Friday, March 17, 2006

Breeze Gets New PD

Mike Fitzgerald joins Press Communications “The Breeze” as program director and morning drive co-host. The Breeze is a simulcast of WWZY-FM, Long Branch; WBHX-FM, Beach Haven and WKOE-FM, Ocean City. Fitzgerald was an air personality on WCBS-FM, New York for 19 years, did a stint at WLTW and started in New Jersey this past Monday morning.  

Dalesio Promoted

Don Dalesio has a new job title and expanded responsibilities to go along with it. He is now Executive Vice President-Chief Operating Officer of Nassau Broadcasting Partners, LLC. Dalesio served for several years as Treasurer and a member of the Board of Directors of the New Jersey Broadcasters Association. In his new position, he will report directly to Lou Mercatanti, owner and President of the Company.  

Verizon Moves Forward In TV Delivery Services

The New Jersey Senate Economic Growth Committee has approved legislation that would make it easy for Verizon Communications to offer TV service that would compete directly with cable and satellite. Cable Companies must go before  every municipality for a franchise to operate. Verizon, which is regulated on a state level, wants the ability to get a statewide franchise from the PUC. The cable companies have been fighting this like tigers, as a very real threat to the cable business. Right now, Cable is the only wire directly into the home with both video and Internet service. Verizon, with fiber optic cable can offer all the service and for less money then cable, thereby, giving cable its first real competition and consumers a choice. The committee vote was 4-0 with one abstention. 

Station Renamed

Access. 1 Communications has announced the renaming of their most recently acquired station, WJSE-FM. Henceforth, the station will be known as “The Ace 102.7, the station that defines rock.“ The company stressed that the station format and personalities are not changing, just the name. The stations major claim to fame was that it was the only New Jersey outlet for Howard Stern, until Howard left at the end of last year.  

FCC Fines Adding Up

In case you hadn’t noticed, the FCC is now fining more stations for more violations more money than ever before. A minor infraction which in earlier days would have gotten a notice of violation from the Commission, now get a hefty fine. Items to watch out for: Complete Quarterly Issues Program Lists; Biennial Ownership Reports, (even though there are no changes);Tower Fencing, EEO, Main Studio Staffing and so much more. The FCC has signaled it is taking a very strict attitude toward all of its rules and regulations and will vigorously enforce them with heavy fines.

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