Channel Surfing
by Laura Nachman
Bucks County Courier Times
March 1, 2005
According to a newsroom source, when WCAU reporter Monique Braxton met with station management following her two day suspension for allegedly badmouthing colleague Harry Hairston, she was accompanied by Philadelphia attorney Carl Singley.
Singley represented WCAU reporter Alicia Taylor during her internet fight with former WCAU anchor Sharon Reed a couple of years ago.
Singley, who reporteldy had a falling-out with Mayor John Street. Street is the uncle of Braxton’s ex-husband Shawn Fordham. Braxton and Singley did not return calls. WCAU does not comment on personnel issues.
According to insiders, AFTRA, the union for the WCAU anchors, reporters, producers, sent a letter to station union members in response to the Braxton suspension.
AFTRA has been working without a new contract (or raise) for four years. The relationship between management and talent has been described as "tense."
Alternative rock fans are mourning the end of WPLY 100.3-FM. Station owner Radio One, which also owns “The Beat” 103.9-FM and the new urban station WRNB 107.9-FM took off the rock format on 100.3 and moved “The Beat” there. 103.9-FM is now a gospel station.
Here’s a short recap of some of the major format changes and other news in radio over the past few months:
WYSP 94.1-FM’s Howard Stern announces he’ll move to Sirius Satellite Radio in January 2006.
Beasley Broadcasting’s 96.5-FM changes from hits of the ‘80’s to R-and-B and hip-hop.
WPEN 950-AM changes formats from “Golden Oldies” to “Oldies.”
The Phillies sign with WPHT 1210-AM. Friday night games will air on WIP 610-AM.
WRNB 107.9-FM, an R-and-B station debuts.
WNTP 990-AM, featuring a syndicated news-talk format debuts.
SOJO 104.9-FM, featuring hits of the 80’s, 90’s, and today debuts.
Philadelphia radio personalites Ed Sciaky and Mark “The Shark” Drucker die.
Also in radio land, industry sources say that Infinity stations WOGL 98.1-FM and WPHT 1210-AM will move out of the Channel 10 building on Monument road in Bala Cynwyd sometime this summer. They will join fellow Infinity station WIP 610-AM at two Bala Plaza in Bala Cynwyd. Also, there are reports that Infinity stations KYW-3, KYW 1060-AM, and WYSP 94.1-FM are looking to move from their location at 5th and Market in Philadelphia.
At least there is one constant. Bob Pantano’s “Saturday Night Dance Party” celebrated its 28th anniversary on WOGL-FM last week.
The first season of “The Brady Bunch” debuts on DVD today. Of course, “Brady Bunch” fans are invited to my web site, www.bradyresidence.com. Another great site about the show is www.bradyworld.com.
Renee Chenault-Fattah and Tim Lake host “Through the Eyes of Dali” on WCAU Thursday at 7 p.m.
Yes, that was Jill Whelan of “The Love Boat” on WPHT 1210-AM Sunday afternoon broadcasting from the Suburban Home and Garden Show, though it would’ve been more appropriate if the former captain’s daughter worked the boat show. Whelan recently moved to Bucks County with her new husband and his son.