't like the channel
JIM WILLIAMS - MASN ready for Opening Day and beyond - The Wash. ExaminerIn a column that reads like a MASN press release, we get details about broadcast plans for this season. There is some good news: "We have a new high home camera location on level three of Nationals Park. That means the camera is about 150 feet lower and closer to the field so fans will have a better look at the game action," Glass said. "We will also use X-Mo, a high-speed HD camera..." Progress, yes. Later Williams says this: OK, I am ready for those fans out there that will simply call me an Angelos lover, but MASN is a quality regional sports network. As someone who has first-hand experience in building three of them from the ground up, I can tell you Glass, Cuddihy and their team are very well thought of in the industry. Both the Nationals and the Orioles have top talent in the booth and top-quality talent in the production trucks. Okay, Angelos lover even if MASN is a top quality sports network, why wasn't it from day 1? The coverage over the years has been poor and anti-Washington. I'm not about to give them a pat on the back because they started figuring it out in year 5. By the way, hope for rain for more reasons than spoiling the Orioles Opening Day: "We are producing every Nationals and Orioles game this year in high definition," said Glass, MASN's Executive Producer, Operations Director, on what they have done during the offseason. "That way if say the Orioles' Opening Day game was rained out, then we can switch to the Nationals-Marlins game in HD." Whoopee, maybe next year all games can be shown in HD. Washington Nationals, Nats, , Labels: Media, Nats/MLB 2009, Television, Washington Nationals
posted by WFY @ 12:23 PM |
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Cerphe, classic rock 94.7 sign off - William World News
Cerphe, classic rock 94.7 sign off
D.C. Radio's Last Rock Overturned - The PostThis morning, I have one less radio station to listen to on my commute as 94.7 has become the third adult contemporary station in the D.C. market. Friday was Don Cerphe Colwell's final day at the microphone on 94.7 FM which was classic rock, then "world-class rock" which included current yuppie/boomer rock (Coldplay, Plant/Krauss) and some older stuff and then back to classic rock again. Of the two formats, "world-class" rock was closer to being a great station and probably could have been with a little more commitment from management. Despite the article saying classic rock is dead in D.C. radio, it is on WBIG 100.3 FM which has billed itself as oldies, but really you can't be oldies and not play Motown. As for Cerphe, he'll be fine and may even do some specials for WJFK. I'm sure we will hear his morning counterpart, Albie Dee, somewhere too, probably on a completely different format. I wonder if we'll hear from Jonathan "Weasel" Gilbert again though. He was let go to make way for Ablie Dee. WTGB, classic rock 94.7, radio Cerpe, Don Cerpe ColwellLabels: BeltwayLand, Media, Radio
posted by WFY @ 10:30 AM |
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94.7 dropping classic rock format - William World News
Thursday, April 02, 2009
94.7 dropping classic rock format
DCRTV.com reported that WTGB 94.7 FM is dropping its classic rock format and going to adult contemporary, FRESH 94.7. Now I will have one less station to listen to on my commute. This will be particularly tough in the morning. I liked 94.7's "world class rock" format of last year. It was flawed yes -- (can you really play New Order and Led Zepplin back-to-back?), but overall it was pretty good. Initially, the return to a straight classic rock format was not something I was too enthusiastic about because who needs to hear more .38 Special? However, it got better and for a couple of months I could count on hearing either Bruce Springsteen and/or Rush on my commutes. Perhaps that is why they had trouble attracting listeners. Marc Fisher of The Post was not too happy about the change either. One bright spot if you have HD Radio (does anybody) they have something more like "The Globe" format running on the second 94.7 channel. WTGB, classic rock 94.7, radioLabels: BeltwayLand, Media, Radio
posted by WFY @ 10:15 AM |
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Nats beat writer Chico Harlan does not like his job - William World News
Monday, March 23, 2009
Nats beat writer Chico Harlan does not like his job
Post Watch: Harlan Would Rather Write About the Real Hot Dogs - WashingtonianThe other day, We've Got Heart brought to the Natmosphere's attention a Washingtonian magazine profile of Chico Harlan, Nationals beat writer for The Post. I was able to read it this afternoon. In that profile, " Post Watch: Harlan Would Rather Write About the Real Hot Dogs," Harlan told reporter Harry Jaffe of the Post Watch section that "I don't like sports — I am embarrassed that I cover them" and "I can't wait to stop." It is a means to an end and a paycheck." Those statements did not go over too well in some quarters for understandable reasons. My take -- whatever, though it explains the initial level of coverage he provided when he took over the beat last season. It struck me as being written by someone who was cocky and probably too into himself. However, Harlan has improved and if he is doing it despite not liking his job, well that speaks well to his professionalism. He still tries to hit you over the head with snark sometimes, rather the nuisanced writing of his predecessor Barry Svrluga, who had his own Washingtonian profile in 2005 (just an image, the link died). Harlan has already apologized on the Nationals Journal blog and I am not even going to bother parsing it out. I see Harlan's point and add that being sportswriter never had much appeal to me or at least not after I read Boys of Summer by Roger Kahn. The classic book about cover the 1952-53 Brooklyn Dodgers detailed his coverage of the team and among many insights, reveals that he tired of the extensive travel, endless season, boredom and tedium that is the beat writer's life. Kahn also noted that no matter what he did after his days on that beat, people wanted to talk about the Dodgers which frustrated him. Baseball is probably the hardest sport to cover though if you like to see your name in print, there may be no better beat -- in 2005 Svrluga led the Post for number of stories published. What will happen to Harlan, I cannot say. I have a feeling his superiors will grumble 1, fans will bombard him in his next chat and he might have a few tough days in the clubhouse. Then a few players will tell him off the record that they feel the same way about playing baseball as he does about writing about it. Oh and by the way, Harlan, while there are probably 75 or so MLB beats in American newspapers (maybe more), but I bet there are even fewer food writer beats these days. Also, in this month's Washingtonian is " Heavy Hitters," an article with a big photograph of Frank Howard that appears to talk about D.C. baseball sluggers. Washington Nationals, Nats, ChicoHarlan, WashingtonianLabels: Media, Nats/MLB 2009, Washington Nationals
posted by WFY @ 12:10 PM |
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Forty years of WTOP - William World News
Monday, March 09, 2009
Forty years of WTOP
WTOP celebrates 40 years in news - WTOPWTOP went to an all-news format 40 years ago today. It looks like they got about halfway done with their celebration page before giving up. Washington Nationals, Nats, , Labels: BeltwayLand, History, Media, Radio, The District
posted by WFY @ 2:00 PM |
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Cosby on WTOP - William World News
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Cosby on WTOP
Cosby talks half-smokes, sports and race - WTOPHere is the story, video and audio from Bill Cosby's rambling visit to WTOP. He would not let them break for traffic and weather on the 8s. To answer MissChatter's question, no Cosby did not go with the Obamas to Ben's Chili Bowl. In fact he said that Obama had not earned the right to eat there for free. Bill Cosby, WTOPLabels: BeltwayLand, Media, Radio, The District
posted by WFY @ 7:14 AM |
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Why wasn't Sammy Baugh above the scroll/fold on Post? - William World News
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Why wasn't Sammy Baugh above the scroll/fold on Post?
 The greatest Redskin of all (if not the greatest D.C. athlete ever), Sammy Baugh, died last night. For some reason, washingtonpost.com did not feature this news above the scroll as of 9:45 a.m. Their local competitors washtimes.com and dcexaminer.com both had Baugh in their carousels. On the print edition, Baugh's passing is only noted at the bottom. The front page of The Wash. Times has the news on the fold. Even the Philly Daily News had Baugh's passing noted on the back (sports) page. Baugh made football in this town and revolutionized passing. He was also one of the greatest punters of all time and an excellent defensive back. His #33 is the only number officially retired by the Redskins. He was the only quarterback to lead the Redskins to multiple titles (1937 and 1942). I hope the Redskins honor him with a #33 patch on their uniforms for the rest of the season. Depending on the source, Baugh may have never returned to Washington after retiring in 1952, preferring life on his Texas ranch. The First of the Gunslingers - The PostSammy Baugh, early Redskins great, dies - The Wash. Times Washington Redskins, Sammy BaughLabels: Blogging/WWW, History, Media, Redskins/NFL
posted by WFY @ 12:46 PM |
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WTOP sports puts Baltimore first again - William World News
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
WTOP sports puts Baltimore first again
Quick question with the Nationals and Orioles both playing at home which ballpark do you think Washington radio station WTOP had its reporter at? Was it Nationals Park? Nope, Craig Heist was reporting from Oriole Park in Baltimore. The Orioles vs. Rays game was giving top billing on tonight's sportscast above the Nationals. The reason seems pretty simple if you read Heist's bio: I love covering my hometown team, the Orioles. Boy, that's sweet Craig nothing like putting the city your station broadcasts from second. I might have to stop listening to anything on WTOP that does not start on the eights. Washington Nationals, Nats, WTOP, Craig HeistLabels: Media, Nats/MLB 2008, Radio
posted by WFY @ 5:52 PM |
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Somebody screwed up: BTN overflow channel on Comcast not working - William World News
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Somebody screwed up: BTN overflow channel on Comcast not working
ARGH! None of the Big Ten Network overflow channels are showing a picture, meaning that we cannot watch the Penn State vs. Temple game that is going on right now. I called Comcast and they are aware of it, in fact the rep said, "Penn State?" when I mentioned the game was not on. I'm kind of annoyed that Penn State is not the regular telecast here anyway since it is about 215 miles away from here and Temple is even closer. BTN proper went with OSU vs. Troy instead. I don't believe either school is within 450 miles of here. I will be calling Comcast's billing dept. for a refund on Monday. Big Ten Network, ComcastLabels: Media, PSU Football 2008, Television, Whiskey-Tango-Foxtrot
posted by WFY @ 12:28 PM |
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Sunday, September 21, 2008 7:53:00 AM
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Sunday, September 21, 2008 12:35:00 PM

WTOP's Dave Johnson: Putting Baltimore first - William World News
Monday, September 08, 2008
WTOP's Dave Johnson: Putting Baltimore first
This morning, WTOP sports led with the Ravens win over Cincinatti and devoted the largest part of the sportscast to Baltimore's football team. I'm pretty indifferent to the Ravens other than I am glad Baltimore got a NFL team again, even if they have to wear purple. I am not going to suggest that the NFL is not important, if the Redskins had played yesterday instead of Thursday, it would have made sense for them to lead off in sports. I will suggest though that local teams like the Nationals are more important than non-local teams like the Ravens. The Nationals came from behind and won in 14 innings yesterday ( The Post) and are broadcasted by WTOP's sister station WWWT. Even if you accept that non-local NFL games trump local MLB games, I would argue that the Ravens are not even the second most popular team in BeltwayLand. That position is probably held by the Giants with the Eagles, Jets, Steelers, possibly the Patriots and even Cowboys more popular than the Ravens, so why not focus on them if D.C. teams don't matter too much? Perhaps sports director Dave Johnson's bio offers a hint: Before breaking into sports Johnson was a disc jockey at several stations in Baltimore. His first job was at a station that played Sinatra music and then he went on to "spin records" at rock and country stations.
A graduate of Towson University... It is not a stretch to suggest that Johnson's colors run purple & black and orange & black instead of red, white & blue and burgundy & gold. He is even wearing Ravens colors in his photo. It is an ongoing pro-Baltimore trend that also rewards the bad behavior by anti-Washington baseball owner Peter Angelo$. Johnson should shape up and focus on the real home teams. Washington Nationals, Nats, WTOP, Dave JohnsonLabels: Media, Nats/MLB 2008, Radio, Redskins/NFL
posted by WFY @ 12:15 PM |
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Saturday's PSU game: Overflow to the rescue! - William World News
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Saturday's PSU game: Overflow to the rescue!
First off, forgive me if for being such a cable luddite, but I barely watch TV, especially now with Will around. I am not familiar with how everything is set up and will probably not get an HD TV for a long time. Anyway, the news about this weeks' Penn State game appears to be good: SATURDAY, AUGUST 30TH FOOTBALL GAMES
Catch your Big Ten games on COMCAST! See below for details in your area.
12:00 PM (ET) / 11:00 AM (CT) YOUNGSTOWN STATE VS. OHIO STATE: channel 257 (SD) AKRON VS. WISCONSIN *: channel 801 (SD) MAINE VS. IOWA: channel 802 (SD) WESTERN KENTUCKY VS. INDIANA *: channel 803 (SD) COASTAL CAROLINA VS. PENN STATE: channel 804 (SD) That comes via search on the Big Ten Network gamefinder for my zip code in Alexandria, Va. I have had my skepticisms of BTN, but they do have a pretty useful Web site. Is it just me or is it silly for Virginia to get Ohio State when the states on the northern and southern border are getting Penn State? Penn State, Nittany Lions, Comcast, Big Ten NetworkLabels: Media, PSU Football 2008, Television
posted by WFY @ 6:39 AM |
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Nobody is listening to the Nats either - William World News
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Nobody is listening to the Nats either
From the Basement, It's No Wonder Radio Reception Is Poor - The PostBoy, this really is a lost season -- nobody is listening to the excellent Nationals radio broadcast. How unfortunate, Charlie Slowes and Dave Jageler are quite good too. After the season, I plan on having a really long post about what the Nationals need to do to get the franchise where it needs to be. Washington Nationals, Nats, radioLabels: Media, Nats/MLB 2008
posted by WFY @ 12:11 PM |
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Tape delay for Penn State vs. Coastal Carolina on Alexandria Comcast - William World News
Tape delay for Penn State vs. Coastal Carolina on Alexandria Comcast
The $5 a month I am spending for Big Ten Network and the sports tier entitles me to the watch or tape the Penn State vs. Coastal Carolina game 23 hours after it starts. Apparently, there are no overflow channels for the network. It looks like I will be considering another service provider after all. Given that I can't watch the game live anyway, it is not a big deal – this week. Boo Comcast though. It was nice watching the 2002 Penn State vs. Wisconsin game last night though, even though it was played on dreadful artificial turf. They looked like they were playing on a floor, not a field. I had forgotten just how terrible those rugs were before FieldTurf/SportTurf/etc. Penn State, Nittany Lions, Comcast, Big Ten NetworkLabels: Media, PSU Football 2008
posted by WFY @ 10:30 AM |
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Yesterday's NYC tabs had same frontpage headline - William World News
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Yesterday's NYC tabs had same frontpage headline
Mayor Bloomberg wanted to put wind turbines on top of buildings and bridges and that drew obvious responses. Don't worry, it is not going to happen to any of your favorite landmarks. Architects and Engineers Express Doubt About Bloomberg’s Windmill Proposal - The Times New York Tabloids, Daily News, New York PostLabels: Media, New York, Northeast Corridor, Tabloids
posted by WFY @ 5:47 AM |
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Thoughts on the Mike O'Meara Show - William World News
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Thoughts on the Mike O'Meara Show
Recently, a few co-workers and I had a conversation about the new Mike O'Meara Show, heard locally on WJFK 106.7. We all had the same conclusion -- it is pretty good. While the new show is not as good as the old Don & Mike Show at its peak, it still keeps me entertained and is better than what the Don & Mike Show had become. Don Geronimo was clearly unhappy being on the old show, so his retirement has been an addition via subtraction. O'Meara's show isn't dark like D&M could be and has more whimsy and tomfoolery. Sure, some of the bits are not super, but overall the lighter tone is a welcome change. Keep it up Mike! Mike O'Meara, Mike O'Meara Show, Don and Mike Show, Don Geronimo, WJFKLabels: Media, Radio
posted by WFY @ 12:36 PM |
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Big11Ten Network availability search - William World News
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Big11Ten Network availability search
In case you are unsure about whether Big11Ten Network will be available were you live go to this search page and type in your zip code. That will let you know if you can get it on one of several providers (Comcast, RCN, etc.) I'm quite pleased that Arlington/Alexandria Comcast will offer it, likely on the sports tier. Big Ten Network, cable TVLabels: Media, PSU Football 2008, Television
posted by WFY @ 2:00 PM |
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Favre to Jets means 3 tabloids use same bad pun - William World News
Thursday, August 07, 2008
Favre to Jets means 3 tabloids use same bad pun
I really hoped I would not have to post anything about Brett Favre, but he got traded to the Jets, so I knew tabloids would all pretty much look the same today. The little twist is that the NY Post made "JET FAVRE" the top headline, but had a bigger focus on the anthrax story.

Oh why did he have to go to New York? The nightmare of Favre coverage may just be getting started. Prediction -- Favre will have a season ending injury before October, rendering the whole ordeal pointless. Brett Favre, New York Jets, Green Bay Packers, New York Tabloids, Daily News, New York Post, NewsdayLabels: Media, New York, Northeast Corridor, Tabloids
posted by WFY @ 9:15 AM |
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Just tabloids being tabloids - William World News
Friday, August 01, 2008
Just tabloids being tabloids
Is it just me or is it unbecoming of New York tabloids to devote the backpage to a Boston player getting traded? New York Tabloids, Daily News, New York Post, Manny RamirezLabels: Media, New York, Northeast Corridor, Tabloids
posted by WFY @ 9:00 AM |
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True Oldies? - William World News
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
True Oldies?
Overheard in the car..."that was Manfred Mann with 'Blinded by the Light' on True Oldies 105.9." If 105.9 is really true oldies, shouldn't they have played Bruce Springsteen's version of "Blinded by the Light?" Blinded by the Light, Manfred Mann, Bruce Springsteen, true oldies 105.9Labels: Media, Music, Whiskey-Tango-Foxtrot
posted by WFY @ 10:30 AM |
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Seeing double, almost triple on NY tabs backpages - William World News
Friday, July 18, 2008
Seeing double, almost triple on NY tabs backpages
The Mets' ten wins in a row have vaulted them into first place. Even with that, I think the "First & 10" headline is not terribly strong and is kind of forced. It did not stop with the two city tabloids' back pages either.

Newsday, Long Island's paper of record, went with the identical sounding "First & Ten" headline, but used a different photograph than the other two. The Ombudsman can't be too happy to see his Phillies in second place. New York Tabloids, Daily News, New York Post, Mets, NewsdayLabels: Media, New York, Northeast Corridor, Tabloids
posted by WFY @ 9:00 AM |
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Coverage is lacking - William World News
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Coverage is lacking
Looking for a Nats story in The Post today, I found none. Now, I realize this is the All-Star break and all, but a quick survey of all other leading newspapers along the Northeast Corridor had coverage of their home teams in them. Ignoring the home team during the middle of the season is an odd choice for sports editor Emilio Garcia-Ruiz to make, no? Garcia-Ruiz does have a staff article on a team from another city though, one that is owned by a someone who tried to kill the hometown team. To me, that is rewarding bad behavior, if not promoting it outright. Is this good news judgment? Over on New York Ave. NE, despite a much smaller circulation and budget, they are committed to covering the Nationals. They also boast the best writer on the beat these days. The Dick Heller column is pretty stupid though and will not get linked. Nationals First-Half Report Card - The Wash. Times Washington Nationals, Nats, Washington Post, Emilio Garcia-RuizLabels: Media, Nats/MLB 2008
posted by WFY @ 8:00 AM |
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This was a Collegian editorial? - William World News
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
This was a Collegian editorial?
Suggestions for stellar scene setting - The CollegianI read this editorial, which is the centerpiece of any opinion page, making fun of LaVar Arrington for reopening the old Sports Cafe as the new Linebacker U. bar and wondered what the point was and the overall appropriateness of it in general. It would be one thing if it was just a bad column with a byline, but an editorial? An alumnus, in a letter to the editor, did not care for the editorial either. It is going to be a long year for Collegian readers methinks. Lavar Arrington, Penn State Nittany Lions, Daily Collegian, Linebacker ULabels: Media, PSU/Happy Valley, Whiskey-Tango-Foxtrot
posted by WFY @ 12:00 PM |
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washingtonpost.com cutting back on chats - William World News
Monday, July 07, 2008
washingtonpost.com cutting back on chats
Post.com Cuts Back On Online Chats - Fishbowl DCFewer live discussions? Chats are one of the things that really sets washingtonpost.com apart from other newspaper Web sites -- nobody has done them better. For the record, my favorite chats, in no particular order are the Nationals, Gene Weingarten, Marc Fisher and Capitals. I also check in on the Tom Sietsema, Dave Shenin and Thomas Boswell chats. This development could be a great opportunity for washingtontimes.com to claim some chat traffic by upgrading their software to something more robust. Washington Post, chats, washingtonpost.comLabels: Blogging/WWW, Chats, Media
posted by WFY @ 7:00 AM |
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Bracken farewell column - William World News
Saturday, July 05, 2008
Bracken farewell column
RON BRACKEN - Ride ends with acknowledgement of supportive cast - CDTBracken's final column, if you are interested. He explains himself: Just as for an athlete, the time comes when they can no longer turn on a fastball, throw a tight spiral that leads a receiver just right or hit the fall away jumper; so too for a writer the time comes when the words no longer flow like tap water, the account at the idea bank is overdrawn and the passion has faded . It's a hard thing to admit but even harder to ignore. Good to see he saw the same things I was seeing. Ron Bracken, Centre Daily Times, CDTLabels: Media, PSU Football 2008, PSU/Happy Valley
posted by WFY @ 10:00 AM |
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Weingarten is a hack! - William World News
Monday, June 30, 2008
Weingarten is a hack!
Fiddling Around With History - The PostGene Weingarten's Pulitzer Prize winning story about a world-class violinist playing before subway patrons was not original! The same thing happened in 1930 in Chicago. PREVIOUSLYPost PulitzersWeingarten does it againQ&A: Gene Weingarten Gene Weingarten, Joshua Bell, Labels: BeltwayLand, Media, The District
posted by WFY @ 12:13 PM |
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Big11Ten Network, Comcast seal the deal - William World News
Friday, June 20, 2008
Big11Ten Network, Comcast seal the deal
Comcast will carry BTN -- for now - Patriot-NewsMore details on the Comcast-Big11Ten Network deal. Essentially, for the upcoming football and basketball seasons, BTN will be on expanded-basic cable in the Big11Ten footprint which does not include Philadelphia. In markets outside of the footprint, Comcast will offer BTN on a sports tier. After basketball season is over, Comcast may move it to the sports tier everywhere. My suggestion to those of us outside of the footprint -- contact Comcast and request that BTN be on the sports tier. I don't mind paying a few bucks a month for more Penn State sports. PRESS RELEASES:Comcast, Big Ten Network Reach Broad Multimedia Agreement for Big Ten Network Content - Comcast Press RoomComcast, Big Ten Network Reach Broad Multimedia Agreement for Big Ten Network Content - Big Ten Network Comcast, BigTenNetworkLabels: Media, PSU Football 2008, PSU Sports, Television
posted by WFY @ 2:15 PM |
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I (sort of) got Romenesko'ed - William World News
Thursday, June 19, 2008
I (sort of) got Romenesko'ed
Filmmaker: "I suspect that Hunter would have liked Obama" - RomeneskoA question I asked in the Talking With Alex Gibney washingtonpost.com chat got picked up by Poynter Online's Romenesko blog. Here is the question: Western Alexandria: Near the end of his life, Thompson was quite angry about the Bush presidency. I kind of get the feeling that he would have been very pleased by the Obama run.
Alex Gibney: I do think you're right. I suspect that Hunter would have liked Obama. He seems to capture the same kind of idealism that Hunter responded to with Robert F. Kennedy and George McGovern. Actually, I know Thompson would have been all over the Obama campaign, but he chose to blow his head off in 2005. Back then, I said it was a "logical end to an illogical life" and while I still maintain that is true, I was not defending his decision. Suicide is a the most selfish act and had he not made that decision, he would finally have a candidate he could believe in. The joke's on him I guess, so in other words teenage suicide gonzo journalist suicide, don't do it. Romenesko, Hunter S. Thompson, Alex Gibney, gonzoLabels: Blogging/WWW, Chats, Media
posted by WFY @ 6:30 AM |
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Big11Ten Network, Comcast near deal? - William World News
Monday, June 16, 2008
Big11Ten Network, Comcast near deal?
Big Ten Network, Comcast ready to call a truce - Chicago TribuneThere are indications that Comcast subscribers will be able to get the Big11Ten Network in time for football season. Folks in Big11Ten Country get it as part of basic cable, while those of us out of it (which includes Philadelphia, apparently) will have to get it on a sports tier. I will probably splurge and get the sports tier, since it is cheaper than going to a bar to watch the game. I am still not happy about the way it all went down though. H/T: Black Shoe Diaries, fool Big Ten Network, Comcast, television, cable, Penn State Nittany LionsLabels: Media, PSU Football 2008, PSU Sports, Television
posted by WFY @ 2:00 PM |
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Same headline, photo on NYC backpages - William World News
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Same headline, photo on NYC backpages
The Mets' Carlos Beltran's 13th inning walk-off inspired the two NYC tabloids to use the same photo and same headline again. New York Tabloids, Daily News, New York Post MetsLabels: Media, New York, Northeast Corridor, Tabloids
posted by WFY @ 9:58 AM |
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On JoePa & the media class and JoePa & the media; blogs - William World News
Monday, June 09, 2008
On JoePa & the media class and JoePa & the media; blogs
JoePa's media drills land him in class - Tribune-ReviewAn article looking at the "how the media covers Joe Paterno class" is a look at how the media covers Joe Paterno. It is a good article about the man and the class. It also contains a quote that might make a few bloggers upset: "It's impossible to tell the difference between a good blogger and a bad blogger," he said. "The media has to figure out a way to teach students about the impact of blogging on legitimate journalism." I can't get worked about the quote, but I bet somebody does. I guess EDSBS (h/t, btw) kind of does. As for Paterno in the media -- no one in sports controls the message as well as he does, Redskins owner Dan Snyder aspires he were 10% as good as Paterno. Penn State, Nittany Lions, Joe Paterno, college footballLabels: Blogging/WWW, Media, PSU Football 2008
posted by WFY @ 2:18 PM |
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Friday tabs made the same New York Climbs pun - William World News
Sunday, June 08, 2008
Friday tabs made the same New York Climbs pun
Both tabloids had the same idea for the cover -- New York Climbs in a gothic typeface similar to the old gray lady's flag (not masthead, as it is mistakenly called). I appreciate the Daily News one more because it included the definite article. Apparently, designers of the relatively new New York Times building had not considered how easy it would be to climb the 52-story skyscraper ( The Times) at 8th and 41st. Two climbers, one a stuntman from France and the other from Brooklyn, both did it on the same day. New York Tabloids, Daily News, New York Post New York TimesLabels: Media, New York, Northeast Corridor, Tabloids, Whiskey-Tango-Foxtrot
posted by WFY @ 9:40 AM |
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Dan Snyder buys WTEM - William World News
Thursday, June 05, 2008
Dan Snyder buys WTEM
Dan Snyder Expands Radio Empire - The PostIn an effort to control the message and provide "unfiltered" coverage of the Redskins, owner Dan Snyder has purchased WTEM, the market's original sports radio station. Since taking over the Redskins in 1999, Snyder has made a number of deals to control both the media and the message. In addition to purchasing the Triple X radio stations in late 2005, the Redskins buy time on local TV stations to air upbeat, magazine-style shows such as "Redskins Game Day" that are produced by the team. That is a pretty tame way of putting it. Snyder comes off as incredibly petty and insecure about himself and his team. Once again, he has bought his way out of criticism, if there is even much of it on WTEM; I don't know, because I don't listen to sports radio. One wonders how Snyder would hold up in a media market that did not provide so much favorable coverage of the team. Clearly, he doesn't see it, but I think reasonable people realize that the Redskins have traditionally been subject to coverage that is far from harsh. Can you imagine Snyder owning a team in a place like New York or Philly? He couldn't have handle it. Snyder has faced some backlash over the years, but not enough that he hasn't been able to fill FedEx Field every Sunday. He has the luxury of a devoted fanbase and a season-ticket waiting list that has spanned generations. Moves like this though and the mediocre gameday experience is probably going to cut it into that soon. Ten years from now, he could find himself in a really tough spot, maybe five if the Redskins can't win regularly. Lastly, I wonder if Bonneville is going to switch 3WT to sports radio. They have very little original programming now and already carry the Nats and Caps. They must be thinking about it a little bit. Washington Redskins, WTEM, Dan Snyder, Red ZebraLabels: BeltwayLand, Media, Radio, Redskins/NFL
posted by WFY @ 9:03 AM |
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new washingtontimes.com debuts - William World News
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
new washingtontimes.com debuts
The new washingtontimes.com is here. There is a fair amount of video now and it is embeddedable. The "newscube" treatment on the front page is kind of a 3-D spin on the rotating tabs that most papers use. There are links in the cube stories to related themes (tags more or less) and other stories. That is a nice feature, but on the stories themselves, there are not related stories. There are dozens of RSS feeds, but there is not a feed specifically for the Nationals, something I was expecting. There is a baseball feed, but I don't want to clog Google Reader with stories about other teams like the Orioles. I also don't think the "Themes" area is working as it is supposed to yet. Overall the design seems kind of dated. The content area is barely 800 pixels wide, over 100 fewer pixels than many contemporary designs. They also appear to have migrated out of the Saxotech content management system. Right now, there are some problem with the section fronts delivering the same content every time they are refreshed. For example, I had seen a story about Ryan Zimmerman's shoulder on the Sports front, but after I read a different story and returned to the Sports front, the Zimmerman story was gone. So far, the new washingtontimes.com is okay, but they have some bugs to work out. I will check back in several weeks and see how it has come along. Frequently Asked Questions - The Wash. Times Washington Times, newspaper, redesignLabels: BeltwayLand, Blogging/WWW, Media, The District, Video
posted by WFY @ 5:51 AM |
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Newspaper Web site redesigns - William World News
Monday, May 19, 2008
Newspaper Web site redesigns
There are several redesigns to newspaper Web sites that are here or almost here. Washington Times provides sneak preview of new Web site - The Wash. TimesThey have a mockup online, but I would not go as far to call it a beta site since the functionality is not there. A rotating image on the front -- something many sites started doing last year, but are starting to abandon. So far, the new washtimes.com site looks okay and I like the idea of "400,000 custom news feeds" being made available. I have heard that the goal is for washtimes.com to become one of the top 10 sites -- not newspaper sites -- in the world. I don't see that happening. Our new look: More information, more quickly - USA TodayLess trapped white space and no more rotating top stories on usatoday.com's frontpage in this design incarnation. Also, philly.com, the Web site for The Inky and Philly Daily News has taken a step back and switched the front page design for something less robust and with a terrible color palette. I had really liked the way the had it, particularly the way they gave each paper its own site with suitable designs. Washington Times, USA Today, Philadelphia Inquirer, Philadelphia Daily News, philly.comLabels: Blogging/WWW, Media, Northeast Corridor, Pennsylvania, The District
posted by WFY @ 12:30 PM |
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Tabloids have same take on Subway Series - William World News
Friday, May 16, 2008
Tabloids have same take on Subway Series
The Yankees are in the odd position of last place (it is a rebuilding year, though no one told Hank Steinbrenner) right now and the Mets are not as good as they were supposed to be this season. That has the two city tabloids thinking the same thing as the regular season Subway Series resumes tonight. The Bronx Bombers won't be in last place for long and may make the playoffs yet. The Mets on the other hand, have third place written all over them. New York Tabloids, Daily News, New York Post Yankees, Mets, Subway SeriesLabels: Media, New York, Northeast Corridor, Tabloids, Yankees
posted by WFY @ 12:20 PM |
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Ron Bracken retiring - William World News
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Ron Bracken retiring
Sharing a career full of memories and personal beliefs - CDTRon Bracken, who has been at the CDT since 1967 (the year after Joe Paterno became Penn State head coach -- JoePa outlasts another one), is retiring on June 30. The eight Sundays proceeding his retirement will feature "highlights of his career" in the CDT. A farewell tour seems a bit much, but I see something interesting, I'll post it. Over the last few years, Bracken has struck me as getting pretty grumpy about the state of the Nittany Lions (sound like anyone you know?). He was a lot more enthusiastic about covering the program when he came to Jock Lauterer's community journalism class when I was an undergrad. Players who will never be forgotten - CDT Ron Bracken, Centre Daily Times, CDTLabels: Media, PSU Football 2008, PSU Sports, PSU/Happy Valley
posted by WFY @ 12:21 PM |
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Mike D'Antoni doubled up - William World News
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Mike D'Antoni doubled up
Mike D'Antoni is the latest Knickerbockers coach. The headlines just write themselves. New York Tabloids, Daily News, New York Post, Mike D'Antoni Labels: Media, New York, Tabloids
posted by WFY @ 11:48 AM |
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New Nats reporter for Post announced - William World News
Monday, May 05, 2008
New Nats reporter for Post announced
Prepare to welcome a new beat writer - Nationals Journal, washingtonpost.com Chico Harlan, previously the Penn State football reporter for the Post-Gazette, will be succeeding Barry Svrluga on The Post's Nats beat. Those are very big shoes to fill. Hopefully, Svrluga's departure from the beat means he is on the fast-track to columnist status. Harlan was pretty good on the Penn State beat and I think he actually broke the " Graham Spainer/Tim Curley trying to convince Joe Paterno to retire in 2004" story. He also just spent a year in Australia. Barry Svrluga, Chico Harlan, Washington Post, Washington Nationals, NatsLabels: Media, Nats/MLB 2008
posted by WFY @ 12:29 PM |
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Same headline for the first time in a long time - William World News
Friday, May 02, 2008
Same headline for the first time in a long time
Don't mess with Uma. New York Tabloids, Daily News, New York Post, Uma ThurmanLabels: Media, New York, Northeast Corridor, Tabloids
posted by WFY @ 12:21 PM |
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Final Don & Mike Show available - William World News
Monday, April 14, 2008
Final Don & Mike Show available
The final Don & Mike Show, is available on WJFK.com. The Mike O'Meara Show debuts at 3 p.m. today. PREVIOUSLY: Final Don & Mike Show today Don and Mike Show, Don Geronimo, Mike O'meara, WJFKLabels: Media, Radio
posted by WFY @ 12:02 PM |
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Newseum opens today - William World News
Friday, April 11, 2008
Newseum opens today
The Newseum is now open. Admission is free today, but starting tomorrow, $20. The price seems steep, especially with the Smithsonian's free admission, but it is worth it I thought I would round up some articles about the museum, some pro, some con. I reviewed it last week after attending a preview. Cityguide : Newseum - The PostNews under glass - The Wash. TimesGet Me Rewrite: A New Monument to Press Freedom - The TimesMassive Newseum opens window on journalism - USA TodayNews museum to open in Washington - BBCTo Do: Skip Newseum Opening - SlateNewseum's an attic packed with storied stuff - The Boston Globe Newseum, museum, dc, Washington, mediaLabels: Arts and Culture, BeltwayLand, History, Media, The District
posted by WFY @ 12:49 PM |
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Final Don & Mike Show today - William World News
Final Don & Mike Show today
Don Geronimo makes his return to the Don & Mike Show for one final show today at 3 p.m. on WJFK and dozens of radio stations nationwide. He is retiring (early) after over 20 years on the show with Mike O'Meara. I expect him to name names and overall be very, very bitter and selfish, but occasionally grateful. The Mike O'Meara Show debuts on Monday. If Mike ever wants to kill off the Charly character, now would be a great time. I hope he doesn't though. UPDATE: Don skipped the bitterness. He explained that he couldn't do the show anymore because it was keeping him from moving on from the death of his wife Freida. He talked about his new life and shared war stories with each member of the cast, ending with Mike. Now he's taking some time to say a few other things before he goes out. Don and Mike Show, Don Geronimo, Mike O'meara, WJFKLabels: Media, Radio
posted by WFY @ 12:05 PM |
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Post Pulitzers - William World News
Tuesday, April 08, 2008
Post Pulitzers
The Post just about swept The Pulitzer Prizes this year, winning six awards, a record for the paper. The Pulitzer Prizes: 2008 Washington Post WinnersThere are few stories in particular that I'll comment on when they published: Local Reporting, Breaking NewsVirginia Tech Shootings -- washingtonpost.com was behind everybody on the story for the better part of the morning, something I documented. I suppose the lesson is being first to break the news is not as important as covering it very thoroughly. Feature WritingPearls before Breakfast -- Gene Weingarten finds fascinating characters and stories and makes them come to life with his writing. While this wasn't my favorite Weingarten article, I commented at the time that he had "done it again." Of course, he jokes he had "nothing to do with it" but that he "would gladly accept the award." ALSO: His first post-Pulitzer chat. Also, I can now say I have interviewed a Pulitzer Prize winner. Commentary Steve Pearlstein -- No, his silly "I like the messy vitality of Tysons" column didn't make it. Also, the Public Service award for the Walter Reed series is one of the finest examples of why the fourth estate is so important. Len Downie makes the announcementThe winners speak Washington Post, Pulitzer Prize, Labels: BeltwayLand, Media, The District, Video, Virginia
posted by WFY @ 12:44 PM |
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The Onion catches up to me - William World News
Monday, April 07, 2008
The Onion catches up to me
Charlton Heston's Gun Taken From His Cold, Dead Hands - The OnionThey are two days behind me. What took them so long? H/T: Ombudsman Charlton Heston, The OnionLabels: Media
posted by WFY @ 8:40 PM |
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Gun removed from Charlton Heston's cold dead hand - William World News
Sunday, April 06, 2008
Gun removed from Charlton Heston's cold dead hand
Charlton Heston, Actor and Gun Activist, Dies - The PostShouldn't the title of this post be on The Onion ( Web site) right now? They have let me down. I saw Heston speak at Penn State. His topics included acting, his role as a civil rights activist, which he is was both proud and smug about, and firearms. If I recall correctly, he was presented a rifle at the end. I went, half expecting to see protesters or, even better, people in ape masks, but neither happened. Charlton Heston, from my cold dead handLabels: Media
posted by WFY @ 8:06 AM |
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The New Newseum - William World News
Friday, April 04, 2008
The New Newseum
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Since I am a "special friend" of the Newseum, I was able to get free preview tickets to the new museum. Erica, Fritz, dl004d (another media stuides major -- I'm not alone!) and Grand Marnier came along as well. Back when the Newseum was in the Rosslyn neighborhood of Arlington, Va., I went to original Newseum, which closed in late 2001/early 2002, several times over the years. In fact, when I worked in Rosslyn I parked in a garage at the old Newseum. The beginning starts of our visit was a little awkward.. Newseum guides recommended we start on the lower level, past the Berlin Wall and into the "holding center" to wait for the next showing of the 4D movie. Thankfully, it wasn't as bad as it sounds. Several panels of |
# posted by
Kevin McGuire :
Monday, February 01, 2010 12:27:00 PM