Column has yet to make it the the web page

Normally you can find my media column at hallsnews.com but this week they have yet to up
date the sucker?

Here it be for those who read it on line.

Just when you thought all the fun was happening in the local television tent, local radio jumps in with both feet. Last week it was reported that a caller to the Hal Hill show caused the station to throw the dead bolts when said caller reportedly threatened to shoot a member of the Hal Hill morning team. Friends, having been there and stolen the T shirt I can tell you callers saying they want to do you bodily harm is nothing new. I talked to a broadcaster just a few weeks ago who told me when his station interrupted a stupid football game to report a life threatening news event he got an e mail saying if the writer knew where he lived he would get in is truck and drive over to personally kick his donkey for cutting into the game.
So when you are doing a TALK SHOW, you want them to talk and often when they don't agree with your agenda they get hot under the collar, it just happens. The report added that the cause of the lock down was that the caller was upset by a comment made by Dave Foulk when he referred to an elderly man as a Q-tip. It added this caused the caller to threaten to get a gun and shoot Foulk. I have NO idea what a Q-tip is in the giant book of insults but apparently it is something very strong! Anyway the folks at News Talk 100 WNOX, justified going to the mattresses by saying things were all different now. Morning fellow, Hal Hill was quoted as saying post 9-11 and post Columbine causes many business to take it very seriously when someone working there is threatened with death. No arrests have been made at press time and reports are the front door of the station was unlocked later that day.

What made it all worth the ink was when the other talk station issued their thoughts on security. The guys at Southern Roots Radio (1180 and 1120 AM) issued a list of ways their situation in times of crisis differs from WNOX.
"Top Ten Ways We're Different from WNOX"
"10. It's rare when we go a day without a threat from the Chamber-I mean-listeners.
9. WNOX has a panic room with high tech surveillance equipment. We have a pop-up camper with a Polaroid One Step.
8. When WNOX gets a threat, they notify their security team who immediately turns on their computer controlled electronic state of the art security system. When we get a threat, we slide a straight chair under the doorknob.
7. Their security guard: "The Terminator". Our security guard: "Barney Fife".
6. Before any lockdown, we send out for fried chicken.
5. They frisk all visitors to the building. Us: Kelvin waves over cars asking to be frisked.
4. During lockdown at WNOX, George Korda is safely secured in the WNOX compound. We pretend nobody's home when Korda knocks on the door.
3. WNOX is warm and fuzzy. Southern Roots Radio? Who's gonna mess with a station who has Mike Holloway AND Marshal Andy.
2. They have at least half a dozen highly trained guard dogs. Us: Robert Bratton.
1. If there is a threat, instead of a Lockdown, we Lock and Load."

The truth is the gang at 1180 and 1120 should figure out a way to put we bring them back, into their title. Last week they added Mr. Waffle House himself, Marshal Andy to their line up. The Marshal has been a favorite for decades on local public TV, with his western band and on more than a few radio and TV commercials. Long time radio personality Eddy Roy said his new show is going to be a blend of all of his talents. "Marshal Andy and I will be co-hosting "Eddy Arnold - After All These Years" every Wednesday from 4-5 p.m. on 1180 WVLZ Knoxville and 1120 WKCE. We'll play old and new Eddy tunes (he's the only artist in history to chart in 7 consecutive decades), other featured artists including "The Knoxville Cowboy", Marshal Andy and the Riders of the Silver Screen Band, plus Tennessee, Andy Griffith and Big Band Trivia for prizes in addition to lots of our rapier wit."

Up on the ridge last week a long time morning guy packed his box and headed to the parking lot. TK, the morning talent on B 97 for more than a few years is no longer working for South Central, according to a suit. They would not elaborate on his exit, just added they never talk about former employees. Ashley will be moving into the chair according to their website.

This week (1-26-06) the fall Arbitron will be released. If you want to glance at the trends and get an early look at where the local radio stations may land check out radioandrecords.com. Just remember the only rating information published there is the cradle to the grave numbers. Today most buyers want to see the demographics of a station and gravitate to very specific age groups. It looks like at least a few of the stations that flopped formats and frequencies are still not performing according to the trends. Those who did the flopping will tell you this book isn't a full representation of their new changes and they are right.