May their life stories inspire others and legacies be honored.
Kristin Hoke, the WPBF-TV 25 anchorwoman whose valiant 51/2 year battle with breast cancer inspired viewers and fellow cancer warriors, died in the early morning of June 9, 2010 at her Jupiter home. Click here to read the official obituary.

Antelle Marie Haithcock, 55, died at 3:44pm June 3, 2010 at her residence in Lima, OH. Antelle is fondly remembered for hosting the successful "A Gospel Sound" program on WILO. In recent years, Antelle had dedicated herself to public speaking in support of community building initiatives... Click here to read the official obituary.

Thought that those of you who know Ron would be very interested in this video...even those of you who don't know him will be moved by it. :)  Click here to see the video.

"Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass. It's about learning to dance in the rain."

CBS Radio Detroit Senior Vice President and Market Manager Debbie Kenyon announced today (June 24, 2010) the promotion of Roberto Boschian to Director of Digital Media Operations for CBS Radio Detroit. 

Boschian will lead the digital media efforts for the CBS Radio Detroit stations WWJ-AM, WXYT AM/FM, WYCD FM, WOMC FM and WDZH-FM. His responsibilities will include web development, new digital initiatives, execution of on-line marketing programs, video production and development, creative strategies and continuing to grow web traffic.

Even though I'm an old guy, I'm still hip to the new technology. Granted...I don't know how to use it, but at least I know it exists. I think that internet radio, HD (when the owners wake up), and mobile devices are the wave of the future. My friends at Jacobs Media recently released Tech Survey VI with some fascinating information about Smartphones, Apps, Pandora and more!

Click here to check it out!

We want to welcome two other grads, Joe Bove and Jeff Hastedt, to our facility with their 6 Internet Radio stations. They founded JB Media Group and we are delighted to have them "down the hall". They will be using our current students as interns to help run their stations and launch an internet station for the school. Welcome guys!

Very glad to have one of our favorite grads, Billy (Billy the Kid) Green, back in town...well sort of. Billy can be heard from 7 to Midnight on 106.7 The Beat of Detroit doing his usual great show...from Dallas! In addition to his show on the Dallas station, he manages through the magic of technology, to entertain folks in his home town.
You can even leave him shout outs on his cell @ 248-324-5851.

 Among the many great things about my job are chances to attend award ceremonies. A few weeks ago, I attended the Michigan Associated Press Broadcasters award banquet, where 13 of our grads won various awards. Many won multiple awards!  Thanks to all for making us proud.  The following SHS Grads won!!!!

·      Pat Batcheller – WDET Detroit

·      Andrew Green – WSJM Benton Harbor – 4 awards

·      WSJM – General Excellence for News – Class 3 Radio

·      Lindsay Smith – WGVU Grand Rapids – 2 awards

·      Rob South – WKAR East Lansing

·      Bob Mundie – WWJ Detroit – 2 awards

·      Tony Ortiz – WWJ Detroit

·      Stefanie Mills – WWTV/WWUP – TV Cadillac/Traverse City

·      Corey Adkins – WWTV/WWUP – TV Cadillac/Traverse City – 4 awards

·      Dennis Krainiak – Fox 2 Detroit

·      WHMI in Howell won for General Excellence 
   
Jon King – News Director – 6 awards
    
Jessica Matthews – 4 awards
    
Mike Marino

This have been picking up this time of year and it all makes me look forward to the future. NAB Show (National Association of Broadcasters) is this week. Although I didn't attend, I'm amazed at all the new technology I'm seeing come out of the conference. Check out their web videos when you get a chance.

Not adverse to technological advances ourselves, Specs Howard School is testing a new system for an alumni network. It is our own social network. Specs Howard Grad Central lets you network and reconnect with your classmates and other graduates. Registration must be approved before you can post.

Speaking of grads, Chris Fillar (RTV 17-08) just took home a MAEB gold award for his Specs Spotlight and landed an awesome job! He is now the Sports Director for a Clear Channel cluster in Parkersburg, West Virgina. He does hourly sports news reports for three stations, plus three other sister stations in Wheeling, WV. That’s not it…also podcasts, voice work, station remotes and high school sports play-by-play/color commentary! Way to go Chris!

Finally, I had to share this last bit of news for all of the students interested in film production. The word around town is that there are film projects starting in Detroit this summer. The Michigan Production Alliance is a great organization to join if you’re interested in working in the film industry. The MPA has access to information about location scouts, crews and producers from around the country. Take advantage of a great resource by becoming a member of the MPA today!

Keep in contact with me on Facebook, MySpace, or Twitter. I love to hear updates from grads!