The Press and Tower

Editor’s note: Sound off, give a shout out on “Deep Background,” our totally-random open discussion of all things Erie media.

• Kanzius telethon update: The unprecedented multiple channel live broadcast generated a nearly unprecedented generous response. According to WSEE’s Scott Bremner, the Lilly Broadcasting stations WICU, WSEE and the CW raised well over $100,000 Tuesday evening during their Community for Kanzius event. Realizing the critical timing and extreme need for research funds, The Press and Tower has put a permanent link to the John Kanzius Cancer Research Foundation where you can make a donation at any time.
• FCC to radio: get local or we’ll do it for you: FCC Chairman Kevin Martin launched a shot across radio’s bow at the NAB’s Radio Show in Austin this week. Radio Online reports that Congress is concerned that local broadcasters aren’t living up to their public service commitments. “Localism is an issue that broadcasters should be aware of,” Martin said. The Chairman warned that radio needs to come up with a self-regulatory scheme by the end of the year, or re-regulation may be imposed.
• WJET TV gets number three from USC: the difference in climate aside, there continues to be a direct link from the University of Southern California Annenberg School for Communication to Action News 24. Jeremy Beecher joins Craig Layne and former JET-TV morning anchor Trina Orlando as USC Annenberg alums to advance their careers in DMA #142. Sorry Jeremy, no more stand-ups in front of palm trees like on ATVN! In other WJET news, reporter Annamarie Iannetta was released from the station last weekend.
• Brand extension…USA Today airport shops: the next time you take that Northwest Airlines connection through DTW, check out the new USA Today “Travel Zone” store in the new North terminal. The AP reports that Detroit is the first of four airports by year’s end to sport the stores, which will display the color banners that match each section of the newspaper and will retail a selection of USA Today-branded items alongside books, magazines and newspapers.
• Boy, did I tell some stories!: Finally, a shout-out to the students of Brian Sheridan’s “Multimedia Storytelling” class (love that name!) at Mercyhurst College. Thursday afternoon, Brian graciously invited me to speak to the class about my career and blogging, and we had a fun discussion, especially when talking about the “Six Irrefutable Laws of the New Media.” Share what you think they are in the Comments.