More Loose Ends

Yes, we're still here at OMW. As seems to be normal, more happens when we're away from Northeast Ohio than when we're actually here. (If our base of operations ever moves out of the area, watch out! The entire radio spectrum in the area may combust spontaneously!)

But there are still some loose ends to tie up. Most of this has been elsewhere, but OMW feels the need to add it to our own record.

* OMW noticed the absence of long-time Akron Aeros play-by-play voice Jim Clark on WARF/1350 this week, with fill-in Joe Jazstremski doing the honors on a road trip to Erie. When his absence stretched to three days, we became concerned. But we hear there's no reason for worry, as Clark has been off to spend before-school-year vacation time with his family.

* The "brain drain" at Cleveland pubcaster WCPN/90.3 continues, as the Plain Dealer reports the departure of reporter/anchor Janet Babin...for a new gig with public radio's syndicated "Marketplace". The departure apparently doesn't concern "ideastream"'s management...but at least she didn't bolt for competitor WKSU/89.7, as another WCPN news staffer did recently. The mix between WCPN and co-owned WVIZ/25 has always been a bit uneasy, to outside observers, and may get even more so with the TV station moving downtown.

* The Plain Dealer discovers the Internet and radio, and notes WKSU's new classical and news audio streams. The possible use of these streams on WKSU's upcoming HD Radio feeds is touched upon, but sees no elaboration in Clint O'Connor's article. Also not mentioned: the long-standing rumor that WKSU will split its classical and news/talk feeds with the purchase of one of Akron's two non-commercial stations.

* It was a promising debut for veteran sports play-by-play man Sam Rosen over the weekend, who basically single-handedly rescued WOIO/19's pre-season Browns coverage. And a nice recovery for Bob Golic, the ex-Brown and WNIR/100.1 afternoon host who was, as expected, much more comfortable doing color commentary. But...that leaves the WOIO booth very crowded, as Golic now shares analyst duties with another ex-Browns player, Brian Brennan. And, the station's continuing to bring in a third "guest analyst", another former Browns player slot which rotates each week. Add to that mix WOIO's Chuck Galeti, Sharon Reed and Brian Duffy, and the size of the station's Browns crew is approaching the number of players on the field! OMW suspects that the station likes the "larger than life" numbers, and that they won't cut back anyway, since there are only two WOIO-produced games left.

* Radio trade site AllAccess.com reports that WMMS/100.7 afternoon guy "Maxwell" has inked a new 3 year deal. It's a long-term deal in a slot that once featured another station vet, "Slats".

* AllAccess also reports the departure of "Johnny D" from Toledo CHR WVKS/92.5 "Kiss". As with the item about Cincinnati, we don't spend a lot of time in the Toledo market, but note that "Johnny" apparently did time at Cleveland's 92.3, back when it was "Jammin'" WZJM.