 (Originally posted on Thursday, July 19, 2007)
The long-haired leaping gnome visits "the green screen" in celebration of Thomas Kippen's new weathercasting job in Nebraska. (More below)
Hey, folks!
This has been a very cool week. We were visited by Spudd, the program director (and DJ) from HOT 102.7 (WHTD-FM), who interviewed several recent grads for potential positions with Radio One. In addition to WHTD, Radio One also owns Kiss 105.9 (WDMK-FM) and News Talk 1200 (WCHB-AM).
The following day, Kevin Scollin & I were invited to the Motor City Casino by two of our grads, John Stewart & Dave Shank (both of whom also taught classes at Specs Howard back in the day) to discuss the brand new Motor City Casino Radio Bar and potential opportunities for our grads.
I am amazed at the newly created job opportunities with various websites at radio & TV stations like MYFOX (more on that in a later edition) that didn't exist only a couple of years ago.
GRADS ON THE MOVE
 Congratulations to Specs grad Thomas Kippen (pictured left) who is now the Chief Weathercaster at KNOP-TV 2 in North Platte, Nebraska.
For a weather forecaster, North Platte is certainly in the middle of the action, located in the heart of tornado alley.
Tom's previous experience includes weathercaster stints in Alpena (Michigan) and South Bend (Indiana). In addition, Tom is currently pursuing a meteorology degree from Mississippi State.
 Specs grad Julie Banovic (pictured far right), a general assignment reporter for WNEM-TV 5 in Saginaw/Flint, is now doing weekend anchor work in addition to street reporting.
Likewise, Jason Aubrey (pictured above/left) is also trying out for weekend anchor work at KTWO-TV in Casper, Wyoming. Jason is one of many grads who have taken advantage of our articulation agreement with Rochester College and recieved his BA in the last year.
 After several years and several promotions, Armand Bumanlag (Arms) has been named the newest member of AM 800's news department!
Arms has had a full social calendar working on the promotions staff for CKLW since he graduated from Specs Howard a few years ago. How did he get that job? By interning at CKLW's sister station, 89X, of course!
That's it for this week! Don't hesitate to let us know what you're up to so we can share it with the rest of the world!
 (Originally posted on Thursday, July 12, 2007)
Michigan Association of Broadcasters
Summer Conference 2007
Well, I just returned from the MAB's annual summer get-together in one of my favorite cities, Grand Rapids.
Several of my favorite people were inducted into the MAB Hall of Fame: My old friend Tom Bender, Regional General Manager & Senior VP of Greater Media Detroit (WRIF, WCSX & WMGC); Tom Bryson, President & General Manager of WJRT-TV Flint; Gary Reid, University Distinguished Senior Specialist at Michigan State University and General Manager of WDBM-FM (Michigan State) and Chairman of the MAB Foundation and many other distinguished titles (including good friend); and Stephen Trivers, President and General Manager of Fairfield Broadcasting Company.
It was also great to see another good friend, Ross Biederman, recieve the Lifetime Achievement Award. Ross is the President of Midwestern Broadcasting in another of my favorite places, Traverse City. The company owns numerous radio stations in Northern Michigan, and has been one of our favorite employers.
His operations director, grad Jack O'Malley, has been with the company for over 25 years and many other employees have been there for long periods too.
I had the chance to spend quality time with many of our employers and returned with several job leads!
 Jeff Sepulveda
Emmy Award
I want to offer my congratulations to grad Jeff Sepulveda (pictured right). He just won an Emmy award for his work editing a news clip for WDIV-TV 4 within a 24-hour period.
The name of the story is What Shall We Say, a 9/11 tribute to a native Detroit woman who lost her life in the World Trade Center.
To see the clip, click here.
 Skeleton Factory's
Little Red Devil
Filmmakers Todd & Tommy Brunswick have completed their seventh feature film, Little Red Devil, which is scheduled for release this fall.
Michigan Vue just did a really nice article about the project, which was shot on high-definition for under $1 million. Tommy and Todd have been making films here in Southeastern Michigan for 7 years, originally under the name of Crossbow 5 Entertainment.
With the success of their first five low-budget (under $100,000 each) direct-to-video films, they found a partner and investor in Arlene Gildenberg and renamed their production company The Skeleton Factory.
Today they currently have four movies for sale and plan to screen Little Red Devil at Revolution. They are hoping a company such as Lion's Gate or Anchor Bay will pick it up for national distribution.
In addition, grad Mike Kudreiko was the director of photography on this and grad Chris Rosik was script supervisor.
To read the Michigan Vue story about Little Red Devil, click here.
 Ross Marroso's Osama Bin Latte
In other news, grad Ross Marroso just let us know that his latest short film Osama Bin Latte has been accepted by the 2007 Dragon*Con Independent Short Film Festival in Atlanta as part of a huge comic convention.
Many of our grads -- students at the time -- were involved in this production, thanks to Ross and the efforts of Video Placement Advisor Nicole LaDouceur.
Ross' first effort was a documentary on Superman called In A Single Bound, which has had a successful run at many festivals. Not bad for a guy whose day job is WDIV's airbourne reporter. Visit Motor City Movies for more about Ross' indie projects.
By the way, Ross has also been teaching a screenwriting workshop right here at the school.
"I am teaching people who to use Final Draft, the leading screenplay writing software in the business," explains Ross, "but more than that, I am spending a lot of time teaching people what to do with a screenplay once they're finished with it."
If you're interested in signing up for a future class, shoot Ross an email.
Detroit Local 101 "Best Local Radio Show"RIFF2
In radio breaking news, we were delighted to see that RIFF2, Greater Media's HD2 station, was recognized by listeners as having the "Best Local Radio Show."
You can hear Detroit Local 101 on Tuesday nights at 10:00 PM by going to www.riff2.com or if you are one of the lucky few to have an HD radio go to 101.1-HD2. It's all about local bands and is pretty unique, and if you're part of a local band, call Suzy Cole at 248-542-0101.
A Big THANK YOU to Michael DeVille
In closing, let me thank grad Michael DeVille for his outstanding work as an A/V Technician for Carnival Cruise Lines. He shoots videos of passengers, both on and off the ship, to create lasting memories of their good times.
His supervisor is so impressed with his work that he asked him where he could find others with his skills and attitude, and of course, he referred him to his alma mater -- the good old SHS. Thanks, Mike!
That's it for this week. Oh, by the way, when and if you respond to either the blog or leave me a message here or on MySpace, puleeeeeeze let me know your name. That's
your full name, so I can get back to you!�
 (Blog originally posted on 7/2/7)
It's been a great week for Specs grads.
Gerald McBride has been doing a great oldies oriented show on Mix 92.3 for many years and it has been picked up by other stations around the country, and after what seems forever, it caught the attention of radio syndicator, Super Radio who will place it on stations in most major markets all over the U.S.
I must admit I was very naive about what it took to put something into syndication, but sure learned that it isn't something for the faint of heart or the impatient.
My sincere congratulations to Gerald for never giving up even when it seemed as if it was never going to happen.
It made my day to pick up the latest edition of Friday Morning Quarterback (FMQB) and lo' & behold, right there on the cover was Alex Tear! After departing WDRQ, he was named Operations Manager of Pittsburgh's WKST & WWSW.
FMQB did an extensive interview (click here for story) which focused on the challenges and rewards of running two very competitive stations in a market the size of Pittsburgh.
Alex has always been one of our favorite grads and we value his friendship. I wish him continued success. �
 Just as I was recovering from the news about Gerald & Alex, imagine my joy when R & R arrived with a great article (click here for story) highlighting the amazing success of Alternative Rock WGRD in Grand Rapids, programmed by Jerry "JT" Tarrants (pictured right.)
The station has the highest ratings of any alternative station in the country and it's in in Grand Rapids!?!?
JT took over the programming a little over two years ago and with the help of a great morning show, "Free Beer & Hot Wings", the station has become the dominant rock station in the market and the most successful alternative station in the United States. Way to go JT!!
In case you think that all we do is keep track of our seasoned grads, NO WAY! Kevin Scollin just returned from a series of station visits "Up North."
His trip took him through Flint, Tawas City, Alpena, Cheboygan and Traverse City. He stopped at both radio & TV stations with one goal: to make sure when they have entry-level positions open that we're the first place they think to call.
In addition to our traditional employer contacts, Denise Lippert from our admissions department has been helping us break new ground in places we've never been before.
With the explosive growth of Internet use by newspapers, radio stations, casinos, hospitals and retirement communities, there are all sorts of new opportunities that didn't exist even a few years back.
I know, you're not revved up about retirement communities. But how about a whole TV net devoted to us old folks. Remember, it's all television.
That's it for this week. Hope to hear from all of y'all. Don't forget to keep in touch! Email me a line, folks!�
 P.S. Check out this picture they posted of Alex Tear in "This Week in FMQB History." He's the 14-year-old to the right of FMQB's Fred Deane, circa 1997.
 (Blog originally posted 06/27/07)
Hey neighbors! WOW, what a week!
I attended the annual Gracie Awards in NYC. These are presented by the AWRT (American Women in Radio & Television) and I'm proud to be the first male ever elected to the Board of Directors (yeah, chicks dig me!). Specs Grad Mary Bennett has also been on the board for a number of years. She is currently the Chair of AWRT.
Specs grad Shelley Irwin (pictured bottom left) earned her fourth straight Gracie Award for the work she's done at WGVU in Grand Rapids. Overall, it was a great event. Just don't ask me how many hours it took me to get home.
Speaking of the number four, that's how many Specs Howard grads won EMMY awards at the recent awards banquet. Our sincere congratulations to:
Glenda Lewis
WXYZ-TV
Tim Pamplin
WDIV-TV
Charlie Langton
Sterling Heights Television & FOX 2 -- He won two!
Jeff Sepulveda
WDIV-TV
We heard from grad Chris Chynoweth regarding his move from GTN to Mad River Post and he brought us up-to-date on his most recent project, which is a music video called Cold Steel by Phat Kat (featuring Elzi from Slum Village).
Cold Steel is meant to deliver a clear message to the hip-hop community against gun violence. This video was directed by Anthony Garth of Avalon Films/Fallout Entertainment and is slated to debut on BET next month.
Chris is also putting the finishing touches on a live Bob Seger video, which is a documentary style piece. In his spare time, he's also worked on commercials for Kellogg's & Chevrolet.
Amazing!
I would also like to share two emails I received recently. The first one is from John Zadikian, a grad from 1982 (RTV-7):
"Specs and the staff took my childhood dreams of informing and entertaining people and made them into reality. I can't fathom where I'd be if I hadn't set foot into the old classrooms on Northland Drive and marveled at Uncle Kernen's stories about the early days of modern radio in the Motor City.My voice can be heard across Michigan and Chicago doing traffic reports, telephone voice prompts and other voice work for AAA. I also cut spots for Kmart and Sears, and do other freelance voice and print work.
Thanks to SHS, I've gone from a five-year-old "radio announcer man" in his kindergarten class play to a successful media career. Retirement can wait!"
The second one is from a 2005 grad, Terri Lee-Sylvester (RTV-5):
"In May 2006, I joined 1180 WXLA as mid-day host. When the station was sold, along with Power 96.5, to MacDonald Broadcasting, I was hired as the local host for the Tom Joyner Morning Show.On May 14, 2007, I was promoted to Managing Editor for their four Lansing stations: Power 96.5, 1320 WILS, Mike FM and 1180 WXLA.
Currently, in addition to my supervisory responsibilities, I anchor the 11am, 12noon and 1pm news Monday-Friday. I love my job and will be forever grateful for the wonderful training I received at Specs Howard!"
In closing, I'd like to extend get-well wishes to two of our radio pals, Art Vuolo and Kevin O'Neil. On behalf of the school, I wish them both quick and complete recoveries!
 (Blog originally posted 06/08/07)
It's very tough to know what to say this week having lost one of my dearest friends in Rhonda Hart (pictured left with me some time in the early 1980s and below right with me and another special grad, Sari Zalesin.).
I've known her for well over 20 years and followed her career and her personal life through many, many ups and downs, and I've never known a better person, or a better friend.
 I've thought about how I'd write about her since attending her funeral last Saturday and after much consideration, I'll simply leave it at this -- I miss her terribly.
I must mention my admiration for the eulogy done by her partner at WMUZ, John Culbert. He really captured what Rhonda was all about.
It was also tough to hear about the death of another old friend, Paul Christy. He was a great guy and a terrific program director.
 I will be in NYC for the annual presentation of the Gracie Awards by AWRT (American Women in Radio & TV) to watch grad Shelley Irwin (pictured left) win her FOURTH in as many years.
Shelley, who is with WGVU radio and TV in Grand Rapids, said in a recent article, "The things I've learned! The people I'm meeting! The opportunities! I've eaten fire!!! I've gone to Jordan..."
And being humble, never mentioned the four Gracie Awards! She is involved in many organizations, including serving as President of the Epilepsy Foundation of Michigan. It's an honor to count her among our grads.
I'm delighted to report that grad Jay Hudson has been named Music Director & Assistant Program Director at Detroit’s 89X. And how about this guys -- recent grad Becky Hayden is the brand new PR & Media Relations Director of the College Football Hall of Fame in South Bend, Indiana!? How cool is that?
I just re-connected with a long ago grad, Brian Taylor, Director of Media Relations for the St. John’s Hospital Group. Brian had a very successful career as a TV anchor/ reporter in Lansing and Grand Rapids before using his background to pursue Media Relations. He served in a similar position for many years at Beaumont Hospital before joining the St. John’s group. He'll be our commencement speaker on June 22 for the graduation of RTV-12-06.
And finally, a big way-to-go to Mike Abbotts on being named Assistant Production Director for the 8-station Cumulus group in Toledo. WOW -- 8 stations! Oh, and he's still able to do weekends at his former employer, WJR. He's really keeping busy!
I need to recognize in closing, the person who makes this blog possible, and who harassed me for weeks to start it -- the one and only Shelly Maki, our Marketing Director. This would never have happened without her help and encouragement. Thanks, Shel!�
 (Blog originally posted on Friday, June 1, 2007)
This week it's Bermuda. You never know where the long-haired leaping gnome will show up!
As I come kicking and screaming into the beginning of the 21st Century, it seems appropriate to start my own blog, in addition to my MySpace page, so here goes…
My blog will be used to talk about the many, many successes of our grads (whose names appear in red) and the amazing developments that are occurring in electronic communications.
Brad Richter, Denise Swope & I recently visited Fox 2 Detroit and met with VP of News Dana Hahn and Senior Web Producer Dennis Kraniakto explore a mutually productive relationship.
Several of our students are currently interning for myfoxdetroit.com and have made such a positive impression on the station that it has led to discussions on a closer relationship. It's also helpful that both Dana & Dennis are grads! We'll keep you posted as we finalize details.
My sincere congratulations to Program Director Jerry Tarrants (JT) of Grand Rapids on WGRD’s phenomenal Arbitron rating book. Stations doing Alternative Rock formats seldom succeed to the level that WGRD has. JT -- with great help from morning show hosts, Free Beer & Hot Wings -- has achieved, according to my research, the best numbers of any station doing alternative rock in the country. And most amazing, in Grand Rapids??? Nice job.
WYCD Promotion Director Lydia Reinberger & Operations Manager Tim Roberts both took time out of busy schedules to let us know how pleased they were with the more than 60 volunteers that Katie Peters sent them to help with the Downtown Hoedown. This is a huge event and demands a tremendous amount of organization and a whole lot of work. From the staff and faculty of the Specs Howard School, a very big “THANK YOU” to all the students who participated.
Looking for a role model for success? Let me recommend recent grad, Cecilia Jackson. While she was in school, she worked a number of internships, including two feature films, Univision’s Informando taped here at the school, and the Golden Cassette Awards Banquet & Ceremony hosted by MCA-I.
After graduation, Cecilia began searching various websites for a position in TV News. She found one at KLKN-TV in Lincoln Nebraska, the State capitol. She had a friend who lived there and after the station expressed an interest, she flew in and interviewed.
As she was preparing to fly home on a Friday afternoon, she got a call and was offered the job. She said, "This is the best thing that's ever happened to me. I'm learning so much, it's more like school than work!"
I love it.
There was a great article in the 5/30 edition of the Detroit Free Press about the re-opening of the Motor City Casinos’ 60,000 square-foot, $275 million, permanent facility. The casino now features a radio bar with VJs from … you know where.
We are delighted that all the VJs are grads and congratulate Michelle McCullough, Myra Wilson, Amanda Fiolek, Joe Palmer and Program Coordinator Nicole Breanne on their new positions. Another job market for our grads … yeah!!
In addition, two grads from the last century, Dave Shank and John Stewart have been working for Motor City Casino since it opened several years ago. Specs Howard graduate and former instructor, John Stewart, has been in charge of the audiovisual department. His right hand audio man is Dave Shank, another graduate and former instructor. Grad Martin LaCombe handles the lighting side.
I'll be away for a week. Let me know what you think, and if you have a story, please email me!
Signing off,
Klue-Bus Kernen
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