Of course, the big news this month has Michigan rolling out the red carpet for the motion picture industry and believe me, these folks are rolling in!! We are fired up about it over here at Specs Howard School and we’re already meeting with all sorts of film folk to insure that our grads are well represented among the locals for hire.
First and foremost, we are hosting a casting call here at the school this Wednesday, May 7, from 1:30 PM to 4:30 PM with Michigan Talent and Associates. Specs grad Fallon Jamil has been working with them and from what I understand, will be here as well. Whether you’d like to begin an acting career or just be an extra on a film, bring your resume and headshot!
Also coming up is the Actors 411 Workshop on Saturday, June 7, with grad Ross Marroso and his new company Casting Motor City. He and his team -- led by established casting director Kathy McKee – will spend the day giving you the who-what-where-when-how-and-why of the acting business. Click here for details!
While I’m as surprised as anyone that the gap between film and video narrowed so abruptly due to changes in technology the past several years, Detroit has been a major player in the teleproduction industry for years, thanks again to the automotive industry. When you consider all the players that are already in place here, attracting filmmakers to our fair state isn’t as odd as people might have you believe.
Thanks are due to Jeff Daniels, Mike Binder and Mitch Albom for using their considerable influence to get the new film incentives passed in Lansing. I would be remiss if I didn't also credit our good friend Mark Adler (students and grads may recall that he’s the force behind our regular PA Bootcamp Workshops).
Mark never gave up on it. He has worked tirelessly to convince people to support this effort -- many of whom were no help. Despite this, Mark never lost his enthusiasm and belief that this could happen. Way to go, Mark!
I have to say that lately, I’m just enjoying taking it all in. Changes in all facets of the industry— radio and television — are coming fast and furious. I can barely keep up but I am so thankful to still be a part of it.
RADIO STARS
In celebration of their 40th anniversary, trade magazine FMQB (Friday Morning Quarterback) has created their very own Hall Of Fame, and I am so proud that three Specs Howard grads are among the inductees. 
Major Market Music Director (CHR Format)
Billy (the Kidd) Green, KHKS - Dallas, TX
Major Market Music Director (Modern Rock Format)
Mike Halloran, XTRA - San Diego, CA
Secondary Market Music Director (Rock Format)
Tony LaBrie, WWBN – Flint, MI
RETURNING TO LATE NGHT SATURDAYS:
 Classic B horror and sci-fi movies hosted by Wolfman Mac and his creepy cast of monsters was off the air for a couple of weeks during a transition between editors and the Pistons play-offs.
But Nightmare Sinema will soon return on Saturday nights (technically, I guess it’s Sunday mornings). Look for it on late-night Saturday, May 17 at 12:30 AM). After that, it'll be on every Saturday night at midnight!
 SHOUT OUTS
Thanks to Mike Blank at WDET-FM for hooking me up with his old classmate, Mark Abraham, who is now the morning show host at WKLS in Atlanta under his air-name Shaffee.
I also caught up with the guys doing "State Champs" -- Jonathan Kidd is the
lead photographer & Loren Plante is the anchor. Watch it on MYTV-20 at 11:30 on Saturday. Both started as interns with Fred McCloud several years ago.
I also touched base with grad Matt Talutto, now doing PM Drive at WHQG
"The Hog" in Milwaukee.
 Our placement director, Kevin Seguin-Scollin just received word from Katey Gates that I’d like to share with y'all. Kate’s first job in radio after Specs took her to Virgina Beach!
Hey!! I am loving it here!! This job is great!
It is beautiful here. Right now it is 72 and sunny! Beach life is very different from Detroit but it's a great change!
Just about two weeks ago my co-worker Lacey and I, along with a few ofour friends, went to Virginia Beach for the Mushroomhead concert. So, I am still staying close to my metal roots too! I even got to meet Mushroomhead and all the bands they played with. It was a great time. It's been a wild ride and I know there will be much more to come. I can't thank you enough for helping me out!! I sound so much better now because I am on air 6 days a week!!
Keep in touch,
K
ate
P.S. Make sure to tell dick i say hi :)
Hello to you too, Katey! Thank you for keeping us posted!
IN MEMORY
Lastly, I am deeply saddened to hear of the very untimely death of grad Bob Kozaitis of Greater Media Detroit. Bob was one of the best sales and marketing people I've ever known. On behalf of everyone at Specs Howard School, our sympathies go out to his family, friends and everyone at WRIF, WCSX & WMGC. He will be missed by everyone who knew him.
"Til next time... uk
The Oakland Press has hired Specs grad Andrew Dupont as their new online video editor. That’s right, the newspaper that’s been printed and distributed throughout Oakland County for over 150 years needed to hire a video editor to edit video for their online newspaper. While the Internet has obviously been around for some time, thanks to improved technology, the gaps between print, radio and television are rapidly closing!
Now I realize I’ve been around since just after the Earth cooled, but I can’t say I ever thought I’d see the day when newspapers and radio stations would be hiring video editors. Remember, not too long ago I blogged about Roberto Boschian, who was hired by WYCD radio for his video and graphic design experience.
I have to say, all these changes are making it an exciting time for us in the placement department here at Specs Howard School.
But getting back to Andrew’s new job at The Oakland Press, I want to congratulate him on his new position and for passing Apple’s Final Cut Pro certification test. Between that and a great cover letter, Andrew got the call to come in for an interview the same day he applied.
So a word to all recent graduates looking to pursue a career as a video editor: Media Power’s 6-week Advanced Editing class is a terrific opportunity to master Final Cut Pro, become an Apple Certified Pro, and leap ahead of the competition when it comes to employment.
Those two little words… Media Power… will add a 1-2-3 punch to your resume. The next available Advanced Editing Class begins May 19. It meets three days a week (M-W-Th) from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM for six weeks, plus the exam is included with the tuition. Understand it’s not a guaranteed PASS (no career ever came with an easy button), but I think you’ll find the extra time and effort are worth it if being a video editor is really what you want to be. Call Randy Z. to sign up at 248-351-0101 or take a walk upstairs! You'll find him in the Media Power office. Seating is limited (only 12 seats per class) so don't dawdle!
 WINNERS & NOMINEES
I was delighted to hear that our very own Mr. Specs Howard (pictured left) will be presented with the annual Imagine America Foundation Pioneer Award in June at a special awards ceremony at the Annual CCA Convention & Exposition.
The award recognizes career college founders, owners or operators who have provided exceptional support and leadership to the career college sector. Previous Pioneer Awardees have distinguished themselves through the management of their institutions, their high ethical standards and devotion to innovation. I can’t think of a more deserving recipient.
 I am also happy to report that the Academy of Country Music has announced that grad Karen D'Allesandro & her Morning Moo Crew (pictured left) were nominated for Major Market Morning Show of the Year. Her station, WMIL in Milwaukee was also nominated as Major Market Station of the year.
I’d also like to extend my congratulations to my good friends at WDFN Detroit and WLEN Adrian on being named finalists in the National Association of Broadcasters’ Crystal Radio Awards. The awards recognize stations that demonstrate a year-round commitment to community service.
I have my fingers crossed for everyone and sincerely hope they all win!!
SHOUT OUTS
One of the many reasons I still come to work every day is hearing from grads after many years.
Chuck Wood, Director of Sales for Regent Broadcasting’s 7-station cluster in Lafayette, Louisiana
Stephanie Mills, Executive Producer at WWTV/WWUP-TV (Channels 9 & 10) in Traverse City, MI
Jamal Bransford, News Photographer at WJRT-TV (Channel 12) in Flint, MI
Jennifer Freel, e-Commerce Customer Service Manager for Film & TV at Universal Music Group, Universal City, CA.
Jeremy Snell, Assistant Editor at Grace & Wild Studios in Farmington Hills, MI
Steve Damschroder, Promotions Director at WIOT Radio in Toledo, OH
Paul Watson, Sports Talk Host at Independence Media in Peoria, IL
Jennifer Michaels, Programming Promotion Director at Magic 105.1 WMGC in
Detroit, MI
Chuck DeBone, Air Talent (7 to Midnight ) at 106.5 "The Arch" in St. Louis, MO
Thanks to all for staying in touch -- and if you haven't checked in lately, whas' up??? Send your Uncle Kernen a line! ~uk
I’m glad to report that once again, Specs Howard grads have proven to be winners. Starting with the Michigan’s Associated Press Broadcast Awards, I’m delighted to report that 14 of our grads will be honored at the ceremony on April 12. The list includes:
Amy Miller - WDET-FM
Craig Fahly - WDET-FM
Shelley Irwin - WGVU (2)
Jon King - WHMI (4)
Jessica Matthews - WHMI (2)
Lindsey Smith - WHMI
Rob St. Mary - WDET-FM (3)
Note: These were won while he was News Director at WOOD-AM in Grand Rapids
Charlie Rood - WSGW
Bob Mundie - WWJ
Bill Stevens - WWJ
Florence Walton - WWJ
Tony Ortiz - WWJ
Corey Adkins - WWTV-WWUP-TV (4) - Corey is a photojournalist
Donn Bosquet - WXYZ-TV - Donn is a Director of the 6 & 11 news
Also in this week, Gerry Gava – a 1980 graduate -- was inducted into the Canadian Association of Broadcasters Quarter Century Club. Gerry is the Manager of of Distribution Services for CTV Television in Toronto.
After talking about Stacey Szostek’s new job at Postique last week, I thought I’d ask Operations Manager Brian Chidester(also a grad) to do some research for me. Imagine my surprise to discover that a third of their creative and technical staff are Specs Howard grads!
BREAKING NEWS...Stacey has already been promoted to Assistant Editor & recent grad Fred Sczykutowicz has been added to the graphics department.
Other recent shout-outs from grads:
Mark Sadrack - AV Event Coordinator - Encore Productions - Las
Vegas
Scott Hooker - Air Talent - WPCV - Lakeland FL
Kathy Aune - Traffic/Continuity Dir. - KDKB - Mesa AZ
Steve Jones - Promotion Coordinator - Magic 105.1 - Detroit
Sara Fouracre - Morning Show - 97.1 "The Ticket" - Detroit
Mindy Pauris - Anchor/Reporter - WLIO-TV - Lima OH
As you can see, our grads wind up all over the place. But when I heard the latest from Erin Fleming, a 1999 grad, I knew this was one letter worth sharing:
Mr. Kernen,
I am off to Cairo, Egypt of all places! I am going to be part of a group of English-speaking radio stations that are bringing western culture not only to the Egyptians, but to the Americans, Canadians, and the British abroad. I am tying up lose ends at the "BEAR" (in Northern Michigan) before I head off to the Middle East to hopefully help educate the people in Egypt and surrounding areas on American culture, Western Civilization, entertain Americans and other people abroad, and shed light on what democracy can do for country.
I never thought in a million years that radio would allow to do the things I have done, to see the things that I have seen, and to experience some of the best and worst of things that life has to offer.I have had a chance to work with some of the most talented people in the world through out my career and all of them told me the same thing: “Work Hard, don't complain, go the extra mile and enjoy every challenge and opportunity that presents itself.”
Specs Howard School of Broadcast Arts changed my life. I am looking forward to the next set of challenges that the radio industry throws my way. Mr. Kernen, I sincerely want to thank you for opening my eyes to all of the wonderful things that can happen in radio if you want it bad enough. I have partied with rock stars, seen Barry Bonds break a home run record, and now I am traveling to foreign lands.
I am truly grateful! Take care and you can bet I will keep in touch.
Erin Fleming
RTV-99
Also, just to let you know, it’s Open Enrollment Month for Specs Howard graduates that are interested in registering for the Graphic Design Program. Don’t forget, we’re offering alumni a $1,000 scholarship. Call the admissions office for details and make an appointment. We’re making it really easy on you, folks. We’re even going to be open on Saturdays through May 3rd, (10 AM- 2 PM). The admissions department is going all out to make it festive with bagels, coffee, and lots of giveaways. I understand they even have some Pistons and Tigers tickets!
You know, the more I learn about this program, the more excited I get! It’s really going to be so cool. --uk
The word is out by now I guess, but just in case you haven’t heard, Specs Howard School is now offering a Graphic Design Program. It’s something your Uncle Kernen is really excited about because I have been getting calls from employers looking for graduates with graphic and web design skills for some time now. 
There are a lot of crossover opportunities out there for RTV (radio & television) grads. Currently, we’ve got Roberto Boschian over at WYCD (99.5 FM). He graduated from the RTV program with a concentration in television. The thin line between radio and TV, of course, is nothing new.
However, he not only made the leap from TV to radio, he’s the graphic/web design guru over there. It seems he had some experience with that too. Roberto’s official title is “Digital Manager.” More specifically, he is responsible for designing the station’s promotional products (think stickers, t-shirts, etc.), developing and maintaining the station’s website and providing video content for the radio station’s website. It’s just mind-boggling, isn’t it? To view some of his handiwork, visit the station's website here.
So for any of you grads out there that want to come back for the new graphic design program, we’re offering a $1,000 alumni scholarship. Graphic design students will be learning the fundamentals of both graphic and web design and it’s all wrapped up in an impressive package! Not only do all students receive the tools they’ll need (Adobe Creative Suite 3 Design Premium), classes will meet only twice a week. The rest will be done online.
If you want to learn more about it, stop in for one of our Graphic Design Demo Days on April 1st or 8th. We’ll have a session at 1:00 PM and 5:30 PM on both days. Call the school for details or to RSVP at 248-358-9000.
RECORD BREAKERS
Now it’s catch up time. As usual I’ve been inundated with all kinds of good news to share. Here’s hoping nothing falls through the cracks…
How’s this for a good day? On the day of her graduation, Stacey Szostek (who had been hired by Postique as a Dupe-Tech two weeks earlier) was surprised to find that not only had she won Highest GPA, the man who'd hired her -- Brian Chidester -- was the commencement speaker for her class!
In addition to being awarded a $1,000 grant from the Michigan Association of Broadcasters Foundation, Stacey also won an award in their 2008 College Broadcast Awards Competition. She and classmate Jena Major won a second place video award in the news feature/magazine program category.
And now, just last week, Stacey broke all existing records going from Dupe-Tech to Assistant Editor at Postique in 30 days. My sincere congratulations, Stacey!
While I’m talking about records, I feel honored to mention that grad Shelley Irwin will soon receive her fifth straight Gracie Award at the American Women in Radio & Television's event this June. Shelley works for Grand Valley State’s WGVU-TV & Radio. Not only has she won five Gracies in a row, Shelley was also honored with an award at the recent MAB Conference. WAY TO GO, SHELLEY!
And last but not least, Grand Rapids News/Talk WOOD radio just hired its third straight Specs grad as their new News Director. Rod Kackley was hired to replace recently departed Rob St. Mary when he exited to join WDET, who had replaced Rich Jones when he left for Jacksonville Florida. I’ll be checking the Guinness Record Book shortly!
GRADS IN PRINT
I read a very nice article in The Michigan Chronicle about Specs Howard Hall of Famer Lloyd Jackson, recognizing him as the first African American to hold a news management position at legendary WJR. Congratulations to Lloyd and a sincere thanks to Lloyd for recognizing the old SHS in your bio. Click here for the full story!
I would also like to thank Susan Whithall for a great piece on Mac Kelley -- or as he is now known, Wolfman Mac -- in a recent edition of The Detroit News. Wolfman Mac’s Nightmare SINema premiered on MY TV 20 this past Saturday at 1:00 AM.
For those of you who grew up watching Sir Graves Ghastly and The Ghoul, this is an updated 21st Century version of the late night creep fest. Local TV that isn’t news -- what a concept!
As digital multi-channel television develops over the next few years, we'll hopefully see more locally produced programs of all kinds. If you’ve got an original idea, your day is coming!
For the full story, pictures and video about Wolfman Mac, click here.
Visit the official NIGHTMARE SINema website here.
SHOUT OUTS
I also heeard from Jenna McWilliams of WXFL-TV in Albany, Georgia, who
wrote the following excerpts for me:
Greetings from the South!
It has been almost three years since I left Specs and I thought I would bring you up to date on my adventures.
After leaving Specs, it took me almost 8 months to find a job – and I had a college degree in journalism! Yes, I know it sounds like a long time but I wasn’t trying that hard right away. But after dubbing 50 demos and sending them out everywhere and anywhere, I was hired by Fox 33 in Cadillac, Michigan. This was great news to me since I thought I’d be relocating very far from home.
After about a year of one-woman-banding it (editor's note - that’s short for shooting, writing, voicing, and finding her own stories), bad news hit. Our company merged with another and I basically lost my job.I wasn’t the only one whose contract was "not being renewed" so I moved home and started the process again.
This time though, with my foot already in the door and some experience on my resume, it didn’t take long to get me back on the screen. I was hired in January of 2008 at WFXL Fox 31 in Albany, Georgia. Yes, a whole 16-hour drive away from good old Michigan.
I love my new job and have had many comments on my work (thanks to my editing classes at Specs). I’m great and so is the weather and so is my career. Thanks for everything and keep in touch – we’ll soon be adding a morning show and could use some new blood! ~J. McWilliams
By the way, in my last blog, I mentioned that grad Bob Mounts, PD of WOBR in Nags Head, North Carolina needed a mid-day air talent. I am delighted to report that recent grad Katie Gates starts in two weeks!
I also want to acknowledge a few of you who’ve taken the time to check in with us through the school’s website. You too can do this by visiting here.
Tim Timmerman
Kiss 107 - Morning Show Air Talent - Cincinnati, OH
Robert Logan
Midwestern Video - Camera Operator - Roseville, MI
Amanda Fiolek
Motor City Casino - DJ - Radio Bar
Cumulus Radio - Detroit & Promotion Assistant - Ann Arbor, MI
Wayne Murphy
President-Filmwerx Creative Services - Brighton, MI
James Jackson
WOFL-TV - News Photographer - Lake St. Mary, FL
Jane Asher
Worldtalkradio.com - Executive Producer - San Diego, CA
Nancy Dabney
Word of Faith Ministries - TV Department Supervisor - Producer - Southfield
Kristen Ewing
Rogers Television -Videographer - Mississauga Ontario, Canada
Nathan Parsons
WGHP-TV - News Photo-Journalist - High Point, NC
Whew! And I didn't know where to start.... If you think I missed anything let me know and remember, visit your Uncle Kernen once in awhile.
'Til the next time, see ya, bye! uk
Well, folks, I am going on hiatus. But just like your favorite television show, I’ll be back soon with new episodes.
I won't bore you by playing a bunch of repeats until then, unless you want to peruse the archives here. If you miss me that much, please give me a call or send me a line and let me know what you're up to!
And now, I bring you this special season finale…
 First up, I’d like to congratulate Specs Howard’s very own Kelia Karson (pictured left). In addition to being a full-time instructor here at the school, Kelia’s own career in radio has been heating up so much that City Talk Magazine featured her in a recent “Who’s Hot” column.
Kelia is currently an on-air talent at Radio One-Detroit's 105.9 KISS FM and hosts her own syndicated show called Kickin’ it wit’ Kelia Karson, a Kickin’ it Kountdown, which she is working on getting in every market in America. She is also voice tracking a show for WDKX in New York, just finished recording an audio book written by Annetta Powell (another successful African American entrepreneur), and does voice work for companies all over the country including actor/director/playwright Tyler Perry.
She does all this and more. When does she sleep? My congratulations to Kelia for the much-deserved recognition!
 "GET ME OUTTA HERE!"
Grad Zach Dufresne, an assistant editor over at Griot Editorial, is also generating his share of attention lately after his 60-second PSA, Get Out, won the fourth annual Filmspotting competition sponsored by the Detroit chapter of the Association of Independent Creative (AICE).
The Detroit competition, open to all assistant editors employed by AICE member companies, challenged participants to create a 60-second PSA using footage from feature films released between 1970 and 1980 without the use of a voice-over.
Get Out urges viewers to bring American troops home from Iraq through a series of 16 clips from movies such as Star Wars, One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest and Young Frankenstein. The end result is a pretty powerful message.
I'd also like to mention that the runner up in this year’s competition is also a grad. Marjorie Sacks, an assistant editor at Milagro, placed a close second with her PSA, Ugly.
Both spots are worth taking a trip to the following link to see: You can check them out for yourself here.
The picture of Marjorie and Zach (above right) is courtesy of Michigan Vue and was taken at the screening party this past November.
MAB FOUNDATION COLLEGE BROADCAST AWARD WINNERS
In radio...
Matthew Bailey: Honorable Mention, PSA
In television...
Stacey Szostek and Jena Major: 2nd Place, News Feature/Magazine Program
Urian Harmon: 1st place, PSA
Mindy Parius, Dan Earle & Jamie Marks: Honorable Mention, PSA
GNOME GNOTES & RANDOM GOSSIP
Specs grad Charlie Langton had the time of his life anchoring the recent primary coverage at MYFOX.com from 6:00 to 10:00pm as the returns became available. Charlie is a lawyer who does regular commentaries on legal issues (he also covered the recent Grant trial) for Fox2 News, serves in the same capacity for WWJ radio and runs his own law firm. Again, when does he sleep?
Rob St. Mary will soon be joining several other grads at Detroit Public Radio, WDET-FM. Rob has been at WOOD Radio in Grand Rapids for several years, the past two as News Director. Welcome back to the Motor City, Rob.
Kirk Montgomery of KUSA-TV-9 News in Denver has inked a new multi-year contract with the station. Kirk has won several EMMYs, numerous AP Awards and countless "Best of ____" awards. Nothing like a multi-year contract to convince you that you're loved and valued! My sincere congratulations to you, Kirk!
Mark Lane was named Director of Public Relations & Special Events for Goodwill Industries. Mark brings years of experience in several different areas of the business including PR positions in the Detroit area.
Heard from Bob Mounts, a 1991 grad who's now the program director at WOBR 95.3-The Rock in Nags Head - in the Outer Banks of North Carolina. He's looking for a mid-day personality for this classic rock station. Anybody interested? Call me!
Melissa (Hunt) Sampey checked in to let us know she's now a market communications consultant for the Henry Ford Health System.
Andrea Campbell (RTV-08-04) dropped us an e-mail to let us know that she's the production coordinator for shows & presentations at BBDO Advertising and included the following message:
“You guys were always so helpful and caring about my career goals and dreams. Specs allowed me to grow and helped me find a direction where I want to go.”
Well, Andrea, that's why all of us at Specs Howard School show up every day, and the pay-off is watching folks like you succeed. Thanks for checking in!
Remember, now, just because my blog is on hiatus, I'm not actually on vacation -- yet. So send me your fan mail and show suggestions. Unlike many other would-be celebs, this long-haired leaping gnome really does try and answer every single one!
'Til next time... uk
Wow, I have to tell you how fired up I am about the changes to the school's lobby.
One entire wall is a tribute to members of The Specs Howard Hall of Fame. All 37 inductees -- all grads, of course -- are pictured with their bios, and it looks fabulous! Plus, brand new hi-def flat screens have replaced all the old television monitors so it’s really looking great. We have plans to induct several more grads this year so watch for more on that to come…
This week, let me start by saying our female grads rock!
 For starters, I recently heard from Kelly Parish (Mullin) who's been doing mornings at WBXX in Battle Creek for several years. Her male co-host recently left so the station decided to call the show “Kelly & Company,” making her the main personality. (Kelly is pictured left.)
Kelly not only brings years of morning drive experience to her own show, she was born and raised in Battle Creek and knows the market better than anyone. I’m always happy when grads get a morning show, but particularly when a woman becomes the main personality, not just the traffic and weather chick. Way to go Kelly!
Speaking of successful women in positions traditionally held by men, a big shout out to grad April Lake, who after several years as Group Program Director for Northern Star Communications has just been named Program Director of WFBE-FM in Flint.
Another hugely successful female I know, Teresa Lucas, has been named PD of WNIC FM. She has served as Assistant Program Director/Music Director for a lot of years so this promotion was long overdue. Congratulations, Teresa!
And then there's grad Linda Lexy (pictured below). Linda runs The Radio Bar at Motor City Casino, entertaining patrons who want to listen to disco as they place their bets. I wonder how many people she has actually dancing at the tables and slot machines.  She is the fourth grad I know who works over there. Just last week I was blogging about the amazing light show Marty LaCombe has created. And then there are two others -- John Stewartruns the whole audio-visual department and is assisted by none other than grad, Dave Shank.
And in other news...
I recently heard from Curtis Smith, a graduate from 1997. He’s been living on the east coast for 10 years in pursuit of a film career. He’s currently producing a feature-length film entitled, “Trust Us,” a sci-fi drama about time travel. He also plans to make his motion-picture directorial debut soon with the film, “Pardoned – A Judicial Memoir.”
Leading up to this, Curtis has worked on a number of films, primarily as the 1st assistant director. His credits include Girlfight, Pootie Tang, Robot Stories, Sex, Love & Lies, The Orphan King, The Tripper and The Education of Charlie Banks.
And last item for this week: I called Alex Tear to congratulate him on the FMQB award he won recently to find that in addition, his morning show -- known as The Morning Freakshow -- consisted of two other grads, Big Bob & Mikey (Bob Mason & Mike Dougherty) who won Best CHR Morning Show! So out of six categories, Specs grads won half of them. Congrats to you all.
Happy New Year, friends and family! I don’t know about you, but I was ready to get back to work. Yes, you read that right. Like many of you, I love what I do!
Over the break, I heard from Mark Staycer (a grad from way back) and so I thought I’d share his latest endeavors as a John Lennon impersonator with you. That's him pictured above and not the actual Lennon, by the way. Uncanny, isn't it?
About six years ago, it occurred to Mark that he should put his “fab” collection of guitars and his resemblance to Lennon to work and began performing as ImagineLennon professionally. And it wasn’t long before he left a successful radio career in Northern Michigan to pursue his job as “John Lennon” full-time.
Mark has since played Liverpool during International Beatles Week, toured Japan for two months and was recruited to join a Beatle tribute band in Toronto called the BeatleManiacs. Since last November, they have been touring the world -- as in Italy, England, Greece, Turkey, Russia, France, China, and so on on major cruise lines such as Princess, Royal Caribbean, Regent, and Cunard.
Currently, he is flying from Traverse City to St. Maarten every Tuesday to perform two cruise ship theater shows on Wednesdays and flies back on Thursdays.
He also recently portrayed Lennon in a Canadian film titled, “I Was There.”
“I had a blast working on the project,” says Mark via email. “It's a cool film, if I do say so myself. Producers are working on getting it into various film festivals like Sundance.”
Check out Mark’s video below. His portrayal of Lennon is truly remarkable!
Grad lights up the sky
Imagine my surprise upon opening last Friday’s Free Press and reading a major feature story about the Motor City Casino’s amazing nightly light show (pictured below) capable of over 16 million color possibilities and discovering that grad Marty LaCombe had designed and is responsible for programming it. If you haven't had the chance to see it after dark, trust me it's worth a ride down the Lodge, but please find a place to stop and check it out as trying to drive and look at the same time could be dangerous.
Click here for more about Motor City Casino's light show.
In other grad news...
I also heard from several grads who have new jobs.
*Jennifer (Heffernan) Sulik is now Sales Manager at l06.7-The Fox
*Brian Chidester is Operations Manager at Postique
*Amy Fueheris a reporter for WNEM-TV Ch.5
In Memory
 In closing, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy to the family & friends of a true Michigan radio legend, Charles (Chuck) Mefford who passed away December 6th. I'll never forget the first time I met him at WITL in Lansing back in the early 70s. I figured I could place entry-level grads with him because the station was playing country music for gosh sakes. Who the heck listened to country music?
Yeah, I've always been a genius!! I also pass along regrets from Kevin Scollin who worked for Chuck twice, first as an air talent, and later as an account executive. Chuck served as President of the Michigan Association of Broadcasters and in 1989, was elected to the MAB Hall of Fame.
Click here for more about Chuck Mefford.
When I first joined the staff at Specs Howard School back in the last century, as the glaciers melted (for the first time), I’d be looking through the trade publications and wonder if any of our grads would get a mention one day.
Well, to my delight, Specs Howard grads have long surpassed anything I could’ve imagined back then. You’ve been out there making headlines, cover stories and winning magazine awards for years. I learned of three of them just this past week.
For starters, I was thumbing through the year-end special issue of FMQB (Friday Morning QuarterBack), a national radio/music industry publication, and discovered that two of our grads won awards.
Alex Tear of WKST (KissFM) in Pittsburgh, PA, won Best Program Director in the CHR (Contemporary Hits Radio) format, and Billy “The Kidd” of KHKS Dallas won best Music Director in the CHR format.
Now it might interest you to know that Billy got his start in radio by working as an intern at WDRQ here in Detroit where Alex was the program director a few years ago. I guess that says a lot about the value of learning from the best. My congratulations to them both.
In addition to the trades, I’ve found that our grads get featured not only in the trades, but in the consumer press as well pretty regularly.
Biz X magazine, a publication based in Ontario, Canada for businesses along the Canada-USA border, recently awarded Armand “Arms” Bumanlag of CKLW & 89X (CIMX) their "Pilot Of The Airwaves" Oscar.
Arms actually began his career at Chum Group Radio as an intern before he graduated. They liked his attitude and work ethic so much that they kept finding him more and more to do over there and so he hasn't left since!
It’s always good to hear that the grads most committed to their careers get recognition. I’m like a proud … UNCLE this week!
And just so that the people on the Specs Howard faculty who lead by example get their due praise, I’d like to share an excerpt from a letter we received from Andrea Lemle, a recent grad from RTV-02-07, this week:
"I want to thank you for all the help and all the pushing you guys did. Without your help I would not be where I am today. Just the other day I landed a job as a part-time news personality in Big Rapids at WYBR. I will actually be replacing another Specs grad.
"I want to thank you John Stockwell for being so understanding when I had a question about Broadcast Writing. I want to thank you, Eric Braun, for being an amazing first and second quarter instructor. You pushed me further then I thought I could go when I first attended Specs. I love the fact that the first week you teach us verbally what to do in the studio... then throw us in... and freak us out. Now I feel like I can handle anything.
"I want to thank you, Sue Kinney, for pushing me beyond my limit. Thank you for taking on the horrible task of taking a class not ready for anything and making us ready for everything. For pushing me to do better... to do more. Without your help with my demo and pushing me I don't think I would have landed this job.
"I would just like to say thank you. I know you all have long days. and I just want to let you know that I do appreciate everything you all did for me. You helped my wildest dreams come true. So, thank you for being the awesome people that you are!"
And thank you, Andrea, for giving back!
'Til next week, folks... How's everyone doing on their Christmas shopping?
~Uncle K
Work the holidays to your advantage!
Happy Belated Thanksgiving!
I know you’re all sorry you missed out on seeing me dressed up as something like a stuffed turkey on my blog last week, but I do hope you had a nice holiday even if some of you had to spend the evening at work.
After all, the show must go on in this business. While it may not be ideal, holidays are usually a great time to take your career to the next level. By that I mean filling in for someone with a better job than you. For instance, it’s a great time for reporters to play “anchor” for the night.
Don’t sweat it too much. Not only is it good for you, one day you’ll be the one to give the new kid on the block a shot while you go home. That is, if you don’t act like a turkey now. Such is the biz… it can be demanding but it's also rewarding.
Take Mike Embry, a grad I heard from recently. After working as a technical director at WWTV-TV (Channels 9 & 10) in Northern Michigan for several years, Mike was offered two jobs -- one at CNN and one at WPEC-TV in West Palm Beach, Florida.
After carefully considering both, it’s not terribly surprising that he accepted the job in West Palm Beach. After all, he’s done his time in the Snow Belt!
"The people I work with are the best I've ever worked with,” Mike said about his new position. “Every question was answered, and every concern was taken care of!”
As an added bonus, the pay is twice what he was making and the weather ain't bad either. Thanks for staying in touch, Mike.
I also had the pleasure of catching up with grad Tara Lipinsky. She’s back in her hometown of New York City working full-time as a digital media producer for CBS 2. She produces six web casts a day and often gets to star in them. She produces and acts as talent in a daily entertainment wrap, as well as a weekly sit-down interview with a gossip magazine.
Here are a couple examples of her work:
Daily Entertainment Wrap
Weekly Gossip Interview
It’s hard to believe it’s only been about 6 years since she graduated from Specs Howard School!
I also wanted to mention the MCA-I Golden Cassette Awards, which I attended with one of our placement advisors, Denise Lippert. As always, it was great to see a number of grads help produce the event and, and of course, win awards. Grad Darryl Bartlett took home three, Terrance Vails was awarded two, and RMS Productions (owned by grad Randy Stephenson) and Gail Costello (owner of Costello Communications) each won an award.
Grads Sonja Crosby and Terrance Vails, along with our very own video department supervisor, Brad Richter acted as presenters and Bob Daniels of BlueWater Technologies, Jon-Eric Cornellier and Frank Denkhaus provided tech support.
Overall, it was a great night and once again I felt proud to be a part of what we do at Specs Howard School. As always, please let me know how YOU'RE doing!
Above: Participants at the Broadcast Career Builder Conference line up for opening keynote speaker, Doug "The Doc of Rock" Podell. 
It’s been a busy couple of weeks in Uncle Kernen Land...
In addition to our usual 9 to 5, Placement Director Kevin Seguin-Scollin and I put a full day in at the BCBC – the MABF’s annual Broadcast Career Builder Conference – at Lansing Community College on Saturday, October 27th.
Over 150 students and young professionals participated in this year’s event, which featured an inspiring opening keynote by my good friend, Doug “The Doc of Rock” Podell, and numerous breakout sessions on employment – from the new careers made possible by new technology, to not-so-obvious career choices, to learning how to market yourself successfully.
In addition, the event included a job fair featuring numerous employers and a thought-provoking closing keynote by Specs grad Ross Marroso (pictured above right).
Ross encouraged attendees to explore a number of opportunities within the entertainment industry rather than focus on a single one. As an airborne reporter for WDIV-TV (Channel 4), an independent filmmaker and co-owner of Motor City Movies, and a screenwriting instructor, it is advice he himself obviously practices. By the way, Ross has another screenwriting workshop coming up at Specs Howard in January. I'll keep you posted on the details!
If you missed the BCBC, get out your 2008 calendar and plan to attend the MAB’s Great Lakes Broadcasting Conference on March 10th and 11th. It too is a great place to network and gain information about radio and television. For more information on this and other MAB-related events, bookmark the MAB web site!
But that's not all! I told you it's been a busy few weeks...
Kevin and I took newly appointed placement advisor, Katie Peters, to an open house at WADL-TV (Channel 38). The three of us thank Kevin Adell and Louis Gibbs for their hospitality. They have a beautiful facility for their newly christened Urban TV and an equally gorgeous facility for sister station, The Word Network. We ran into many old friends and many grads on the tour and really enjoyed the great food!
Speaking of old grads -- and I mean really old grads -- I heard from Rick Staeb, who is now the general manager of a six-station cluster in Bellingham, Washington. The stations are owned by Saga Communications, who own over 90 radio stations and 9 television stations.
The picture below was taken at Saga’s annual managers meeting this year and in addition to Rick and yours truly is Debbie Chavez, the program director of KGMI, which was named “Station of the Year” by Saga’s management. Out of 90+ stations, that’s not bad.
I also took a trip to Toledo and re-connected with several grads that are some of the best-known talents in the market. It was great to have lunch with veteran anchor Lee Conklin of WTVG-TV (Channel 13), who has been the 6 & 11 anchor for some 16 years, and Fred Lefebvre, host of WSPD radio's morning show where he provides his listeners with "Freducation" every weekday.
I also re-connected with Kelly Brown, late of 89x and now the mid-day personality at WIOT-FM. Among the many features of her position, is that she not only lives in the same building as the station, her apartment is literally DOWN THE HALL ... from her studio! Wow.
I also got a chance to visit WTVG-TV and toured their beautiful facility courtesy of grad Matt Black, long-time operations director of this ABC owned station.
I also met with their news director, Brian Trauring, who like every other news executive I've met within the past several years, emphasized how hard it is to find ----- STUDENTS AND GRADS TAKE NOTE ----- news producers! As an example, he indicated he was flying in a potential candidate from California! Take a lesson!
Coming Up!
I attended the MCA-I Golden Casette Awards ceremony on Friday night. I will have a full report later this week. 'Til then -- uk
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