New inexpensive HD Radio released

Eric Rhoads of radio website Radio Ink has come up with an idea to make an HD Radio affordable so that more people could try it. Read more about his HD Radio.

So far, one of the loudest complaints about HD Radio has been the price. When they were first introduced, the first HD Radio cost nearly $500. Now, Eric Rhoads' Mighty Red HD Radio costs only $35. But will it convince more people that HD is the future of Radio?

Another major problem with HD Radio is reception. Many HD signals drop out or don't come in at all. Even with a good antenna, this can still be a problem. Ibiquity, the makers of HD Radio, is proposing a power increase that would allow HD radio to be broadcast with more power.

Finally, content is also a problem with HD radio. The commercials for HD radio advertise exciting new formats available on HD2 and HD3 subchannels. However, very few of those formats are available here in Detroit. A complete list of HD2 and HD3 formats for Detroit can be found on the list to the right. One HD2 station that stands out is 98.7 HD2, which carries the Smooth Jazz format previously found on 98.7 HD1. The "V98.7" name was kept, as was personality John Bond, who does a shift from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Will Magic 105.1 return after the holidays?

Earlier in the year, 105.1 WMGC-FM dropped the word "Magic" from their name and simply referred to themselves as "105.1". They also updated their sound to more of a Hot AC music mix. However, "105.1" went all-Christmas music on November 6, the earliest that they have ever done so. Furthermore, they went back to calling themselves "Magic 105.1". Why would they drop the "Magic"name for several months only to bring it back? And why did they go all-Christmas so soon? In the past, 105.1 has usually decided not to compete with WNIC for the Christmas audience. This year, however, 105.1 is calling themselves "Detroit's new radio home for the holidays." For the first time, they even beat WNIC to the Christmas music.

It will be interesting to see what 105.1 will call themselves after the holidays. Will they stick with the "Magic" name? Or go back to being called "105.1"? Or something else altogether? One thing's for sure- there is a whole month of Christmas tunes before anyone finds out.

Jim Johnson's response to lawsuit

In response to Lynne Woodison's allegations, Jim Johnson has posted the following statement to his facebook page:

“I am both shocked and deeply saddened by the completely false allegations made by my friend of more than 30 years. They are not only untrue but hurtful to me my family and my friends. Lynne and I enjoyed a successful career together for many years and had a great relationship both professionally and personally. For the past year since we left WCSX we have worked closely on developing a new radio home for the JJ & Lynne show including a weeklong stint together co-hosting the Dick Purtan show. As late as last week, at her invitation, we shared a drink together to commemorate the one year anniversary of our departure from WCSX. My behavior was never in question. To say I was blindsided by the accusations regarding my alleged past conduct contained in her lawsuit against our former employers, would be an understatement. For her to have chosen to end our relationship by assaulting my character, in such a public way, is inexplicable.”

Lynne Woodison files lawsuit against Greater Media

Lynne Woodison, former cohost of the "J.J. and Lynne Show" on classic rock 94.7 WCSX, has filed a lawsuit against Greater Media, the owners of the radio station. She claims that she was sexually harassed while working at the station. She also claims that Jim Johnson (J.J.) was paid more even though she did more work. She said that management retaliated against her when she complained of these problems.

Jim Johnson is not a defendant in the lawsuit.

Lynne Woodison says that her working conditions at WCSX damaged her career, and the lawsuit asks for $1,000,000 in damages. Lynne Woodison, along with Jim Johnson, filled in for Dick Purtan on WOMC when he went on vacation earlier in the year.

Problems at Citadel/ABC

Citadel Broadcasting is having a hard time meeting its financial obligations. It may be forced to file for bankruptcy within months. As a result, Citadel has begun to make cutbacks nationwide as part of what CEO Farid Suleman calls the "nuclear" option. Dallas was the hardest hit today.

Are cuts coming to Detroit? Citadel owns 760 WJR, 93.1 WDRQ, and 96.3 WDVD. WDRQ has no airstaff and is run by a computer, so there is nothing left to cut there. However, 96.3 WDVD has almost a full airstaff. Citadel would like to replace local shows with national ones, which are cheaper. It is currently unknown if any cuts are coming to 96.3, although perhaps the station's high ratings will save a few local shifts.

Meanwhile, Citadel may be looking to make cuts at WJR, which still has a few local hosts left.

Dan Mason extends deal to run CBS radio

Dan Mason will run CBS radio well into the future, as his deal with CBS was extended. In Detroit, Dan Mason was the one who personally ordered 98.7 WLLZ to change to smooth jazz in 1995.

WMGC goes all-Christmas, too!

Detroit now has two all-Christmas stations. 105.1 WMGC actually made the change at 10:00 a.m. today. 100.3 WNIC changed at 11:00 a.m., meaning that WMGC beat WNIC to the Christmas music for the first time.

WNIC switches to all-Christmas music

WNIC has gone all-Christmas music. The switchover apparently happened at 11:00 a.m. this morning (October 6). This is late for WNIC, which usually changes over on the first or second day of November.

WNIC's Christmas music usually nets the station double-digit ratings.