Posts Tagged ‘WTWF’

Aimee ‘The Outlaw’ is out-of-town

Aimee The Outlaw Clemson backstage with Kellie Pickler

Aimee "The Outlaw" Clemson backstage with Kellie Pickler

Aimee “The Outlaw” Clemson has evidently fled the den.

Press and Tower has unconfirmed reports that Aimee quit her job Monday morning as morning show host of WTWF/Fairview-Erie (93.9 The Wolf). She is no longer listed as a DJ on The Wolf’s website.

Aimee was the controversial replacement for Shannon Solo in September 2008. Co-host Kyle remains along with afternoon drive/promo guy Chuck Rambaldo, the only flesh and blood local personalities associated with the station. The rest of the schedule is voicetracked or via satellite.

P&T will attempt to get an official quote from Connoisseur Media brass. Note: as of the end of the week no comment from CM was made to P&T.

Dymond to take over Connoisseur/Erie

Connoisseur has named a replacement for ousted GM Dave Calabrese. From their corporate website:

Westport, CT – Nancy Dymond has been named Market Manager of Connoisseur Media’s Erie operation. Dymond will be responsible for Connoisseur’s market-leading group – WRTS (Star 104), WRKT (Rocket 101), WXBB (Bob), WTWF (The Wolf), WJET-AM and WFNN-AM.

Dymond has over 25 years of experience in radio sales and management. She has had a tremendous track record over the years as Vice President/General Manager for Fritz Broadcasting in Saginaw and Lansing Michigan, Cumulus Media in Flint Michigan, and as Director of Sales for Radio One in Detroit.

“It will be exciting working with such great stations and a company that believes in ‘good radio’ and serving the community”. I look forward to the challenge”, said Dymond.

Dymond will be taking over Erie’s most successful radio stations, such as the 50,000 watt powerhouse STAR 104. In the Fall Arbitron, Connoisseur Media’s 4 FM properties finished #1, #2, #3, and #4 with Adults 25-54 M-Sun 6a-12a.

“We are fortunate to have someone like Nancy leading our operation in Erie. She is a real radio pro. I’m confident she will continue to build upon our success,” said David Bevins, Connoisseur Media’s VP of Operations.

Connoisseur Media is headquartered in Westport, CT. In addition to Erie, the Company owns or operates radio stations in Billings (MT), Bismarck (ND), Bloomington (IL), Des Moines (IA), Huntington (WV), Omaha (NE), Rapid City (SD), and Wichita (KS).

Let’s hope Ms. Dymond finds Erie’s advertising climate as or more hospitable than Flint’s. Welcome Nancy!

Star 104, Connie Media dominate Fall 2008 book

In one of most lopsided ratings outcomes since corporations took over most of Erie radio, WRTS/Star 104 and Connoisseur Media emerged with a much greater share of audience than rival WXKC/Classy 100 and Citadel Communications.

As part of a near Connoisseur sweep of the top 5 slots in the Erie radio ratings, WRTS increased their average share by 40 percent, beating WXKC by almost six share points. The rest of the top five were WRKT/Rocket 101 at #3, WTWF/93.9 The Wolf at #4, and WXBB/Bob-FM 94.7 fifth.
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The Feed for the Weekend of December 13th-14th

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

  • Bayhawks open big: The Erie Bayhawks rocked the Tullio Arena in their franchise home opener in front of 3,706 fans Thursday night. GoErie.com reports that video appearances by NBA Commissioner David Stern and King Lebron James were featured on the center-court scoreboard during the opening ceremonies. The ‘Hawks stay home for a Saturday-Sunday matchup with Fort Wayne, then on Thursday, it will be their first locally televised contest on Image Sports Network (TWC city 20/suburbs 13) against Dakota.
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Big D and Bubba spread the love of country

I’ve got to admit that I’m no big fan of country music. Even with all my years living and traveling to Music City USA, all those brushes with the Clint Black’s, Randy Travis’s, and the Gatlin Brothers of the world, I never really gained a strong attachment to the music.

But I have a strong respect for the values of family and patriotism that makeup most of the country genre. In listening to Big D and Bubba over the last week on Country 98, I sense that the transference of those values onto their show is behind its significant success.

It’s a pretty established fact that syndicated shows on country radio generally don’t fly. Big D and Bubba’s success in now 50 markets bucks that trend.
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Shannon Solo no longer howling at The Wolf

Shannon Solo, widely regarded as the King of All Erie Media, for his multiplicity of talents in radio, television, theatre, music, and film, has been released from the morning show of WTWF (93.9 The Wolf). Melissa, the morning sidekick, is also reportedly gone.

Messages from The Press and Tower with either Solo or officials at Connoisseur Media were not immediately returned.

Wednesday morning drive on The Wolf was filled with liners and jingles, which when you mix with the voice tracked midday show and satellite evening block makes for quite the lackluster jukebox.

With the Fall 2008 ratings period beginning today, and WTWF’s sixth-place showing in the Spring book, Solo’s departure Tuesday fuels speculation of a format change. Could All-Beatles, or All-Christmas be next?

UPDATED: Message from David Calabrese, General Manager, Connoisseur Media, Erie, PA – Sept. 18, 2008 @ 9:30 AM ET:

Connoisseur Media has a commitment to our stations and the community. We strive to consistently improve ourselves in every possible area. We wish Shannon and Melissa the very best in their future endeavors but have decided to head in a different direction.

Starting Monday morning, we will welcome a new personality, Aimee “The Outlaw” Clemson to 93.9 the Wolf. Aimee has a long history in Erie Country radio, having worked for many years at Country 98 in mid days and often AM drive with the late “Uncle” Fred Horton. We are excited about this new direction for the station and hope that it demonstrates our commitment to our product and Country radio in Erie, PA.

Sounds like they’ll keep up the fight for the Country listener in Erie, PA.