HISTORY hearsay
for several radio stations, and sportscaster Gene Deckerhoff is featured on WGLF-FM radio. But Deckerhoff is best known for his play-by-play work with the FSU Seminoles. Williams is proud of the news overall, saying, “I think we’re presenting it the way people want to see it.” He also notes the popularity of the Farm Report, “Good Morning Show” and “Midday” for providing a local touch. The third station, WECA Channel 27, has consistently trailed Channel 6 in the ratings, but that, says general manager Jim Matthews, is partly because the geographical area in which the stations are measured is defined by the Channel 6 viewing area, which extends in a 100-mile radius. “We can’t beat them in their own territory,” he says. Instead, WECA emphasizes its identity as a Floridalicensed station. “News is extremely important to us,” he adds. The news show is currently anchored by former radio man Jim Knight and former WFSU-TV reporter Beverly Rogers. The co-anchor approach gives a more varied look on the air, Matthews says, and lets the “unique personality of either person be applied to the story.” The sports desk is manned by Ned Smith (formerly “Sandy Beach,” a longtime disc jockey on Gulf 104), and Beth Campbell handles the weather. “In Person,” another of Channel 27’s locally produced shows, has a new look. Neddy Sumners, who, in her time on the air, has already become an institution, is now co-host of “AM Tallahassee.” She and TV veteran Jack Ridner use the revamped half-hour to, as Matthews describes it, give better advice on how to make the quality of life a little better.
“I hope it catches on,” he says. Public television station WFSU-TV is feeling the pinch of hard economic times. Its summer fundraising drive came in several thousand dollars below its goal, but still, it collected more money than ever before in its history. In October, the “Imagination Station” moved into its new headquarters on Pottsdammer Street, even as finishing touches were put on the main production studio. But the move was generally smooth, and most staff members seem pleased with the abundance of space, compared to the old quarters in Dodd Hall on the FSU campus. For those who have difficulty receiving stations without cable, pressure from residents has prompted local government to look at services provided by Group W, currently the only cable TV provider. There has been talk of adding several new channels for a higher monthly fee, but attorney Steve Slepin of Citizens for Better Cable said he didn’t think much of the change, as he feels increased services should be available for what is now the basic charge.
COMPETITIVE RADIO MARKET
The competition within the local radio market is tough. Even though several stations have recently changed formats, there are rumors that others may adopt “urban contemporary” or “beautiful music” formats. But WANM has no reason to change. The Arbitron rating service has consistently rated it No. 1 for the past three years. Morning disc jockey and program director Joe Bullard says the key is making the station personal. “We try to tell the listeners they too are involved,” Bullard says. “We give them more than the time and weather. We’re concerned about what they want to hear.” The black community offers WANM’s most loyal audience, but it attracts others, too. “No. 1 is not a color,” Bullard says. “It’s all colors. We’re just good and proud of it.” Bullard has a national reputation for picking hit songs, but he isn’t tempted to leave. “I’m happily married for five years,” he says, “and I try to make it a home regardless of where I work.” His station is tops throughout the day, from his morning shift to midday with Tyrone Giles and into late afternoon with Tony Shabazz. WANM is a “daytimer,” which means it signs off at sunset. Arbitron puts WBGM (FM-99) in second place. J.J. McKay’s 7 p.m.-to-midnight show placed first; Ty Richards at midday tied for second with Gulf 104. General manager Bob McInerny sees the morning as
TALLAHASSEEMAGAZINE.COM November–December 2015
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