HAPPY HALLOWEEN!
I was happy to see two of our favorite grads named in the annual Metro Times Best of Detroit issue. WDFN's Sean Baligian was voted "Best Radio Sports Talk Show Host" by the newspaper's readers, and credited under "Best Reason to Turn on the Radio During the Day" was recently returned host of WDET's Detroit Today, Craig Fahle. I was also glad that their news director, Jerome Vaughn, was given well-deserved credit too even if he's not a grad -- but a really good friend!
My sincere congratulations also go to grad Ian Douglass on his recent promotion to Deputy Press Secretary and Appointments Director for Speaker of the Michigan House of Representatives, Andy Dillon. In addition, Ian hosts talk shows for the democratic party.
It was great to be visited by grad Jennifer Freel (pictured left with yours truly) in from the west coast to visit her dad, who accompanied her on a tour of our facility. Jennifer handles e-commerce operations for Universal Music in Universal City, California and also happens to teach part-time at a school for broadcasters.
After working for Cumulus Broadcasting in Toledo for many years as an air talent and music director, grad Mike McIntyre has been promoted to program/music director and PM
drive host at the company's brand new classic hits station, 97.1-WRQQ, in Nashville. If Mike's name sounds familiar, in addition to working in Toledo, Mike also spent many weekend air shifts at WRIF and WYCD over the years. I don't expect he'll be making the commute from Nashville! Congrats, Mike!
Last but certainly not least, I think it's time to recognize graduates of our long discontinued electronics program. Although the school no longer offers an electronics program, I have kept in touch with a number of grads through the years and feel they should still get recognition from their alma mater. I'm going to try real hard not to miss anyone, but I'm probably destined to fail so please accept my apologies and feel free to let me know so I can do a make-good for you. So in no particular order:
• Ralph Hunt: Chief Engineer for WWJ, WXYT & WKRK
• Ross Lusk: Chief Engineer for WVMV, WOMC & WYCD
• Chris Arnaut : Chief Engineer for WJR, WDVD, WDRQ and was recently hired by WDIV-TV
• Mike Kernen: Chief Engineer for WRIF, WMGC & WCSX (and yes, he's my nephew)
• Malloy Farley: Chief Engineer for WDET-FM
• Randy Auerbach: Chief Engineer for WDFN, WMXD, WJLB, WKQI, WDTW & WNIC
• Dave Sapp: Chief Engineer at WDMK, WHTD & WCHB
• Hal Buttermore: Regional Chief Engineer for CBS
These were taken from the RADIO Book and may be out-dated, but it's still an impressive list. If anyone would like to send me an update, I'd appreciate it.
Trick or treat! ~UK
