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September 2012 Newsletter of The Press Club of From the President Rock Hall Panel Revisits WMMS’s Past and Ed Byers Speculates About Radio’s Future First off, it’s almost By Anastasia Pantsios, Cleveland SCENE Hall of Fame time and People who weren’t around or who some full disclosure on too young to remember Cleveland in the Stuart Warner’s being ’70s and ’80s might wonder why anyone elected to the Hall of would make a fuss over a mundane “guy- Fame. zone” station like WMMS, with its bland As most of you know, commercial hard rock and its focus on Stuart has chaired The Press Club’s Hall sports and hot babes — appealing to a spe- of Fame committee for as long as I can cific group of males under 30. (L-R) WMMS’s staff; Walt Tiburski, Denny remember, which, in of itself, should In a special program, presented by The Sanders, Gaye Ramstrom, John Gorman, Billy qualify one for induction. But as we all Press Club of Cleveland and the Rock and Bass and moderator Jim Henke, curator, The know, Stuart’s journalism credentials are Roll Hall of Fame, five people who were Hall of Fame and Museum. second to none. pivotal in creating the WMMS legend The instant we found out that Stuart’s spoke at the Rock Hall’s Foster Theatre Sanders, its evening air personality and name had been placed in nomination for about what made the station so dominant behind-the-scenes guide; John Gorman, the Hall, he not only stepped down as in Cleveland and so influential nationwide the hyper-competitive program direc- chairman, but departed the committee — and speculated on whether that influ- tor who took the station to the top of the altogether until after the election. John ence and dominance could be replicated ratings; Gaye Ramstrom, longtime sta- Betchkal then took over running the in today’s very different music and media tion sales rep; and Walt Tiburski, whose committee’s duties under the watchful climate. 45 years in radio management included eyes of Lynn Bracic and Debi Weslek at Rock Hall vice president Jim Henke lengthy stints at both WMMS and WNCX. The Press Club office. moderated the panel which included Billy Bass took the audience of about 50 — When the votes were counted, it wasn’t Bass, the station’s first on-air star and which included a couple of additional even close. Stuart was one of the top music director who laid the groundwork WMMS legends, sales rep and “Get Down” two vote-getters in the field of 12 nomi- for what the station would become; Denny continued on page 7 > nees and will soon resume his chairman duties in finalizing the details for the In Their Own Words: Hall of Fame Class of 2012 Prepares for Induction evening of Oct. 12 at The Hilton Garden Inductees express gratitude, humility in receiving honors Inn. In this issue, the inductees tell us On Oct. 12, five journalists will be I hired – who were responsible for the what the honor means to them. In the inducted into The Press Club of Cleveland’s success we achieved in making The News- meantime, Richard Stewart of DigiZoom Journalism Hall of Fame. Herald the fastest-growing suburban daily Media is lining up video testimonials The News-Herald’s Jim Collins, The Plain paper in . Any newspaper editor who which will be played at the induction. Dealer’s Ted Diadiun, WKSU FM’s Vivian isn’t totally immersed in and totally com- Obviously, for the inductees this is an Goodman, Advanstar’s Vern Henry and mitted to his/her community isn’t doing his unforgettable evening. But I am always Stuart Warner, formerly with The Plain job. Because of all those considerations, this impressed by the crowd reaction to this Dealer and now resident and owner of The honor is indeed meaningful to me. And you awards presentation. You really have to Write Coach will join an elite roster of 200+ can quote me. experience this ceremony to know why journalists who have received the honor. Ted Diadiun: My main emotions are so many people are impressed and come They spoke with The Byliner staff about humility and gratitude. back year after year. Registration for Hall being honored by a jury of their peers. I’m under no illusions that of Fame induction night is underway and Jim Collins: The fact that I will receive my contributions to this you will want to pay special attention to this honor merely reflects wonderful profession can the early bird pricing. The price is dis- credit upon the people that stand alongside some of the counted until Sept. 24. I worked closely with for 55 people who preceded me I need to give a huge shout out to Jane years at The News-Herald, in this group I’m joining. Christyson and Kathleen Osborne, for including 38 years as editor. But I’m humbled to be a putting together a remarkable Rock Hall I will accept this on behalf part of it, and grateful to those whose votes of a great many talented allowed my face to be on a plaque that will continued on page 2 > people – many of whom continued on page 3 >

28022 Osborn Road Cleveland, Ohio 44140 | 440-899-1222 | Fax: 440.899.1010 | www.pressclubcleveland.com 2 The Press Club of Cleveland September 2012 PRESIDENT FROM PAGE 1 James M. Naughton, Legendary PD, Times, program featuring John Gorman, Denny Inquirer Journalist, Dead at 73 Sanders and their counterparts from He made the news business fun - playing pranks on fellow workers - and his competitors WMMS’s glory days. Hard to believe it was 40 years ago this year that the legendary Editor’s note: obit, Naughton ran the Poynter Institute radio station came into its own and solidi- Sadly, all too often, for Media Studies until 2003 and prior, was fied Cleveland’s reputation as the Rock ‘n we see a name the Inquirer’s pranksterish executive editor. Roll capitol of the world. Kudos also go out from the past via Prior to that, he was ’ to the Rock Hall’s Margaret Thresher and an obit. Such is Washington correspondent. Mr. Gorman, too. the case of Jim Naughton figured prominently in What a milestone year 2012 is turning Naughton, former Timothy Crouse’s book on the 1972 cam- out to be. Aside from the ascent of “ jour- paign press corps, “The Boys on the Bus.” Buzzard - WMMS,” this is also the 50th nalist who left an With his customary wryness, Naughton anniversary of Alan Freed’s Moondog indelible impres- liked to say he had covered the political Coronation Ball. sion on many of us losers: the 1972 Democratic presidential As we noted in our May program, this before departing campaigns of Senators Edmund S. Muskie year also marks the 30th anniversary of the for New York, Washington, Philadephia - and George McGovern, Vice President closing of the Cleveland Press and it’s the and “the big time.” Spiro T. Agnew’s resignation in 1973, 40th anniversary of the launch of WEWS James M. Naughton formerly of The President Richard M. Nixon’s Watergate TV’s Morning Exchange, which inspired Plain Dealer died last month in Florida resignation in 1974, Gerald R. Ford’s defeat ABC’s Good Morning America and a num- from cancer. He was 73, born in 1938 in the 1976 presidential election, even a ber of other morning network news/enter- in and raised in Painesville. slice of Jimmy Carter’s one-term presi- tainment programs. While a student at Notre Dame, he worked dency. There is little wonder why Cleveland summers as a reporter at The Painesville But before all of that, he was the PD’s is such a strong media center, one which Telegraph; and graduated in 1960. well-liked chief political writer. When we certainly can be proud of. On this, the Simply put, Naughton wasted little time Naughton landed at the PD in 1962, he 125th anniversary of the founding of The in honing his craft, becoming a great was a seasoned and confident 24-year-old. Press Club of Cleveland, we are all so lucky reporter who loved what he did and loved “His copy was impeccable,” said the late to have shared in that rich history. – Ed having fun while doing it, often at the Don Bean, (Press Club Hall of Fame Class expense of his own management and the of ‘97). Bean was the PD’s police reporter competition. The stories are legendary. who became a reliable co-conspirator upon He once popped up at a presiden- whom Naughton would call in later years tial news conference wearing the head to obtain farm animals to plant in report- A publication of of a chicken costume; another time, in ers’ hotel rooms when campaigns passed The Press Club of Cleveland Philadelphia, he had two motorcycles roar through Cleveland. around his newsroom to liven things up. As PD political editor, Naughton’s elec- Editor “Good for morale,” he said. toral predictions became epic, such that Lee Moran “I love being in the company of people he was invited to speak at the City Club. Associate Editor who care about the written word, the oral “Naughton would show up wearing a tur- Maryana Bradas word,” Naughton once remarked, “But I ban and cape and toting a crystal ball,” also love the dark humor and a mix of Bean said. Though the PD’s brass was dis- Contributing Reporters skepticism and a self-effacing understand- pleased with Naughton’s irreverence, Bean Stu Warner ing of the role,” he said. noted the young reporter had discovered Ed Byers As the Philadelphia Inquirer noted in his his “swami” persona, which became a recurring role for the rest of his life. In John H. Tidyman’s book “Gimme Michael Bennett Steps Down as CJN Publisher Rewrite, Sweetheart,” Naughton tells The Cleveland Jewish Publication help transform a precious and significant of a practical joke he and Bean pulled Company, owner of the Cleveland Jewish Jewish community asset and work with a on Cleveland rival Press reporter John News, in a news release, announced that it talented and committed staff,” Bennett said Hernandes when all three of them were is initiating a search for a new publisher as in a statement. “I really have been honored working the police beat out of the old the company continues to reposition itself to be part of helping transform a 43-year- Central Police Station. “We cooked up a to meet the changing realities and chal- old media company that had pretty much phony story of a big plane landing on the lenges of the media business in 2012 and done things the way they had always done Shoreway and called it in to Hernandes, beyond. them and help usher it into the digital era.” in his separate office at the station. They Michael E. Bennett, publisher and editor Bennett became publisher in 2007 and even got their copy boy/photographer, Dick of the Cleveland Jewish News, and Press publisher/editor in 2009. He also served Conway, to pretend to pack up his camera Club of Cleveland Board Member will leave as director of the CJN Foundation, an in- gear for the big story,” Naughton recalled. that position as of Sept. 28, 2012. dependent organization that supports the “Then Conway jumped out our window “I appreciate the opportunity I had to continued on page 5 > continued on page 6 > September 2012 The Press Club of Cleveland 3 Jack Marschall - The

On Receiving the Chuck Heaton Award y versar Anni My friends and family had the same reaction I did upon of Cleveland 125th hearing that I was chosen to receive the Chuck Heaton Award “Serving and honoring communications – “That is awesome.” “Holy Cow.” “Wow!” “Are you kidding professionals since 1887.” me?” “Congratulations, Jack.” “What an honor.” Receiving the Chuck Heaton Award is indeed the highest President: Ed Byers honor I have ever received during my nearly 4 decade career in Medical Mutual of Ohio journalism and communications. This is the most honorable 216/687-2685 award simply because of the name attached to it. Chuck’s wife, Cece, told me, “Chuck loved people. He loved Vice President: Stuart Warner The Write Coach LLC life and lived life to the fullest, never saying anything bad about [email protected] anyone. He always spoke from the .” I speak from the heart when I say it is with great pride and humility that I have been Secretary & Treasurer: Carol Kovach chosen to receive such a distinguished award named after such a distinguished man, not Sun Newspapers 216/986-6060 only for his professional talents, but more for his reputation in living the Golden Rule. I was a Plain Dealer carrier who read Chuck’s column on the Browns every day of the VP Membership: Pat Panchak season along with my customers and the rest of Cleveland. I have his insight Editor-in-Chief, IndustryWeek into the personal side of professional sports had an impact on guiding me to my own VP Sponsorship: Dustin Klein appreciation for writing, leading me from the Benedictine High School newspaper to Smart Business Network the Daily Kent Stater and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism. I have been lucky and blessed in my lifetime. I’m sure I could say the same for the VP Marketing & PR: Mary Patton countless people who met and were befriended by Chuck Heaton. Patton Public Relations All I can say to The Press Club of Cleveland is, “thank you!” VP Programming: Kathleen Osborne Hathaway Brown IN THEIR OWN WORDS FROM PAGE 1 Board of Directors: hang near so many people I thought of only I’ve worked with, competed against, and admired for so many years. The kind words Jeff Bendix with awe all those years ago. I never even Advanstar Communications dared consider the possibility that I would of well-wishers who I haven’t seen or heard from in years is extremely gratifying. I had Michael Bennett someday be a member of that group, and I Cleveland Jewish News remain a bit astonished by the very idea of several pages of e-mails and lots of calls offering congratulations and support. Every Margaret Bernstein it now. The Plain Dealer Vivian Goodman: I got note and call stirred wonderful memories. The reach of The Press Club announce- John Betchkal a little emotional when General Electric, retired WTAM’s Tom Moore con- ment certainly speaks well for the impact of social media. Maryana Bradas gratulated me because I Business Wire still think he’s one of the Stuart Warner: I’ve been on the other side of this for M. Jane Christyson world’s best newscasters Cleveland Metroparks as I did when I hired him so long, inducting instead of being inducted, that it’s Howard Fencl at WERE about a quarter Hennes Paynter Communications century ago. The day the announcement difficult to put into words how I feel. Instead, let Thom Fladung was made, Tom posted on his Facebook The Plain Dealer me just reflect in the joy I page: “24 years ago I got a phone call from Bonnie Godbey a woman who was putting together a new saw in the faces of all the others ... from the Pulitzer winners and Bruce Hennes news team for 1300 WERE, and I ended up Hennes Paynter Communications being one of the ones she hired. Today, that network stars to those who toiled almost anonymously behind the scenes, day after David Marburger woman is getting word she’s being inducted Baker & Hostetler in The Press Club of Cleveland Hall of day, year after year. There is no greater sat- isfaction, I think, than being recognized by Lee Moran Fame. Congratulations, Viv! –Tom Moore, The News-Herald WTAM.” There’s just nothing like being those who share your profession, knowing that they believed that your career was a job Denise Polverine honored by people you revere and respect. cleveland.com Vern Henry: Induction well done. But at the same time, all those speeches that I’ve listened to over the past Richard Stewart to The Press Club Hall of DigiZoom Media Fame is a tremendous and decade, also remind me that each inductee cherished honor for me, realized he or she would not be on that the cherry atop the Sundae, podium without those who came before Executive Secretary if you will. I’m proud and us, those who helped carry us through the Lynn Bracic Professional Management Concepts humble to be alongside tough times and those who will be there so many colleagues who still when we are gone. 4 The Press Club of Cleveland September 2012 Welcome New Member Press Club Member Cody Peck Mark Dlugoss Hometown: North Employer and Title: Advanstar Commu- Anniversaries: Olmsted, Ohio nications – Group Content Director (aka Employer: The Adcom Group Editor) of the Eye Care Publications September Group Hometown: Medina, Ohio. 13 years 4 years Title: Social Influence Alma Mater: University of George A. Becker Howard Fencl Specialist How long have you been on the job? 29 Denise Polverine years with Advanstar; another 10 years in Specifically, what is a 11 years Social Influence Specialist and what are newspapers. Mary Gygli 2 years your duties? Best part of your job? Building a strong, Joanna Connors Social influence marketing is a mar- creative, and award-winning publication/ 8 years Mark Dodosh riage of traditional marketing tools with brand. John Kusik Terry Kovel modern communications. Specifically, What are the biggest challenges you face? Bob Miko social platforms such as Facebook, Transitioning to a multi-media brand with 6 years Martin Savidge and blogging, for example, have changed a minimal staff. Pat Panchak John Teresko the way we communicate. They’ve also Why did you join The Press Club of changed the way marketers and custom- Cleveland? After being a journalist for ers can interact with each other. As a almost 40 years, it was time to become a 1 year Jaclyn Fuller result, there’s an opportunity for both member of a group of accomplished peers. groups to have a much more engaging and authentic conversation. Because of this, marketers can work with their Time Passages: Can you identify these people? customers to create content in the social Special to The Byliner from Norman Wagy space, the goal of which is to influence Digging through his photo archives, Wagy said he believes the picture was opinion in an organic way. Former WJW TV 8 editorial director and taken at a Safety Council At The Adcom Group, we see social Storer Broadcasting national correspon- Annual Banquet at the Hotel Sheraton influence as a function of managing the dent Norman Wagy found this gem and Cleveland sometime in the mid-60s. exchange of information between our wondered whether anyone can identify “Louie Seltzer was the speaker,” Wagy clients and their audiences, merging tra- the people in it. recalls. “And Louie predicted that one day, ditional communications methodologies “In this picture, it appears I’m seated we would get our newspaper on an elec- with social ones. As a social influence between Louie Seltzer and Coroner tronic screen that would be thin enough to specialist, I create, execute and manage Sam Gerber,” writes Wagy. “The man to hang on a wall. That is all I remember, but customized social influence programs for Seltzer’s right looks very familiar, but I it was etched in my mind and I have never B2B and B2C clients. can’t remember his name. I don’t recog- forgotten how accurate his prediction was What are your major challenges in this nize the others these many years later.” to become.” position? My profession, like almost every other, is constantly evolving. My biggest chal- lenge is keeping up with new industry trends and tools. To do so, I spend a lot of time reading articles on various industry websites and attending relevant industry events throughout the year. Your alma mater? B.A. of Journalism and Promotional Communication – Cleveland State University, 2009 Something your co-workers may not know about you? I initially attended college with the intention of becoming of a high school history teacher. Why did you decide to join The Press Club of Cleveland? I think joining a collaborative group with similar interests is a great way to study the ongoing changes in our profes- sion. September 2012 The Press Club of Cleveland 5

Plain Dealer Publisher BENNETT FROM PAGE 2 Terry Egger Announces CJN’s mission. Bennett previously worked as a campaign direc- Retirement tor and director of marketing and communication for the Jewish By The Plain Dealer Staff Community Federation of Cleveland and as a features editor for Plain Dealer publisher Terrance C.Z. The Plain Dealer. Egger will retire “The board appreciates Michael’s commitment and contribu- from the newspaper tions,” said Marc W. Freimuth, president of the board of direc- shortly after the first tors of The Cleveland Jewish Publication Company, the parent of next year, Egger company of the Cleveland Jewish News. “We feel that new professional lead- announced today. ership will give us an opportunity to successfully build and implement our “I will be 55 this business model and our vision for the future.” week, and while it The Cleveland Jewish News has a combined circulation of about 9,000, has not been an easy which includes the printed weekly magazine, newsstand sales and subscribers decision to leave a to its digital edition. career and industry that I love, I am excited about starting a productive next phase in my life,” Egger said in a note to Plain Dealer staffers. Egger joined The Plain Dealer in May Join us in Celebrating 125 2006 as publisher, president and chief years in 2012 executive officer, overseeing the policy and operations of Ohio’s largest newspa- Save these per. dates! He also oversees operations for the Sun October 12 – The Press Club of Newspapers, a chain of weeklies pub- Cleveland Journalism Hall of Fame lished in communities across . Induction Dinner. The Plain Dealer and Sun are owned by December 12 – Holiday Party and New York-based Advance Publications. www.pressclubcleveland.com Annual Membership Meeting. Egger said in the note that he has not decided what he will do next although “I do hope a part of it is returning to teach in a college classroom.” He also said he would lead the search Journal Register Co. Files for Chapter 11 for his successor at The Plain Dealer. Prior to joining The Plain Dealer, Bankruptcy Protection Egger was publisher of the St. Louis Post- Journal Register Co., while I get this news may make some of Dispatch. He also worked with Tucson the company that pub- you nervous, don’t let it. Concentrate on Newspapers in Arizona, for the Copley lishes The News-Herald the job at hand and we will work through Newspapers, and he began (Lake County) and The this. This really is the right decision for his newspaper career at a small biweekly Lorain Morning Journal, Journal Register Company.” in Southern California. Prior to newspa- has filed for Chapter 11 Paton said expect the auction and sale pers, Egger taught college communica- bankruptcy protection. process to take about 90 days, “And I tion courses in California. Writing on his blog, am pleased to tell you the company has Egger serves on the Executive John Paton, CEO of a signed stalking horse bid for Journal Committee for the Greater Cleveland Digital First Media, Register Co. from 21st CMH Acquisition Paton Partnership. He also is a board member stated the company that Co., an affiliate of funds managed by with the Cleveland Clinic Foundation, operates Journal Register and MediaNews Alden Global LLC,” Mr. Paton the Musical Arts Association and the Group will “seek to implement a prompt wrote. Cleveland Museum of Art. He is a sale” of Journal Register. According to Paton, from 2009 to 2011, member of the United Way of Greater Paton said Journal Register’s Chapter 11 the Journal Register reduced debt by 28 Cleveland board of directors and he filing “will have no impact on the day-to- percent, but the company still services served as United Way’s board chairman day operation,” and he appealed directly “in excess of $160 million of debt.” While from 2010 to 2012. to employees: “I know this announcement Journal Register “cannot afford to halt A native of Rock Island, Ill., Egger and will leave you with questions – ask. Your its investments in its digital future, it can his wife, Renuka, live in Bay Village. They managers, I and any member of senior now no longer afford the legacy (debt) have three children: Anthony, Ali and leadership at Digital First Media will be obligations incurred in the past,” Mr. Danny. available to answer,” he explained. “And Paton wrote. 6 The Press Club of Cleveland September 2012

NAUGHTON FROM PAGE 5 The Press Club of Cleveland You are cordially invited to attend Journalism Hall of Fame Awards Dinner & Induction Ceremony

Friday, October 12, 2012 6 - 7 p.m. Registration / Reception 7 p.m. Dinner with induction program to follow Plain Dealer’s James Naughton, center, interviews Cleveland Mayor Carl Stokes, left, in March 1969. With him are photographer Jim Hatch and reporter Robert McGruder, right. Hilton Garden Inn 1100 Carnegie Ave. onto the parking ramp and got in the PD police beat car and revved it. Hernandes jumped into his car and tore off toward the Cleveland, OH 44115 scene. Well, as time elapsed, we figured Hernandes would cruise around and come back. Then we heard a call on the police radio Join us to celebrate the 2012 that, as I recall, was like this: ‘This is car 596. We’ve got a Press Hall of Fame Induction reporter who says there’s a plane down on the Shoreway.’” Naughton said that’s when all hell broke loose. “Sirens every- Jack Marschall to receive where, Coast Guard checking the Lake Erie shore, police driving Chuck Heaton Award all over the Bratenahl golf course. We lived in fear for months that we’d be found out, but so far as I know neither the authori- ties nor Hernandes ever traced it to Bean and Conway and me,” said Naughton. "Early Bird" Cost Naughton drew the attention of the New York Times during his (payment received by coverage of the 1967 Cleveland mayoral election, in which Carl Sept. 24): Stokes became the first black mayor of a major U.S. city. When Individual Ticket: $65 Naughton left Cleveland for the Times’ D.C. bureau in the sum- Table of 8: $520 mer of 1969, his going-away party was a major public event, as chronicled by The Plain Dealer’s Robert Stock: Table of 10: $650 “Naughton was cheered on his way to the New York Times by an extraordinary assemblage of 470 persons at lunch yesterday Cost of tickets if paid after at the Sheraton-Cleveland. You should have seen that crowd. It Sept. 24 included more different kinds of politicians and office-holders, Individual Ticket: $75 not to mention lawyers and PR guys, than anybody ever caged in one room before,” Stock reported. Table of 8: $600 Although he was here for less than a decade, anyone who had Table of 10: $750 the pleasure of knowing Jim Naughton will tell you that he was one of a kind and a fun-loving soul. But more than anything, To pay with a credit card over the phone, call Naughton was a journalist, a dogged reporter and gifted writer The Press Club of Cleveland office at whose stories and columns were direct, authoritative and respect- ed all over the world. 440-899-1222 He and the former Diana Thomas were married in 1964. She survives him, as do his daughters, Jenifer Genovesi and Lara and Deadline for registration is Thursday, October 4 at 4 p.m. Kerry Naughton; a son, Michael; and five grandchildren. Cancellations for reimbursement must be received in writing Our thanks to The Plain Dealer, the Philadelphia Inquirer, New by Thursday, October 4 at noon York Times and John H. Tidyman for contributing to this article. September 2012 7 WMMS FROM PAGE 1 man Murray Saul ket eventually created a broad audience Gorman had already decided on the buz- and T-Shirt mogul for the station. In working with every- zard as the station’s “mascot” — still used “Daffy Dan” Gray — one from the to the to this day. But he had no artist. Then the through the station’s Cleveland Ballet to the Rib Cookoff, it station received a letter from a listener earliest days when it created a sense that if you weren’t listen- written as an illustrated comic strip. It was fighting to exist ing to WMMS, you were out of the loop had only a first name and a street name. on the then-obscure — regardless of age, gender or interests. Through diligent detective work, they FM dial (Ramstrom Hiring cheap talent out of local col- tracked down David Helton. He drew the interjected, “We used leges, Gorman and Sanders put together buzzard for nearly 20 years and created the to say FM stood for ‘Find Me”) by cobbling the “family” that created a station that, distinctive look of the station’s promotion together the various local counterculture once FM penetration had reached critical and advertising. players and playing a savvy mix of cutting mass by the mid ’70s, never relinquished The panel members had differing opin- edge and important music. its market dominance until the late ’80s. ions on whether a station like the old Sanders, who arrived at the station in Sanders pointed out that one of the most WMMS could exist today. October 1971, related how new owners significant aspects of the station’s repu- Ramstrom suggested that it would have wanted to change the format in late 1972 tation as a breaking market for artists to be local and live — in contrast to today’s and how they were persuaded to give the like Rush, , and Todd stations, usually formatted for a chain of fledgling station a year to show some rat- Rundgren was to find a balance between stations in some distant office. Bass said he ings movement. Sanders then brought his the new and the familiar. thinks the culture to support it no longer friend Gorman in from in 1973. By “It’s a weird tightrope,” he said. “You’re exists, and Tiburski said, “The capitaliza- the end of that year, the station was causing trying to break music to the masses but tion would be enormous considering all enough reaction in the market to convince not be so obscure you’re just playing to the platforms you’d have to cover. There are the owners to let it live. aficionados.” not many long-term investors today.” He talked about a strategy born of neces- Gorman suggested that the station’s But both Gorman and Sanders were sity that laid the groundwork for the sta- reputation for picking the right acts to more optimistic, both suggesting any such tion’s eventual broad reach. back had to do with soliciting input from station in the future would indeed have to “[New owners] Malrite gave us a year multiple staff ears. He said they asked maximize multiple media platforms. and put no money into it,” he said. “So we reps to give them albums for Said Sanders, “I think something like it went to everyone and said ‘We’ll give you each DJ, thinking that what one person could happen, but not in the same way.” five promos if you put our call letters on might not hear another would. “I think there’s still a need for gatekeep- it.’ We were sponsoring everything all over Gorman related one of several stories ers,’ said Gorman. “One of the things town to get our call letters seen.” that illustrated how WMMS combined that made WMMS happen was it had “We were doing merchandising, brand- determination and persistence with an an incredible team. I think we will have ing, promotions, without knowing those uncanny knack for recognizing elements something emerge from the Internet with terms,” said Tiburski. in the culture and happy accidents that gatekeepers who are passionate about what That strategy of blanketing the mar- could play into what they were doing. they are doing.” Join The Press Club of Cleveland

Name: Date: Membership applied for: Join Us Employer: ( ) Affiliate: $40 on ( ) Journalist: $60 Title: ( ) Associate: $90 Work Address: Work Phone: Fax: Questions? Call Lynn Bracic – 440-899-1222 or visit our site at Email: Referred By: www.pressclubcleveland.com. Credit card type: Expiration: To submit stories, events or to share an idea with the Byliner email Make checks payable to Name on credit card: [email protected]. The Press Club of Cleveland Our deadline for our March Issue is Card # 28022 Osborn Road March 14, 2008. Signature: Cleveland, OH 44140

Journalist: Print, online, broadcast, freelance and social media (blogger) journalists working for an accredited media company in the Greater Cleveland area (includes Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, Lorain and Medina counties). Associate: Public relations, corporate communications, marketing and advertising professionals, including corporate and non-profit freelancers and bloggers, working in the Greater Cleveland area, as well as others who share an interest in or are allied with the media and communications professionals, including sources; political, civic and business professionals; personal bloggers; and vendors. Affiliate: Non-local professionals and associates working outside of Greater Cleveland, retirees, educators and students