Mid-Michigan Radio
Group
April 1st through June 30th
This a listing of Mid-Michigan community issues given
special attention by our stations during the period. It includes a mix of :30
and :60 public service announcements, :15 event announcements, live station
personality appearances and news stories that highlight the issue [they often
include interviews with the people directly involved in the event].
1.
BP Oil Spill—Gulf Of Mexico: On April 20, 2010, at about 10 p.m., an
explosion occurred on the Deepwater Horizon oil drilling rig in the Gulf of
Mexico. There were 126 people on board at the time. Fifteen of those were
injured and eleven died. Four days after
the explosion, two leaks were found in the well pipe along the sea floor at
5000 feet. This story was covered in
detail by News Director Todd Kulman and aired on WQTX, WJZL and WJXQ.
2.
Michigan ‘No Smoking’ Law: On May 1st, Michigan became
the 26th state to prohibit smoking in any "place of employment", with
narrow exceptions for Detroit casinos and for certain "cigar bars,"
"tobacco specialty retail stores" and home offices. This story was covered at-length by all MMRG
stations.
3.
Race For Michigan
Governor: The race for Michigan
governor began to heat-up in the 2nd quarter with the first of
several debates featuring the Rebublican candidates
being held on April 21st.
Candidates on the Democratic side didn’t meet until mid-June. Meantime, political advertisements began
airing on television stations statewide.
This was covered in-full my MMRG News Director Todd Kulman.
4.
Polluted General Motors Sites—Cleanup: On
May 18th, Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero announced that several polluted General Motors
sites in mid-Michigan would be cleaned-up thanks to an $836 million federal
trust fund established by the federal government. The announcement was made ‘live’ on ‘Tim
Barron Mornings’ on WQTX-FM.
5.
Trapper’s Cove Apartment Fire: On April 26th, a massive fire
broke-out at the Trapper’s Cove Apartments in Lansing. The fire destroyed nearly 50 units and left
more than 80 people homeless.
Investigators believe careless smoking sparked the blaze.
6.
Lansing Schools Budget: The Lansing
School Board struggled through a good portion of the 2nd Quarter to
reach an agreement on the 2010-2011 budget. Officials attempted to cut nearly $18 million
dollars from the spending plan through early retirement, job cuts and dipping
into the district’s savings account.
7.
Walk MS:
Q-106 afternoon personality “Mojo” once again
headlined the annual “Walk MS”, which raises money for the battle against
multiple sclerosis. Mojo
was diagnosed with MS in December 2008 and has become the media spokesman for
the organization. The race was held May
2nd at Potter Park Zoo.
8.
‘Be A Tourist In
Your Own Town’: All four MMRG
stations helped to promote the 16th annual event, which featured
more than 50 attractions in the Lansing area.
The ‘Be A Tourist…” event is designed to highlight
all the Lansing-area has to offer by providing transportation and free
admission to the attractions.
Participants only have to purchase ‘passports’ for $1.
9.
Sparrow Children’s Center Radiothon: A two-day, 24-hour ‘radio-thon’ to help raise
money for Sparrow Children’s Center at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing. This was a WQTX (92X)-sponsored event and
featured live broadcasts from 6A-6P from the 3rd floor of the
Sparrow Professional Building in downtown Lansing. The Mid-Michigan Radio Group was able to
raise more than $22 thousand dollars through phone donations.
10.
Medical Marijuana Club Opens In
Williamston: Mid-Michigan’s first
medical marijuana ‘dispensary’ opened in February and was controversial from
the get-go. The law enforcement
community kept a close eye on the Green Leaf Smokers Club as individuals with
state-issued cards gathered to purchase and smoke marijuana. In May, the club was raided and owner Wayne Dagit was arrested after police discovered more than 200
pounds of marijuana inside the club and his home. This was covered at-length by all four MMRG
stations.
Additional Issues:
11.
Woldumar
Nature Center—‘Camp Discovery’: An
annual promotion on behalf of all four MMRG stations—‘Camp Discovery’ is the
longest-running educational day camp in the Lansing area. It’s held at the Woldumar
Nature Center.
12.
Mid-Michigan Family Theater—Preview
Dinner/Auction: All four stations helped promote this
first-ever event by the Mid-Michigan Family Theater. The non-profit puts on 8 shows a year and all
money raised from the event help purchase costumes, scripts and set-design
items.
13.
Oak Park YMCA Golf Outing: The outing is the largest single
fundraiser for the Oak Park YMCA in Lansing.
All four MMRG stations help promote the event—MMRG also forms a
four-player team for the event each year.
All money raised goes towards the “Open Arms Campaign’, which helps
disadvantaged children and their families.
14.
Fenner
Nature Center—Summer Day Camps:
Another summer ‘day camp’ program in mid-Michigan. The Fenner Nature
Center has a wide selection of programs for children ages 4 to 18. This was an educational promotion on behalf
of all four stations.
15.
Max’s Race:
This annual race helps raise money for children with cancer. The Mid-Michigan Radio Group helped to
promote Max’s Race by airing :60 PSA’s featuring
Natalie Matthews whose son, Max, passed away from bacterial meningitis in
2005. This was the 6th annual
event—all proceeds benefit Sparrow Children’s Center in Lansing.
DETAILED DESCRIPTIONS:
1. BP Oils Spill—Gulf of Mexico:
On April 20th, an explosion occurred on the Deepwater Horizon oil drilling rig in the Gulf of Mexico. The morning after, News Director Todd Kulman covered this strictly as an explosion and search and rescue story. His reports included audio from BP officials and family members of the missing rig workers. Rescue/Search updates continued for the next three days, at which point reports began focusing on the two leaks discovered in the well pipe 5,000 feet below the surface. Coverage covered the gamut—President Obama’s initial comments, BP representatives, lawmakers and eventually the residents of areas that would soon be affected by the spill. On May 2nd, all four MMRG stations covered the President’s first visit to the Gulf Coast to witness cleanup efforts. May 7th saw BP attempt to lower a containment dome over the leak. Once that failed, subsequent news stories involved the company’s plans to stop the leak. Meantime, oil continued to wash ashore in Louisiana and was beginning to threaten Alabama and Florida. News Director Todd Kulman continued to cover the story on a daily basis—the oil spill’s impact on coastal residents, the economy, beach leisure, wildlife, etc. The story will obviously be included in future ascertainment reports as it is still ongoing.
2. Michigan’s
‘No Smoking’ Law:
On May 1st, 2010 Michigan became the 26th state to enact a smoking ban in all enclosed public places including bars and restaurants. Only Detroit casinos, smoke shops and cigar bars are exempt from the law. This issue was covered, in-full, by all four MMRG stations by way of news stories. They began on April 1st with a ‘one month to go!’ angle—News Director Todd Kulman interviewed mid-Michigan residents to get their thoughts on the law. These ‘man on the street’ interviews aired on all four stations during regularly scheduled newscasts. Later stories included the thoughts of bar and restaurant owners, the American Lung Association and a number of state lawmakers, including Governor Jennifer Granholm.
3. Race For
Michigan Governor:
The August 3rd primary election for Michigan governor takes on
special importance in mid-Michigan because Lansing Mayor Virg
Bernero is one of two candidates seeking the Democratic nomination.
Things began to heat up in April, the five candidates seeking the Republican nomination took part in the first debate of the year. It was held at Michigan State University and was broadcast live on WLNS TV-6 in Lansing. News Director Todd Kulman provided listeners with a complete preview of the debate and included audio cuts courtesy of TV-6. Follow-up was also provided the day after with additional WLNS audio. The two Democrats didn't meet for their first debate until mid-June in Grand Rapids. A complete preview and follow-up was again provided on all MMRG stations. A second and final debate was held on June 28th in metro Detroit. Throughout the 2nd Quarter, updates on candidate campaigns were reported, including the start of television and radio ads. Democratic candidate Virg Bernero was also a guest on Tim Barron Mornings on WQTX on May 18th.
4. Polluted General Motors
Sites--Cleanup:
Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero--who is founding chairman of the Mayors Automotive Coalition (MAC)--first proposed an $836 million trust fund to clean up environmental problems at dozens of closed General Motors facilities, including 4 in the Lansing area. On May 18th, the mayor announced the creation of the trust fund live on "Tim Barron Mornings" on WQTX-FM (92X). The money will be used to cleanup the sites and market the sites to potential developers. This was a huge story for the mid-Michigan area--aside from the 'live' announcement, News Director Todd Kulman followed-up with comments from Bernero, local officials and automotive leaders.
5. Trappers Cove Apartment Fire:
During the evening of April 26th, a massive fire broke out at the Trapper's Cove Apartments near Jolly and Dunckel Roads in Lansing. The blaze involved more than 40 firefighters and eventually destroyed 41 apartments and left more than 80 people homeless. MMRG News Director first reported the story at 5AM on April 27th--crews were still on the scene at that time. Utiliting live reports from WLNS reporter Evan Pinnsenault, all four MMRG stations provided listeners with up-to-the-minute information on the fire and efforts to put it out. Reports included the efforts of the Mid-Michigan Chapter of the American Red Cross to find shelter for victims. Over the following week, reports included the investigation, updates on the victims and their abililty to salvage only a few items from their homes. After a lengthy investigation, it was determined that the fire was caused by someone smoking a cigarette on an apartment patio. No charges were filed in the incident.
6. Lansing Schools Budget:
The Lansing School District is--like many other Michigan school districts--faced with the task of massive cuts. This has been an ongoing issue for much of the 1st and 2nd quarters of 2010 and has been covered, in-full, by MMRG News Director Todd Kulman. The $185 million budget included $16.3 million in cuts as well as a dip into the school district's savings account. Cuts included 70-teaching positions--many of which would be balanced by early retirement; cutting athletics by $90 thousand, including the Everett HS cheerleading squad; and transferring the district's alternative education program to an online version. The entire budget process was covered and relayed to listeners with comments from Superintendent TC Wallace, Jr., school board members and parents. It all culminated with a budget vote on June 23rd. The budget was passed and the story was reported the following morning with comments from school officials.
7. Walk MS:
In December 2008, Q106 personality "Mojo" was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. The following May, "Mojo" took part in his first 'Walk MS', which raises money for research and education. On May 2, 2010--"Mojo" headlined his 2nd 'Walk MS' event at Potter Park Zoo in Lansing. This was an across-the-board promotion on behalf of all four MMRG stations. Mojo was featured in a Community News Minute that aired on all four stations between April 10 and May 2nd. News Director Todd Kulman also aired news stories featuring Mojo the week before the event. "Mojo" was also interviewed 'live' on 'Tim Barron Mornings' on WQTX-FM (92X) on April 30th. The event drew more than 500 participants and raised more than $80 thousand for MS research and education.
PSA (4/10-5/2)
IT’S ALMOST TIME FOR THE ANNUAL ‘WALK-MS’ TO HELP RAISE MONEY
FOR THE FIGHT AGAINST MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS.
Q-106 AFTERNOON PERSONALITY ‘MOJO’ IS ONCE AGAIN TAKING PART….
MOJ-1 O/C 3-MILES LONG
LAST YEAR, MORE THAN 800-WALKERS HELPED RAISED MORE THAN
107-THOUSAND DOLLARS. ‘MOJO’ KNOWS
FIRST-HAND THE EFFECTS OF MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS, HAVING BEEN DIAGNOSED IN DECEMBER
OF 2008…
MOJ-2 O/C SCLEROSIS
REGISTRATION IS EASY---JUST GO TO WALK-MS-MI-DOT-ORG OR
CALL 1-800-FIGHT-MS. AGAIN—THE WALK
TAKES PLACE MAY 2ND AT POTTER PARK ZOO IN LANSING.
8. 'Be A Tourist
In Your Own Town':
This was an across-the-board promotion on behalf of all four MMRG stations. The "Be A Tourist In Your Own Town" event is now in it's 16th year. It's put on by the Greater Lansing Convention and Visitor's Bureau and provides participants with transportation and free admission to more than 50 attractions in the area. They include the brand-new Lansing City Market, The Creation Station, Fenner Nature Center, and Cooley Law School Stadium--Home of the Lansing Lugnuts. Participants buy "passports" for $1 and utilize the CATA bus system to get around. This was promoted in a number of ways by the Mid-Michigan Radio Group. PSA's featuring the CVB's Tracy Padot aired on all four stations between May 15th and June 4th. Padot also appeared on "Tim Barron Mornings' on WQTX-FM (92X) June 4th for a 'live' interview.
PSA (5/15-6/4)
DISCOVER ALL THERE IS TO DO IN THE GREATER LANSING AREA
DURING THE 16TH ANNUAL ‘BE A TOURIST IN YOUR OWN TOWN’ CELEBRATION. IT TAKES PLACE SATURDAY, JUNE 5TH—TRACY
PADOT IS WITH THE CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU….
TOUR-1 O/C WEEKEND.
HIGHLIGHTS
THIS YEAR INCLUDE THE BRAND-NEW LANSING CITY MARKET, THE CREATION STATION,
FENNER NATURE CENTER AND MORE THAN 50-OTHER ATTRACTIONS. THERE’S ALSO A REALLY ‘COOL’ NEW EVENT CALLED
‘OVER THE EDGE’…..
TOUR-2 O/C BOJI TOWER
THE EVENT RUNS FROM 10-AM TO 5-PM—PASSPORTS ARE JUST
ONE-DOLLAR AND ALLOWS YOU FREE ADMISSION TO ALL ATTRACTIONS. CATA WILL HELP YOU GET AROUND FOR JUST
50-CENTS. FOR MORE
INFORMATION GO TO LANSING.ORG.
9. Sparrow Children's Center
'Give-a-thon':
This is the largest fundraiser of the year for the Mid-Michigan Radio Group. The 'Sparrow Children's Center 'Give-a-thon' combines 24-hours of live radio in an effort to raise money for Sparrow and the Children's Miracle Network. WQTX was the lead station on the event this year. "Tim Barron Mornings" broadcasted live from Sparrow hospital from 6-9AM on June 3rd and 4th. News Director Todd Kulman and 'The Edge' Personality Kevin Conrad were live from 10a-2p; Q106 jocks "Mojo", Sheri Vegas and "Span" wrapped-up the day from 2p-6p. Promotions for the event began in mid-May by ways of interviews and public service announcements. The Mid Michigan Radio Group was able to raise more than $22 thousand for the Sparrow Children's Center, which allows for the purchase of new equipment and the recruitment of subspecialty doctors and nurses.
10. Medical Marijuana Club Opens In Williamston:
The medical marijuana issue took center stage in mid-Michigan in 2010 after the first pot 'dispensary' opened in February. The 'Green Leaf Smokers Club' opened in Williamston Township and was controversial from the very beginning. Club owner Wayne Dagit made it no secret that his club sold marijuana to card-carrying members and allowed them to smoke it inside. Numerous newspaper articles with Dagin sitting in front of large jars of marijuana were published for the next three months. MMRG News Director Todd Kulman covered the opening of the club and included an interview with Dagit and several club members. Opposition sound was also provided from Ingham County Sheriff Gene Wrigglesworth, who opposed the club's opening. During the 2nd quarter of 2010, a number of mid-Michigan communties--including Lansing--began the process of drafting ordinances regulating such businesses. In May, a raid on Dagit's club and home resulted in the seizure of more than 200 pounds of marijuana. Dagit was arrested and thrown in jail. Unable to post bond, Dagit still sat behind bars as of June 30th.
TIM BARRON MORNINGS GUESTS, INTERVIEWS & SPECIAL
EVENTS
Q2 2010
Regular Featured Guests:
• Ron VanTimmeren/Celebration! Cinemas – every Wednesday
• Berl Schwartz/Lansing City Pulse – every Wednesday
• James Sanford/Lansing City Pulse Entertainment Reporter – every Friday
• Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero – third Tuesday of every month (except June 15)
• Ingham County Animal Control – second Tuesday of every month (except June 8)
• Dawn Ellis/Capital Area Humane Society – fourth Tuesday of every month
• Mason Mayor Leon Clark – second Friday of every month
• Dave Barton/White House Restaurant/Saugatuck – every Thursday
• Melik – every second and fourth Monday
• Nancy English/Lansing Area Aids Network – every first Tuesday of every month
• Josh French/Tavern On The Square – every Thursday (starting May 20, except June 3)
Special Events/Remote Broadcasts/Appearances:
• Lansing Lugnuts Home Opener at Cooley Law School Stadium (Tim Barron & Mike Holder –
Morning Show on location) – April 14
• Crosstown Showdown Remote (Mike Holder) – April 26
• Jake Dunne & Lauren Thompson/WLNS – Live in Studio with Morning Show – April 29
• Tim Hortons/Kids Camp Day (Tim Barron & Mike Holder – Morning Show on location) –
June 2
• Sparrow Children’s Center Give-A-Thon (Tim Barron & Mike Holder – Morning Show on
location) – June 3 & 4
Interview Guests:
Jesse Goldberg-Strassler/Lansing Lugnuts Announcer – April 2
Mike Jackman/International Tours – April 6
Bob Hoffman/Wharton Center – April 7; April 27
Baja Grille – April 9
Bill Gordon/Mid-Michigan Family Theater – April 12
Catherine Guarino & Peter Brennan/Lansing Symphony Orchestra – April 13
Jerry Roach – April 15
Jennifer Taylor/Meridian Entertainment & Scott Keith/CEO Lansing Center – April 21
Catherine Guarino & Timothy Muffitt/Lansing Symphony – April 22
Michelle Lantz & Catherine Groll/Dancing With The Local Stars – April 26
Pat Day/Lansing Lugnuts – April 26
Eric Stelljes/Okemos Youth Football Advisory Board & Paul Palmer/Okemos HS Varsity
Football Head Coach – April 27
Rina Risper/One Love Global – April 29
Jessi Wortley/Capital City Ringers – April 29
Ted Neeley – April 29
Cathy Kesler/USPS – April 30
Sheri Jones/WLNS (Mike Holder interviewed) – May 3
Evan Pinsonnault/WLNS (Mike Holder interviewed) – May 4
Willis Bennett/Ingham County Parks – May 11
Allison Himmelhoch/WLNS – May 13
Ron Eggleston & Jason Meyer/Fenner Nature Center – May 13
Tracy Padot/GLCVB – May 14; June 1
Ruthann Daoust/MSU Surplus Store – May 14
Shannon Lounsberry/YMCA of Lansing – May 17
Ann Emmerich/WLNS – May 18
Kevin Meyer/Meridian Entertainment – May 19
Stacia Mullaney/WLNS – May 20
Laura Croff/Lansing Civic Players – May 20
Taylor Swan/Gratitude Group – May 21
Bob Hoffman/Wharton Center – May 25
Tommy James – May 25
Dave Akerly/WLNS – May 26
Eddie Money – May 27
Bob Hoffman/ePIFanynow.com – June 4
Congressman Mike Rogers – June 7
Jamie Holdcraft/Eaton County Summer Jubilee – June 7
Monique Goch/Michigan Pride Festival – June 10
Shelley Charlar/Charlar Place (Relay For Life Fundraiser) – June 18
Kristin Horstman/Williamston Red Cedar Jubilee – June 21
Jamie Holdcraft/Eaton County Summer Jubilee – June 22
Shannon Rolley/Scrapfest – June 24
Anne Readett/Office of Highway Safety – June 28
Robert Huntoon/Capital City Stealth – June 28
Traci Ruiz & Renee Korrey/Ingham County TRIAD – June 29
Free Food Friday Participants:
Troppo – April 2
Claddagh – April 16
Chef Nick & Neva Austin/Aggie Mae's – April 23
Craig Bullen/Smoothies 'n' More-Bullen's Nutrition – April 30
Courthouse Pub; Mason – May 21
How Sweet It Is Fudge Company – June 18
Ted-Dees – June 25 & 28