• Get involved.
    We want your input!
    Apply for Membership and join the conversations about everything related to broadcasting.

    After we receive your registration, a moderator will review it. After your registration is approved, you will be permitted to post.
    If you use a disposable or false email address, your registration will be rejected.

    After your membership is approved, please take a minute to tell us a little bit about yourself.
    https://www.radiodiscussions.com/forums/introduce-yourself.1088/

    Thanks in advance and have fun!
    RadioDiscussions Administrators

WKAB exodus

G

GeneKlien

Guest
Rumors are it was a reverse "AXE" Wednesday at WKAB yesterday as most staff quit. Including but not limited Mike Naydock, Tony P. and GM Jan Banko. New owners, new staff...
 
> Rumors are it was a reverse "AXE" Wednesday at WKAB
> yesterday as most staff quit. Including but not limited Mike
> Naydock, Tony P. and GM Jan Banko. New owners, new staff...
>

I've been listening the last few days. Since Monday they have been in what they call rebuilding mode. They are currently jockless but I think that is only temporary.

According to an article I read in the newspaper a few weeks ago, the new owners like the classic hits format and plan on keeping it, though they stated there would be some tweaking. I was under the impression they intended on keeping the staff, since they are a fixture on the Hazleton airwaves. Mike Naydock just rejoined WKAB a few months ago after a brief stint on WAZL. And isn't Tony Pacelli the program director. I'd be surprised if they quit. However apparently the studios are being moved to Bloomsburg so maybe that had something to do with it.

Maybe LA Tarone or someone else could shed some light on the current state of affairs at WKAB. (Incidentally I wonder if they will retain Tarone's show, Cellarful of Noise, the Beatles show or the big band show from Sunday mornings).
 
> Rumors are it was a reverse "AXE" Wednesday at WKAB
> yesterday as most staff quit. Including but not limited Mike
> Naydock, Tony P. and GM Jan Banko. New owners, new staff...
>
The staff didn't quit, unfortunately as always happens when new owners come in...the staff was let go. Very sad to see.
 
Please, I mean no disrespect here, but does anyone have a thought as to how many listeners WKAB might have? I think a ton of us who've labored in the vineyards of broadcasting for twenty-plus years in NE PA didn't even know that WKAB was still on the air. I'll go one better; I'd bet serious money that a decent number of "veteran" broadcasters hereabouts have never even heard of WKAB. Anyone know the David DeCosmo/WKAB story? How can a "group" in today's radio world own a WKAB and make money? I'm not being facetious, I really would like to know.




> Rumors are it was a reverse "AXE" Wednesday at WKAB
> yesterday as most staff quit. Including but not limited Mike
> Naydock, Tony P. and GM Jan Banko. New owners, new staff...
>
 
> > Rumors are it was a reverse "AXE" Wednesday at WKAB
> > yesterday as most staff quit. Including but not limited
> Mike
> > Naydock, Tony P. and GM Jan Banko. New owners, new
> staff...
> >
>
> I've been listening the last few days. Since Monday they
> have been in what they call rebuilding mode. They are
> currently jockless but I think that is only temporary.
>
> According to an article I read in the newspaper a few weeks
> ago, the new owners like the classic hits format and plan on
> keeping it, though they stated there would be some tweaking.
> I was under the impression they intended on keeping the
> staff, since they are a fixture on the Hazleton airwaves.
> Mike Naydock just rejoined WKAB a few months ago after a
> brief stint on WAZL. And isn't Tony Pacelli the program
> director. I'd be surprised if they quit. However apparently
> the studios are being moved to Bloomsburg so maybe that had
> something to do with it.
>
> Maybe LA Tarone or someone else could shed some light on the
> current state of affairs at WKAB. (Incidentally I wonder if
> they will retain Tarone's show, Cellarful of Noise, the
> Beatles show or the big band show from Sunday mornings).
>
Tony P. was let go. Naydock quit, asked to be laid off as I understand it. Scotty is still on staff. A sales person was let go, others quit. Jan Banko is on the former owner's payroll and turned down an offer to stay. The new owners are planning to keep the format. Specialty shows will be gone, big bands for good, the others temporarily at least, while tech issues are resolved. Studios are moving to Bloom, and soon.
 
WKAB has a loyal following, and its staff enjoys a great relationship with the community. However, change is inevitable in this business. I wish them all good luck and God's speed.



> Please, I mean no disrespect here, but does anyone have a
> thought as to how many listeners WKAB might have? I think a
> ton of us who've labored in the vineyards of broadcasting
> for twenty-plus years in NE PA didn't even know that WKAB
> was still on the air. I'll go one better; I'd bet serious
> money that a decent number of "veteran" broadcasters
> hereabouts have never even heard of WKAB. Anyone know the
> David DeCosmo/WKAB story? How can a "group" in today's
> radio world own a WKAB and make money? I'm not being
> facetious, I really would like to know.
>
>
>
>
> > Rumors are it was a reverse "AXE" Wednesday at WKAB
> > yesterday as most staff quit. Including but not limited
> Mike
> > Naydock, Tony P. and GM Jan Banko. New owners, new
> staff...
> >
>
 
> Please, I mean no disrespect here, but does anyone have a
> thought as to how many listeners WKAB might have? I think a
> ton of us who've labored in the vineyards of broadcasting
> for twenty-plus years in NE PA didn't even know that WKAB
> was still on the air. I'll go one better; I'd bet serious
> money that a decent number of "veteran" broadcasters
> hereabouts have never even heard of WKAB. Anyone know the
> David DeCosmo/WKAB story?

I do not know the DeCosmo/KAB story but I do know KAB.
A very good station when it was Oldies, a greater station
when it went to classic rock. Served the community very
well in every segment. My favorite show was L.A. Tarone's
Sunday Night Hall Of Fame. Great musicoligist and he played
"hits" that most people forgot. The big band program with
Bobby Sacco was very smooth too. With its changes
this is just another nail in the locally owned,
quality radio coffin.

Yonkstur
>
>
>
> > Rumors are it was a reverse "AXE" Wednesday at WKAB
> > yesterday as most staff quit. Including but not limited
> Mike
> > Naydock, Tony P. and GM Jan Banko. New owners, new
> staff...
> >
>
 
> Please, I mean no disrespect here, but does anyone have a
> thought as to how many listeners WKAB might have? I think a
> ton of us who've labored in the vineyards of broadcasting
> for twenty-plus years in NE PA didn't even know that WKAB
> was still on the air. I'll go one better; I'd bet serious
> money that a decent number of "veteran" broadcasters
> hereabouts have never even heard of WKAB. Anyone know the
> David DeCosmo/WKAB story? How can a "group" in today's
> radio world own a WKAB and make money? I'm not being
> facetious, I really would like to know.
>
I'm sorry I thought this board was about Northeast PA. RADIO. I guess Hazleton, Bloomsburg and Berwick don't count if you're north of the line. WKAB was doing pretty well till WFEZ moved their tower to Pittston and thus caused interference to 103.5 from like Plains north. It still comes in well in W-B and even better in Hazleton (since 103.1) moved from there. Stations like WKAB can make local money. They can charge lower rates and keep the money in the town where the signal is strongest. They may not make oodles like Entercom, Citadel and the like. Us "veteran broadcasters" fall into the trap of thinking a station isn't doing well until it shows well in the Arbs and is making a big dent in the metro areas. As long as you clear your bills and make a profit, or just keep your debt minimal, you're doing well.
 
Sunday Night Hall Of Fame

I've been meaning to post this the last few weeks... iirc, LAT's SNHOF was scheduled to reach #600 next weekend. I won't be in the area the next 2 weekends... I'm curious to know if the show will continue anywhere. I sensed something was up when LAT said thanks to some of the folks who are now no longer there just before he did the profile.
 
Re: Sunday Night Hall Of Fame

Check this URL http://www.radiotimeline.com/home.htm

Scroll down to WIFI and Bobby Hatfield, give a listen. Know the voice?



> I've been meaning to post this the last few weeks... iirc,
> LAT's SNHOF was scheduled to reach #600 next weekend. I
> won't be in the area the next 2 weekends... I'm curious to
> know if the show will continue anywhere. I sensed something
> was up when LAT said thanks to some of the folks who are now
> no longer there just before he did the profile.
>
 
Re: Sunday Night Hall Of Fame/Hatfield

> Check this URL http://www.radiotimeline.com/home.htm
>
> Scroll down to WIFI and Bobby Hatfield, give a listen. Know
> the voice?
>
>
>
> > I've been meaning to post this the last few weeks... iirc,
>
> > LAT's SNHOF was scheduled to reach #600 next weekend. I
> > won't be in the area the next 2 weekends... I'm curious to
>
> > know if the show will continue anywhere. I sensed
> something
> > was up when LAT said thanks to some of the folks who are
> now
> > no longer there just before he did the profile.
> >
>

That's the almost famous Booby Hatfield AKA Joe Reilly from Wilmington, DE. We worked at WAMS where he was given the air name of Bobby Hatfield, taken from the Righteous Brothers fame my almost equally famous Kevin or Dick Fennessy.

.

Hatfield (Reilly) left WAMS to take a job at WBAX and was VERY unhappy and left very soon. As a matter of fact, he called WAMS back just days after leaving to try and get his job back, but it was already filled. He is now the proud owner of one of the AM stations in the Berwick/Bloomsburg area. What's the call letters?
 
Re: Sunday Night Hall Of Fame/Hatfield

> > Check this URL http://www.radiotimeline.com/home.htm
> >
> > Scroll down to WIFI and Bobby Hatfield, give a listen.
> Know
> > the voice?
> >
> >
> >
> > > I've been meaning to post this the last few weeks...
> iirc,
> >
> > > LAT's SNHOF was scheduled to reach #600 next weekend. I
>
> > > won't be in the area the next 2 weekends... I'm curious
> to
> >
> > > know if the show will continue anywhere. I sensed
> > something
> > > was up when LAT said thanks to some of the folks who are
>
> > now
> > > no longer there just before he did the profile.
> > >
> >
>
> That's the almost famous Booby Hatfield AKA Joe Reilly from
> Wilmington, DE. We worked at WAMS where he was given the air
> name of Bobby Hatfield, taken from the Righteous Brothers
> fame my almost equally famous Kevin or Dick Fennessy.
>
> .
>
> Hatfield (Reilly) left WAMS to take a job at WBAX and was
> VERY unhappy and left very soon. As a matter of fact, he
> called WAMS back just days after leaving to try and get his
> job back, but it was already filled.

I remember him. Summer of 76 at WBAX?? Hired to do
nights, right?

Yonkstur
 
Re: Sunday Night Hall Of Fame/Hatfield

> > job back, but it was already filled.
>
> I remember him. Summer of 76 at WBAX?? Hired to do
> nights, right?
>
> Yonkstur



WBAX in 1976!?!?!?!?! Now there's a topic all unto itself, just what was Big X Radio doing in 1976? How many can even remember the days when 'BAX was a player in the market. I never knew Hatfield worked there, my contact with him was via a start-up country FM he was PDing in Rochester, NY. That was Spring of '85. All I remember was interviewing for the morning job, following which I completely lost track of him, until he showed up in Bloomsburg.






>
 
Re: Sunday Night Hall Of Fame/Hatfield

> > > job back, but it was already filled.
> >
> > I remember him. Summer of 76 at WBAX?? Hired to do
> > nights, right?
> >
> > Yonkstur
>
>
>
> WBAX in 1976!?!?!?!?! Now there's a topic all unto itself,
> just what was Big X Radio doing in 1976? How many can even
> remember the days when 'BAX was a player in the market. I
> never knew Hatfield worked there, my contact with him was
> via a start-up country FM he was PDing in Rochester, NY.
> That was Spring of '85. All I remember was interviewing for
> the morning job, following which I completely lost track of
> him, until he showed up in Bloomsburg.
>
>
>
>
>
>
> >
>

WBAX in '76 consisted of such jocks as Brian Welenski mornings, Jeff Gerber Middays, Chris Starr afternoons, Jack Trippi Evenings (after Hatfield left) and Vince Webber overnights. There was a time when BAX was the #2 station in the market, right behind WARM. Not to shabby an achievement for a 1,000 station up against a 5,000 watt WARM and Merv Griffin's budget problems in those days.
 
Re: Sunday Night Hall Of Fame/Hatfield

> > > > job back, but it was already filled.
> > >
> > > I remember him. Summer of 76 at WBAX?? Hired to do
> > > nights, right?
> > >
> > > Yonkstur
> >
> >
> >
> > WBAX in 1976!?!?!?!?! All I remember was interviewing
> for
> > the morning job, following which I completely lost track
> of
> > him, until he showed up in Bloomsburg.
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > >
> >
>
> WBAX in '76 consisted of such jocks as Brian Welenski
> mornings, Jeff Gerber Middays, Chris Starr afternoons, Jack
> Trippi Evenings (after Hatfield left) and Vince Webber
> overnights. There was a time when BAX was the #2 station in
> the market, right behind WARM. Not to shabby an achievement
> for a 1,000 station up against a 5,000 watt WARM and Merv
> Griffin's budget problems in those days.
>
A guy named Dick Booth was the GM there. Rick Walker
was the morning guy before Welenski and I remember a
guy named Bob Marini too. I was on an internship there
from King's and on my first day Walker (now a law
enforcement officer) and Booth nearly came to blows.
Walker either quit or walked out. There I am doing
busy work in a little office and these guys start yelling
and nearly duking it out.
The news department was very good. David Kush did
the mornings and Madeline Fitzgerald did the afternoon
drive. News was at 20 after and 50 after and both
Maddie and Starr really had a connection of banter
that served her well later in a career as a WNEP TV
news anchor. Her fame and fortune spread so far that
in the late 70s a ship was named in her honor at the
annual King's River Regatta called "The Wreck of the
Madeline Fitzgerald".

Yonkstur
 
Re: Sunday Night Hall Of Fame/Hatfield

A guy named Dick Booth was the GM there. Rick Walker
> was the morning guy before Welenski...

Didn't Rick Walker move to WARM as Don DelVecchio(sp?)?
 
Re: Sunday Night Hall Of Fame/Hatfield

> A guy named Dick Booth was the GM there. Rick Walker
> > was the morning guy before Welenski...
>
> Didn't Rick Walker move to WARM as Don DelVecchio(sp?)?
>
Yes but I'm not sure if it was before WBAX 75-76 or
after. I do remember it was middays 10am to 1 or something
like that.
Yonkstur
 
Re: Sunday Night Hall Of Fame/Hatfield

> Didn't Rick Walker move to WARM as Don DelVecchio(sp?)?
> >
> Yes but I'm not sure if it was before WBAX 75-76 or
> after. I do remember it was middays 10am to 1 or something
>
> like that.
> Yonkstur

Thanks, I thought it was the same guy. Now, if my memory is any good(no guarantees, of course)I seem to think he may have been lured away from WBAX because they were breathing down WARM's back at the time. Doing the luring would've been GG.
 
Re: Sunday Night Hall Of Fame/Hatfield

I don't know whether Dick Booth and Richard W. Booth were the same person, but the latter was once PD of WAMS in Wilmington, who was famous for signing the station off the air on a Friday night at 7:20PM, to make $150 doing a record hop.Imagine hearing this:

GIVE YOUR FACE, SOMETHING TO SMILE ABOUT, WITH STRIIIIDEXXXX!
At this time, WAMS leaves the air...WAMS is owned and operated by....
 
Status
This thread has been closed due to inactivity. You can create a new thread to discuss this topic.


Back
Top Bottom