WTAM
{{Short description|Clear-channel news/talk radio station in Cleveland}}
{{For|the television station licensed to Tampa, Florida|WTAM-LD}}
{{Use American English|date=February 2025}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2025}}
{{Infobox radio station
| name = WTAM
| logo = WTAM logo (FM translator simulcast).png
| logo_upright = 1
| city = Cleveland, Ohio
| country = US
| area = {{ubl|Greater Cleveland|Northeast Ohio}}
| frequency = {{Frequency|1100|kHz}}
| branding = Newsradio WTAM 1100
| language = English
| format = News/talk–sports radio
| affiliations = {{ubl|ABC News Radio|Compass Media Networks|Fox News Radio|Fox Sports Radio|Premiere Networks|Cavaliers AudioVerse|Cleveland Guardians Radio Network|Cleveland Monsters|Cleveland State Vikings}}
| owner = iHeartMedia, Inc.
| licensee = iHM Licenses, LLC
| sister_stations = {{hlist|WAKS (HD2)|WARF|WGAR-FM|WHLK|WMJI|WMMS (HD2)}}
| airdate = {{start date and age|1923|09|26|p=y|br=y}}
| former_callsigns = {{ubl|WTAM (1923-1956) (1996-present)|KYW (1956–1965)|WKYC (1965–1972)|WWWE (1972–1996)}}
| former_frequencies = {{ubl|750 kHz (1923–1926)|770 kHz (1926–1927)|1070 kHz (1927–1941)}}
| callsign_meaning = AM band{{r|WTAM calls}}
| licensing_authority = FCC
| facility_id = 59595
| class = A
| power = {{val|50000|u=watts|fmt=commas}} unlimited
| coordinates = {{coord|41|16|50.2|N|81|37|21.44|W|region:US-OH_type:landmark_source:FCC}}
| translator = {{Radio Relay|106.9|W295DE|Cleveland}}
| webcast = {{iHeartRadio|news-radio-wtam-1100-1749}}
| website = {{URL|https://wtam.iheart.com/}}
}}
WTAM (1100 AM) is a commercial radio station licensed to Cleveland, Ohio, that airs a news/talk and sports radio format, commonly known as "Newsradio WTAM 1100". Owned by iHeartMedia, WTAM serves Greater Cleveland and much of surrounding Northeast Ohio, and is a clear-channel station with extended nighttime range. WTAM is also Northeast Ohio's primary entry point station in the Emergency Alert System.{{Cite web |url=http://chagrin-falls.org/village-services/police-department/emergency-preparedness |title=Chagrin Falls Emergency Preparedness - City of Chagrin Falls |access-date=August 3, 2020 |archive-date=September 19, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200919110938/https://chagrin-falls.org/village-services/police-department/emergency-preparedness/ |url-status=live }}
The station first carried the WTAM call letters from 1923 to 1956; assigned sequentially by the U.S. Department of Commerce, the letters were later treated as a backronym for "Where The Artisans Meet". Founded by Willard Storage Battery and later owned by Cleveland Electric Illuminating and the Van Sweringen brothers as the 1920s ended, WTAM was purchased by RCA in 1930, becoming a core station in the NBC Radio Network. NBC sold WTAM, FM adjunct WTAM-FM (105.7) and TV adjunct WNBK (channel 3), to Westinghouse Broadcasting in 1956 in exchange for their AM and TV stations in Philadelphia, whereupon the Cleveland properties assumed the KYW calls. That sale was ultimately reversed in 1965, with NBC returning and all three Cleveland stations renamed as WKYC. Sold to Cleveland entrepreneur Nick Mileti in 1972, WKYC became "3WE" WWWE, carrying a mixture of middle of the road and sports play-by-play, in particular the Cleveland Indians and Cleveland Cavaliers and Pete Franklin's Sportsline talk show.
The station adopted its current talk radio format in 1985 after being purchased by a syndicate headed by Art Modell and Al Lerner; a subsequent sale took WWWE's talk programming into a controversial direction with Gary Dee and Bruce Drennan, at one point putting the station's license into question. Booth American (later Secret Communications) took over WWWE in 1990, revamping the lineup several times and hiring Mike Trivisonno as Sportsline host in 1994, later moving him to afternoon drive to much success. WWWE re-adopted the WTAM call letters in 1996 to reinforce the station's position on the AM band; station management considered the historical tie "a nice bonus, but... more incidental than anything else".{{r|WTAM calls}} Purchased by Jacor in 1997, WTAM has been owned by Clear Channel since 1999, renamed iHeartMedia in 2014.
WTAM is the Cleveland affiliate for both ABC News Radio and Fox News Radio; the AM flagship for the Cavaliers AudioVerse and Cleveland Guardians Radio Network; and the market outlet for This Morning with Gordon Deal, The Glenn Beck Program, The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show and Coast to Coast AM. Studios for WTAM are located in the Six Six Eight Building in downtown Cleveland's Gateway District and the transmitter is located south of Cleveland in Brecksville. Besides its main analog transmission, WTAM simulcasts over low-power analog Cleveland translator W295DE (106.9 FM), and streams online via iHeartRadio.
History
=WTAM (1923–1956)=
==Early years==
File:WTAM radio Cleveland Ohio transmitter site (1923).jpg
WTAM began broadcast operations on September 26, 1923.{{cite web |last=Olszewski |first=Mike |url=http://www.cleve-radio.com/index2.htm#WTAM-AM |title=WTAM-AM |website=Cleve-radio.com |publisher=Cleveland, Ohio Broadcast Radio Archives Project |date=March 4, 2002 |access-date=January 1, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080509082729/http://www.cleve-radio.com/index2.htm#WTAM-AM |archive-date=May 9, 2008 |url-status=dead}} It was one of several stations that started between 1922 and 1923 with a call sign assigned sequentially by the Commerce Department with "W" as the first letter and "A" as the third.White, Thomas H. (January 1, 2006). [https://earlyradiohistory.us/3myst.htm#dawn "Dawn of the Four Letter Calls"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210421041210/http://earlyradiohistory.us/3myst.htm#dawn |date=April 21, 2021 }}, from Mystique of the Three-Letter Callsigns. Retrieved January 1, 2007. It was originally owned by S.E. Lawrence and Theodore Willard, in the name of the Willard Storage Battery Company.{{cite book |url=http://ech.case.edu/ech-cgi/article.pl?id=W12 |title=The Encyclopedia of Cleveland History |publisher=Indiana University Press |year=1996 |isbn=0-253-33056-4 |editor-last=Van Tassel |editor-first=David D. |edition=2nd |location=Bloomington |pages=1060–61 |access-date=January 1, 2007 |editor-last2=Grabowski |editor-first2=John J. |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060907220856/http://ech.case.edu/ech-cgi/article.pl?id=W12 |archive-date=September 7, 2006 |url-status=live}} Initially the station only offered three hours of nightly programming, but soon expanded its on-air lineup. Studios were located in the Willard factory on Taft Avenue at East 131st Street. By June 30, 1924, WTAM was broadcasting with 1,000 watts and sharing the 770 kHz frequency with WJAX.[http://members.aol.com/jeff560/1924am.html U.S. Radio Stations as of June 30, 1924] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070112023204/http://members.aol.com/jeff560/1924am.html |date=January 12, 2007 }}, from U.S. Department of Commerce publication. Retrieved January 1, 2007.
WJAX had signed on earlier in 1922, owned by the Union Trust Co. In 1924 it was known as the "Wave from Lake Erie". The Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company purchased WJAX in 1925 and changed to the callsign to WEAR. Finally, Willard Battery purchased WEAR to have control of shared frequency allocation.{{cite web |last=Olszewski |first=Mike |url=http://www.cleve-radio.com/index2.htm#WJAX-AM |title=WJAX-AM |website=Cleve-radio.com |publisher=Cleveland, Ohio Broadcast Radio Archives Project |date=March 4, 2002 |access-date=January 1, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-date=May 9, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080509082729/http://www.cleve-radio.com/index2.htm#WJAX-AM}}
File:Wtam 1926.pngWTAM was the first radio station to broadcast coverage of a political convention when it covered the 1924 Republican National Convention at Cleveland's Public Auditorium from June 10–12, 1924. The station's power increased to 2,500 watts in 1925 and to 3,500 watts in 1926, as the studios moved to the Union Trust Building (now The 925 Building). By June 30, 1927, WTAM and WEAR broadcast on 750 kHz with WTAM broadcasting with 3,500 watts.[http://members.aol.com/jeff99500/1927am.html U.S. Radio Stations as of June 30, 1927] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061222201207/http://members.aol.com/jeff99500/1927am.html |date=December 22, 2006 }}, from U.S. Department of Commerce publication. Retrieved January 1, 2007. The January 31, 1928, Radio Service Bulletin of the Commerce Department listed WTAM broadcasting with 3,500 watts at night and 5,000 watts during the day.U.S. Department of Commerce (January 31, 1928). [http://www.fcc.gov/ftp/Bureaus/Mass_Media/Databases/documents_collection/radio_service_bulletins/280131.pdf Radio Service Bulletin No. 130] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930083439/http://www.fcc.gov/ftp/Bureaus/Mass_Media/Databases/documents_collection/radio_service_bulletins/280131.pdf |date=September 30, 2007 }}, p. 25. Retrieved January 1, 2007.
==Clear-channel status==
After Willard Battery threatened to close the station, WTAM and WEAR were purchased by the Cleveland Electric Illuminating Company (now part of FirstEnergy) and the Van Sweringen brothers on May 31, 1928. In a statement announcing the purchase, the new owners declared, "Recognizing the fact that this radio station is a civic asset to the Greater Cleveland district and that the cessation of its operation would be a real loss, the Van Sweringen interests and the Illuminating Co. entered into arrangements to continue it. Every effort will be made to maintain the station on a plane which will make it of maximum value to the community."
{{cite book
| editor-last = Cormack
| editor-first = George
| title = Memories of a Lifetime–Volume 1
| publisher = Instant Concepts, Inc.
| year = 1999
| location = Berea, Ohio
| isbn = 1-882171-19-5
| page = F51
}}
When the new Federal Radio Commission instituted General Order 40 after the passage of the Radio Act of 1927, WTAM along with sister station WEAR (at that point absorbed into WTAM entirely) claimed the clear channel frequency allocated to Cleveland, and on November 11, 1928, it began broadcasting at 1070 kHz with WTAM broadcasting at 50,000 watts.Durenberger, Mark (2000). [http://www.oldradio.com/archives/general/clears.htm Behind the Clear-Channel Matter] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303191656/http://www.oldradio.com/archives/general/clears.htm |date=March 3, 2016 }} Retrieved January 1, 2007. In 1929 the station built two broadcast towers in Brecksville, Ohio, each 200 feet high.
==The NBC years==
File:Gene and Glenn Jake and Lena 1935.JPG
With its national prominence as a clear channel giant established, WTAM became a valuable radio property. NBC purchased WTAM on October 16, 1930, and the studios were moved to the Auditorium Building. The station became a major link in the NBC Red Network, contributing some programming to the network. Around 1930, Gene Carroll and Glenn Rowell brought their vaudeville humor to WTAM with the Gene and Glenn show.{{cite web|title=Gene Carroll|url=http://www.cabcleveland.com/index.php?page=gene-carroll|publisher=Cleveland Association of Broadcasters|access-date=April 16, 2013|archive-date=February 22, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222053148/http://www.cabcleveland.com/index.php?page=gene-carroll|url-status=live}}{{cite news|title=Gene Carroll Dies; Host of TV's Longest Show|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=7y9JAAAAIBAJ&pg=768,2368068&dq=gene+carroll+and+glenn+rowell&hl=en|access-date=April 16, 2013|newspaper=Youngstown Vindicator|date=March 6, 1972|archive-date=February 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220203061017/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=7y9JAAAAIBAJ&pg=768%2C2368068&dq=gene+carroll+and+glenn+rowell&hl=en|url-status=live}} The duo became famous for their characters "Jake & Lena". WTAM originated the program for nationwide broadcast on the NBC Red Network, and it aired six days a week for five years. WTAM also originated the venerable Lum and Abner show on the NBC Red Network five days a week during one year of its run from May 22, 1933, to March 30, 1934, sponsored by the Ford Dealers of America.
NBC began to make substantial investments to station facilities in the 1930s. WTAM moved their studio operations to 815 Superior Avenue on February 7, 1937;{{Cite web|url= https://cdbs.recnet.com/corres/?doc=68915 |title= FCC History Cards for WTAM|publisher=Federal Communications Commission}} renamed the NBC Building, it is known today as the Superior Building. That same year, a new tower was built in Brecksville which was 480 feet tall. On March 29, 1941, with the implementation of NARBA, WTAM moved its broadcast frequency from 1070 to 1100 kHz, maintaining its clear-channel status.
During the 1940s, the station continued to contribute some programming to the NBC radio network. On March 19, 1946, Bob Hope brought his Tuesday night 10 pm Pepsodent radio show to Cleveland along with Jerry Colonna, Frances Langford and the Skinnay Ennis Orchestra for a broadcast on the NBC radio network. Guests included Ohio Governor Frank Lausche. Recordings of this program are still available from collectors of old radio programs.{{Cite web |url=http://heritageradio.com/oct31/catalog5.htm |title=Heritage Radio Catalog, p. 5, No. 215. |access-date=December 27, 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060615121223/http://heritageradio.com/oct31/catalog5.htm |archive-date=June 15, 2006 |url-status=dead }}{{Cite web |url=http://www.otrsite.com/logs/logb1009.htm |title=Jerry Haendiges Vintage Radio Logs (August 10, 2003). |access-date=December 27, 2006 |archive-date=December 5, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161205174853/http://www.otrsite.com/logs/logb1009.htm |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=http://www.radiocrazy.com/shows/B/BobHopeShow/BobHopeShowNoDateFromBobsHometownCleveland.mp3 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060106051348/http://www.radiocrazy.com/shows/B/BobHopeShow/BobHopeShowNoDateFromBobsHometownCleveland.mp3 |url-status=dead |archive-date=January 6, 2006 |title=The Leading Radio Crazy Site on the Net |publisher=radiocrazy.com |access-date=November 8, 2012 }}
WTAM also broadcast the 1948 World Series games of the Cleveland Indians against the Boston Braves, with announcers Jim Britt and Mel Allen. In 1951, WTAM originated an NBC Radio Network broadcast of the Cleveland Orchestra.
NBC also expanded its broadcasting interests in Cleveland beyond AM radio: on October 31, 1948, NBC launched a sister television outlet, WNBK, on channel 4; a few weeks later, on December 6, 1948, WTAM-FM (105.7 FM) began broadcasting, simulcasting WTAM's programming. All three stations shared the same transmitter tower in Brecksville until WNBK moved to a new transmitter tower erected in Parma{{Cite news|url=https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1953/BC-1953-06-15.pdf|title=WNBK (TV) constructing $1 million transmitter.|date=June 15, 1953|work=Broadcasting|access-date=December 22, 2019|pages=68|archive-date=February 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220203061020/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1953/BC-1953-06-15.pdf|url-status=live}} concurrent with a channel switch to channel 3 on April 25, 1954;{{Cite news|url=https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1954/1954-04-19-BC.pdf|title=WNBK (TV) goes to ch. 3; using new Parma plant|date=April 19, 1954|work=Broadcasting|access-date=December 22, 2019|pages=84, 86|archive-date=February 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220203061032/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1954/1954-04-19-BC.pdf|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1954/1954-04-26-BC.pdf|title=WNBK advertisement|date=April 26, 1954|work=Broadcasting|access-date=December 22, 2019|page=45|archive-date=February 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220203061023/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1954/1954-04-26-BC.pdf|url-status=live}} as KYW and KYW-FM, both radio stations would move to the same Parma tower in February 1957.
WTAM also aired Cleveland Browns games during the 1952, 1953, and 1955 seasons; Jim Graner provided color commentary during the 1955 season.{{cite news|date=November 10, 2002|title=The voices of Browns games past|newspaper=The Plain Dealer|publisher=The Plain Dealer Publishing Co.|page=J6 – Sunday Arts}}
=KYW: The Westinghouse years=
{{Distinguish||text=Philadelphia radio station KYW (AM)}}
In late 1955, NBC persuaded Westinghouse to trade its Philadelphia stations, KYW (1060 AM) and WPTZ-TV, in return for NBC's Cleveland properties and $3 million in cash compensation."NBC, WBC trade properties in Cleveland, Philadelphia", Broadcasting, May 23, 1955, pages [http://www.americanradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Magazines/Archive-BC-IDX/55-OCR/1955-05-23-BC-OCR-Page-0065.pdf 65], [http://www.americanradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Magazines/Archive-BC-IDX/55-OCR/1955-05-23-BC-OCR-Page-0066.pdf 66], [http://www.americanradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Magazines/Archive-BC-IDX/55-OCR/1955-05-23-BC-OCR-Page-0068.pdf 68]. NBC had long wanted to own a station in Philadelphia, the nation's third-largest market at the time. The swap went into effect on January 22, 1956.[http://www.americanradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Magazines/Archive-BC-IDX/56-OCR/1956-01-30-BC-OCR-Page-0059.pdf "NBC, Westinghouse complete exchange"], Broadcasting, January 30, 1956, page 59. Westinghouse wanted to keep the historic KYW callsign, which had been Chicago's oldest radio facility before being transferred to Philadelphia on December 3, 1934. Therefore, on February 13, 1956, the Cleveland stations became KYW, KYW-FM and KYW-TV; and the Philadelphia stations became WRCV and WRCV-TV.[http://www.americanradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Magazines/Archive-BC-IDX/56-OCR/1956-02-13-BC-OCR-Page-0098.pdf "NBC, WBC outlets change calls today"], Broadcasting, February 13, 1956, page 98.0
In the early 1960s, under program director Ken Draper, KYW, known on-air as KY11, became a full service - Top 40 powerhouse with disc jockeys Jim Runyon (the "weeeellll" voice of the Chickenman series), Jim Stagg, Jay Lawrence, Jerry G (Jerry Ghan), and the morning duo of Harry Martin and Specs Howard.{{Cite web|title=How KYW's "Martin and Howard" Saved the Beatles concert in Cleveland |author=Harry Martin |date=May 21, 2011|website=HappyHareOnline.com |url=http://www.happyhareonline.com/happyhare-1.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=May 21, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110521092251/http://www.happyhareonline.com/happyhare-1.htm}}[https://web.archive.org/web/20110728104814/http://www.happyhareonline.com/happyhare-23.htm Harry Martin relates what KYW was like in the mid 1960s]{{citation|editor-last=Adams|editor-first=Deanna R.|title=Rock 'N' Roll and the Cleveland Connection|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=LBCZvsVKomwC&q=jim+stagg&pg=PA97|year=2002|page=624|publisher=Kent State University Press|isbn=0-87338-691-4|access-date=August 1, 2010|archive-date=February 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220203061036/https://books.google.com/books?id=LBCZvsVKomwC&q=jim+stagg&pg=PA97|url-status=live}} Its main Top 40 rival in the Cleveland market was "Color Channel 14" WHK, at 1420 AM.
Almost immediately after the trade was finalized, Westinghouse complained to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the Justice Department about NBC's coercion.[http://www.americanradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Magazines/Archive-BC-IDX/56-OCR/1956-01-02-BC-OCR-Page-0058.pdf "NBC-Westinghouse swap approved; FCC stirs Justice Dept. interest"], Broadcasting, January 2, 1956, page 58."Justice Dept. hauls NBC into court", Broadcasting - Telecasting, December 10, 1956, pages [http://www.americanradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Magazines/Archive-BC-IDX/56-OCR/1956-12-10-BC-OCR-Page-0027.pdf 27], [http://www.americanradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Magazines/Archive-BC-IDX/56-OCR/1956-12-10-BC-OCR-Page-0028.pdf 28], [http://www.americanradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Magazines/Archive-BC-IDX/56-OCR/1956-12-10-BC-OCR-Page-0029.pdf 29], [http://www.americanradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Magazines/Archive-BC-IDX/56-OCR/1956-12-10-BC-OCR-Page-0030.pdf 30], [http://www.americanradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Magazines/Archive-BC-IDX/56-OCR/1956-12-10-BC-OCR-Page-0031.pdf 31], [http://www.americanradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Magazines/Archive-BC-IDX/56-OCR/1956-12-10-BC-OCR-Page-0032.pdf 32]. It was discovered that Westinghouse only agreed to the trade when NBC made implications that it would pull its television programming from WPTZ and Westinghouse's other NBC affiliate, WBZ-TV in Boston.{{cite web |last=Olszewski |first=Mike |url=http://www.cleve-radio.com/index2.htm#KYW-AM |title=KYW-AM |website=Cleve-radio.com |publisher=Cleveland, Ohio Broadcast Radio Archives Project |date=March 4, 2002 |access-date=August 17, 2014 |archive-date=May 9, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080509082729/http://www.cleve-radio.com/index2.htm#KYW-AM |url-status=dead}} In 1964, after a protracted legal battle, the FCC ordered the swap of stations reversed without NBC realizing any profit on the deal."Philadelphia circle is complete," and "Nine-year history of that trade in Philadelphia", Broadcasting, August 3, 1964, pages [http://www.americanradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Magazines/Archive-BC-IDX/64-OCR/1964-08-03-BC-OCR-Page-0023.pdf 23], [http://www.americanradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Magazines/Archive-BC-IDX/64-OCR/1964-08-03-BC-OCR-Page-0024.pdf 24], [http://www.americanradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Magazines/Archive-BC-IDX/64-OCR/1964-08-03-BC-OCR-Page-0025.pdf 25]. NBC regained control of the Cleveland stations on June 19, 1965, and changed their call letters to WKYC, WKYC-FM and WKYC-TV, which kept the popular "KY" slogan and identity Westinghouse brought into Cleveland.[http://www.americanradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Magazines/Archive-BC-IDX/65-OCR/1965-06-14-BC-OCR-Page-0083.pdf "The great swap takes place June 19; Westinghouse, NBC return to original properties"], Broadcasting, June 14, 1965, page 83.{{Cite web|url=http://clevelandclassicmedia.blogspot.com/2007/08/kyw-1100final-hourssaturday-am-june-19.html|title=KYW-1100/Final Hours..Saturday AM June 19, 1965 (including a transcript of the Cleveland Press' Bill Barrett's column from June 18, 1965 regarding the call letter switch)|last=Lones|first=Tim|date=August 19, 2007|website=Cleveland Classic Media|access-date=December 22, 2019|archive-date=October 14, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161014014309/http://clevelandclassicmedia.blogspot.com/2007/08/kyw-1100final-hourssaturday-am-june-19.html|url-status=live}}
To this day, the KYW stations insist that they "moved" to Cleveland in 1956 and "returned" to Philadelphia in 1965, but the two stations' facilities and broadcast licenses remained the same.[http://kyw1060.com/pages/11853.php KYW Newsradio Station History] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070107021431/http://kyw1060.com/pages/11853.php |date=January 7, 2007 }}, which details the evolution of the station from Chicago, to Philadelphia, to Cleveland and back to Philadelphia.
{{Further|NBC Red Network|KYW (AM)|KYW-TV|WKYC|Westinghouse Broadcasting}}
=WKYC years=
{{Distinguish||text=Cleveland television station WKYC}}
WKYC continued as a Top 40 outlet—the only such-formatted station under NBC ownership—with personalities Harry Martin, Specs Howard, Jay Lawrence and Jerry G holding over from KYW/Westinghouse. When program director Ken Draper left for WCFL in Chicago in early 1965, prior to the ownership change, both Jim Stagg{{Cite web |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=lygEAAAAMBAJ&dq=wmaq+intitle%3Abillboard&pg=PA73 |title=Billboard March 13, 1965-Vox Jox-Jim Stagg, KYW radio top-rated afternoon DJ, exits station suddenly-page 73 |date=March 13, 1965 |access-date=June 16, 2015 |archive-date=January 12, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160112064443/https://books.google.com/books?id=lygEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA73&dq=wmaq+intitle:billboard&lr=&as_drrb_is=b&as_minm_is=1&as_miny_is=1950&as_maxm_is=12&as_maxy_is=1975&as_brr=0&as_pt=MAGAZINES&cd=52#v=onepage&q=wmaq%20intitle%3Abillboard&f=false |url-status=live }}{{cite magazine|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=lSgEAAAAMBAJ&q=ken+draper+wcfl+1965&pg=PA38|title=WCFL Takes First Step Toward Format Change|date=April 15, 1965|magazine=Billboard|access-date=May 11, 2010|archive-date=February 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220203061023/https://books.google.com/books?id=lSgEAAAAMBAJ&q=ken+draper+wcfl+1965&pg=PA38|url-status=live}}{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-Billboard/60s/1967/Billboard%201967-09-30.pdf|title=WCFL Is Looking to Be No. 1|date=September 30, 1967|magazine=Billboard|access-date=December 22, 2019|pages=34, 56|archive-date=February 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220203061025/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Billboard/60s/1967/Billboard%201967-09-30.pdf|url-status=live}} and Jim Runyon wasted no time following him.{{Citation | editor-last = Smith | editor-first = Ron | title = WCFL Chicago Top 40 Charts 1965–1976 | year = 2007 | pages = Front Matter Introduction | publisher = iUniverse | url = https://www.amazon.com/reader/0595431801?_encoding=UTF8&ref_=sib_dp_ptu#reader-link | isbn = 978-0-595-43180-9 | access-date = April 2, 2010 | archive-date = February 3, 2022 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220203061033/https://www.amazon.com/reader/0595431801?_encoding=UTF8&ref_=sib_dp_ptu#reader-link | url-status = live }} Bill Winters came in about this time. Jim LaBarbara was wooed away from a three-day stint at WIXY to do evening prime time. Chuck Dann signed on, as did Charlie and Harrigan (Jack Woods and Paul Menard), the morning duo at KLIF (1190 AM) in Dallas. Jim Gallant was doing overnights.{{cite web |last=Olszewski |first=Mike |url=http://www.cleve-radio.com/index2.htm#WKYC-AM |title=WKYC-AM |website=Cleve-radio.com |publisher=Cleveland, Ohio Broadcast Radio Archives Project |date=March 4, 2002 |access-date=August 17, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-date=May 9, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080509082729/http://www.cleve-radio.com/index2.htm#WKYC-AM}}
In late 1966, popular afternoon host Jerry G also decided to follow Draper to WCFL;{{Cite web|url=http://www.chicagotelevision.com/bishop.htm|title=Talkin' With Jerry G.|website=chicagotelevision.com|access-date=December 22, 2019|archive-date=November 5, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161105172333/http://www.chicagotelevision.com/bishop.htm|url-status=live}} upon his departure, he added the last name "Bishop", and later created the TV horror host persona Svengoolie.{{cite web|url=http://www.cleveland.com/obituaries/index.ssf/2013/09/jerry_g_popular_on_cleveland_r.html|title='Jerry G,' popular on Cleveland radio and TV in the 1960s, dies at 77|last=Feran|first=Tom|date=September 18, 2013|publisher=Cleveland Plain Dealer|access-date=December 22, 2019|archive-date=March 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304041842/http://www.cleveland.com/obituaries/index.ssf/2013/09/jerry_g_popular_on_cleveland_r.html|url-status=live}} He was replaced by WIXY's evening man Jack Armstrong, who then decided to call himself "Big Jack, Your Leader"; LaBarbara was moved to overnight to accommodate Armstrong's installation as the evening jock. In early 1967, the on air staff consisted of: LaBarbara, overnight; Charlie and Harrigan, morning drive; Bob Cole, late morning; Jay Lawrence, mid afternoons; Chuck Dann, afternoon drive; and Big Jack in the prime time slot.
WKYC "Radio 11" was a large record-selling influence as far away as New York City and Miami. However, its main local competition in those days was WIXY (1260 AM; "Super Radio"). Unlike WIXY, WKYC – being an NBC owned-and-operated station in a situation not unlike WRC (980 AM) in Washington – was obligated to carry all NBC Radio programming such as the weekend Monitor, as well as all top-of-the-hour NBC Radio newscasts. The NBC Radio afternoon daily network news feed was also based from WKYC's studios and anchored by Virgil Dominic,{{Cite news|date=October 4, 1970|title=Action Line Bonus|page=F-16|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|publisher=Knight Newspapers|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/82414218/action-line-bonus/|url-status=live|access-date=July 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210729174703/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/82414218/action-line-bonus/|archive-date=July 29, 2021}} who also served as WKYC-TV's lead news anchor.{{Cite news|date=March 7, 1978|title=Club to hear TV newsman|page=8|work=Mansfield News Journal|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/82408274/club-to-hear-tv-newsman/|url-status=live|access-date=July 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210729210525/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/82408274/club-to-hear-tv-newsman/|archive-date=July 29, 2021}}
On February 1, 1968, at 3:05 pm, following an NBC Radio newscast, the station altered its presentation to Power Radio, a derivative of the Drake-Chenault-created "Boss Radio" Top-40 format, programmed for WKYC by Hal Moore. The new sound emphasized "more music" with less chatter between songs and a tighter playlist. Personalities at that time included Charlie and Harrigan, Bob Shannon, Chuck Dunaway, Lee 'Baby' Sims, Fred Winston, and Buddy Harrison. It remained a Top 40 station until February 1, 1969, when WKYC switched to an easy listening/middle of the road (MOR) format.{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-Billboard/60s/1969/Billboard-1969-02-15.pdf|title=Vox Jox|date=February 15, 1969|magazine=Billboard|access-date=December 22, 2019|page=44|archive-date=February 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220203061037/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Billboard/60s/1969/Billboard-1969-02-15.pdf|url-status=live}} Specs Howard left WKYC shortly thereafter, with Jim Runyon returning to succeed him in morning drive.{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-Billboard/60s/1969/BB-1969-10-11.pdf|title=Vox Jox|date=October 11, 1969|magazine=Billboard|access-date=December 22, 2019|page=39|archive-date=February 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220203061037/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Billboard/60s/1969/BB-1969-10-11.pdf|url-status=live}}
Following rumors that NBC was interested in divesting some or all of their radio stations,{{Cite news|url=https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1970/1970-11-30-BC.pdf|title=Closed Circuit: On the block?|date=November 30, 1970|work=Broadcasting|access-date=December 22, 2019|page=5|archive-date=February 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220203061024/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1970/1970-11-30-BC.pdf|url-status=live}} NBC sold both WKYC and WKYC-FM to Ohio Communications, headed by sports franchiser Nick Mileti and investment firm C. F. Kettering, for approximately $5.5 million in a deal announced January 12, 1972.{{Cite news|url=https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1972/1972-01-17-BC.pdf|title=First NBC radio properties go|date=January 17, 1972|work=Broadcasting|access-date=December 22, 2019|page=38|archive-date=February 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220203061030/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1972/1972-01-17-BC.pdf|url-status=live}} Broadcast executives Tom and Jim Embrescia joined the ownership group as vice-president/general manager and sales manager, respectively.{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=tha24KVs9vEC&pg=PA133|title=This is Larry Morrow: My Life on and Off the Air|publisher=Gray & Company|year=2010|isbn=9781598510690|editor-last=Morrow|editor-first=Larry|location=Cleveland|pages=132–133|access-date=December 22, 2019|archive-date=February 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220203061025/https://books.google.com/books?id=tha24KVs9vEC&pg=PA133|url-status=live}}
=WWWE years=
== Full service and country years ==
The AM radio station's call letters were changed to WWWE (purportedly for Embrescia or Entertainment) and adopted the 3WE brand; WKYC-FM became WWWM (purportedly for Mileti or Music);{{Cite web |url=http://www.cleve-radio.com/index2.htm#CALL%20LETTERS|website=cleve-radio.com|publisher=Cleveland, Ohio Broadcast Radio Archives Project |title=Call Letters |access-date=December 22, 2019|url-status=dead |archive-date=May 9, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080509082729/http://www.cleve-radio.com/index2.htm#CALL%20LETTERS}} both changes took place on November 16, 1972. WWWE retained WKYC's easy listening/MOR format,{{Cite news|title=Fresh Air: Cleveland|work=Bob Hamilton and Friends Radio Report|url=https://www.americanradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Music/Archive-Tip-Sheets/IDX/Hamilton/Thumbs/Hamilton-1972-12-11.pdf|date=December 11, 1972|access-date=December 22, 2019 |page=4|archive-date=February 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220203061036/https://worldradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Music/Archive-Tip-Sheets/IDX/Hamilton/Thumbs/Hamilton-1972-12-11.pdf|url-status=live}} but also added radio broadcasts for both the Cleveland Indians and Cleveland Cavaliers as Mileti owned both teams;{{Cite news |url=https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1973/1973-02-26-BC.pdf|title=Major leagues to divide $42.3-million melon in '73|date=February 26, 1973|work=Broadcasting|access-date=December 22, 2019 |pages=37–43, 46|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121203905/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1973/1973-02-26-BC.pdf|url-status=live}} WERE (1300 AM) had previously served as the flagship for both. Pete Franklin also joined the station from WERE and hosted Sportsline, a five-hour long weeknight sports call-in show that also followed Indians and Cavaliers games,{{Cite news |url=https://www.cleveland.com/obituaries/2011/06/pete_franklin_the_ultimate_cle.html|title=Pete Franklin, the ultimate Cleveland sports talker: Life Stories Revisited|last=Dolgan|first=Bob|date=December 10, 2004 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer|access-date=December 20, 2019|archive-date=December 20, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191220173226/https://www.cleveland.com/obituaries/2011/06/pete_franklin_the_ultimate_cle.html|url-status=live}} quickly becoming a legend with his acerbic personality, boasting that the station's nighttime signal could be heard in "over 38 states and half of Canada".{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=gNbZ0UWeUlcC|title=Joe Tait: It's Been a Real Ball: Stories from a Hall-of-Fame Sports Broadcasting Career|last1=Tait|first1=Joe|last2=Pluto|first2=Terry |publisher=Gray & Company|year=2012|isbn=9781598510942|location=Cleveland|author-link=Joe Tait|author-link2=Terry Pluto|access-date=December 22, 2019|url-status=live|archive-date=February 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220203061047/https://books.google.com/books?id=gNbZ0UWeUlcC}}
Following Jim Runyon's sudden departure and death from cancer in April 1973,{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-Billboard/70s/1973/Billboard%201973-05-05.pdf|title=Jim Runyon Obit|date=May 5, 1973|magazine=Billboard|access-date=December 22, 2019|page=34|archive-date=February 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220203061037/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Billboard/70s/1973/Billboard%201973-05-05.pdf|url-status=live}} the morning drive shift was taken over by Larry Morrow, formerly of WIXY;{{Cite web|url=https://www.cleveland.com/tv/2011/01/larry_morrow_reflects_on_his_r.html|title=Larry Morrow reflects on his radio career as Mr. Cleveland|last=Washington|first=Julie|date=January 15, 2011|website=The Plain Dealer|language=en|access-date=December 22, 2019|archive-date=December 22, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191222195542/https://www.cleveland.com/tv/2011/01/larry_morrow_reflects_on_his_r.html|url-status=live}} Morrow would be joined by Joe Tait as morning sportscaster, Tait also served as the lead play-by-play voice for both the Indians and Cavaliers.{{Cite web|url=http://cleveland.indians.mlb.com/cle/history/broadcasters.jsp|title=All-Time Broadcasters |website=Cleveland Indians|language=en|access-date=December 22, 2019|archive-date=September 5, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150905121437/http://cleveland.indians.mlb.com/cle/history/broadcasters.jsp|url-status=dead}} In addition to Franklin, Morrow and Tait, the daytime lineup included at one time or another, Phil McLean, Al James, Jim Davis, Jack Reynolds, Tony Matthews, Jeff Elliot, Johnny Andrews, Lanny Wheeler, Lee Andrews, Ted Alexander and Bill King.
Both WWWE and WWWM slowly severed the last remaining ties to WKYC-TV and its prior NBC ownership throughout the 1970s. The transmitter for WWWE was moved back to their previous tower in Brecksville on September 5, 1974, that tower is still in use today by WWWE's successor WTAM, along with FM stations WAKS (co-owned with WTAM) and WZAK.Fybush, Scott (February 12, 2004). [http://www.fybush.com/sites/2004/site-040212.html Cleveland's Parma/Brecksville/Seven Hills Tower Farm] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160320032055/http://www.fybush.com/sites/2004/site-040212.html |date=March 20, 2016 }}, Tower Site of the Week. Retrieved January 1, 2007. In addition, the studios for both WWWE and WWWM were moved to Park Centre—known today as Reserve Square—that November 14. WWWE would then drop its NBC Radio affiliation altogether by 1977.
WWWE was sold to Combined Communications, Inc. in December 1976 for $7.5 million,{{Cite news|url=https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1976/1976-12-13-BC.pdf|title=Changing Hands: Announced|date=December 13, 1976|work=Broadcasting|access-date=December 22, 2019|pages=64–65|archive-date=February 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220203061031/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1976/1976-12-13-BC.pdf|url-status=live}} consummated the following September;{{Cite news|url=https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1977/BC-1977-09-05.pdf|title=Changing Hands: Approved|date=September 5, 1977|work=Broadcasting|access-date=December 22, 2019|pages=36–37|archive-date=February 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220203061032/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1977/BC-1977-09-05.pdf|url-status=live}} Ohio Communications retained WWWM. Combined Communications subsequently merged into Globe Broadcasting Corp., owner of WMGC (1260 AM) and WDOK;{{Cite news|url=https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1977/BC-1977-05-02.pdf|title=CCC's portfolio gets even bigger with Globe merger|date=May 2, 1977|work=Broadcasting|access-date=December 22, 2019|page=34|archive-date=February 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220203061033/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1977/BC-1977-05-02.pdf|url-status=live}} WMGC was spun off to comply with then-existing ownership rules.{{Cite news|url=https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1977/BC-1977-12-05.pdf|title=Changing Hands: Announced|date=December 5, 1977|work=Broadcasting|access-date=December 22, 2019|pages=34–35|archive-date=August 4, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220804180544/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1977/BC-1977-12-05.pdf|url-status=live}} Gannett then merged into Combined Communications in June 1979 in a $370 million deal; at the time, it was one of the largest mergers and acquisitions in the broadcasting industry.{{Cite news|url=https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1979/BC-1979-06-11.pdf|title=FCC clears biggest deal ever: Gannett-Combined Communications merger is approved on same day that Shamrock purchase of Starr and Mutual buy of WCFL are OK's|date=June 11, 1979|work=Broadcasting|access-date=December 22, 2019|pages=19–20|archive-date=August 4, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220804180544/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1979/BC-1979-06-11.pdf|url-status=live}}
In December 1981, WWWE switched formats to country branded as Country 11, going in direct competition with WHK (1420 AM) and WKSW (99.5 FM).{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-Billboard/80s/1982/BB-1982-02-13.pdf|title=WWWE-AM Keys On Country Competition|last=Mehno|first=John|date=February 13, 1982|magazine=Billboard|access-date=December 22, 2019|page=27|archive-date=August 4, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220804180545/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Billboard/80s/1982/BB-1982-02-13.pdf|url-status=live}} With the switch, the duo of Rick McGuire and Ron Marron were installed in morning drive, displacing Larry Morrow to afternoons;{{Cite news|url=https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-Record-World/80s/81/RW-1981-12-05.pdf|title=Radio Replay: Moves|last=DiMauro|first=Phil|date=December 5, 1981|work=Record World|access-date=December 22, 2019|page=30|archive-date=August 4, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220804180545/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Record-World/80s/81/RW-1981-12-05.pdf|url-status=live}} Morrow eventually left the station. Citing disappointing ratings and a waning audience in the market overall for country music, WWWE quietly switched back to an easy listening/MOR format in August 1983, again using the 3WE brand.{{Cite news|url=https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-RandR/1980s/1983/RR-1983-08-26.pdf|title=WWWE Converts From Country To MOR|date=August 26, 1983|work=Radio & Records|access-date=December 22, 2019|pages=3, 30|archive-date=August 4, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220804180545/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Archive-RandR/1980s/1983/RR-1983-08-26.pdf|url-status=live}}{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-Billboard/80s/1983/BB-1983-08-27.pdf|title=WWWE Switches To AC|date=August 27, 1983|magazine=Billboard|access-date=December 22, 2019|page=12|archive-date=August 4, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220804180546/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Billboard/80s/1983/BB-1983-08-27.pdf|url-status=live}}
File:1980-modell-browns crop.jpg, majority owner of the Cleveland Browns from 1961 to 1996, also controlled WWWE parent Lake Erie Broadcasting from 1985 to 1987.]]
== "A Modell Miracle" ==
{{Further|WKNR#"Moving" WJW to WWWE}}
Gannett sold off both WWWE and WDOK to Lake Erie Broadcasting, controlled by then-Cleveland Browns majority owner Art Modell and minority owner Al Lerner, for $9.5 million in February 1985.{{Cite news|date=March 4, 1985|title=Changing Hands: Proposed|volume=108|page=85|work=Broadcasting|issue=9|url=https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1985/BC-1985-03-04.pdf|access-date=December 22, 2019|via=World Radio History|archive-date=February 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220203042537/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1985/BC-1985-03-04.pdf|url-status=live}} The purchase was seen by some as a surprise: Lake Erie consistently lost money operating WJW since purchasing it from Storer Communications in 1977,{{Cite news|last=Phipps|first=Peter|date=January 18, 1983|title=Some of Modell's ventures have fallen on hard times|page=A10|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/86710892/some-of-modells-ventures-have-fallen-on/|access-date=October 13, 2021|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=February 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220203042539/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/86710892/some-of-modells-ventures-have-fallen/|url-status=live}} and was under financial pressure to sell WJW{{Cite news|last=Cook|first=Daniel|date=July 19, 1982|title=Cleveland stations battle for listeners|pages=B1–[https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83855822/cleveland-stations-battle-for/ B2]|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83855785/cleveland-stations-battle-for-listeners/|access-date=October 12, 2021|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=October 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211029172652/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83855785/cleveland-stations-battle-for-listeners/|url-status=live}} when that station's format changed from MOR to talk radio in July 1982.{{Cite magazine|last=Mehno|first=John|date=June 26, 1982|title=Format Turntable: Jocks Out In Cleveland|url=https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-Billboard/80s/1982/BB-1982-06-26.pdf|magazine=Billboard|volume=94|issue=25|page=28|access-date=December 22, 2019|via=World Radio History|archive-date=February 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220203042538/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Billboard/80s/1982/BB-1982-06-26.pdf|url-status=live}} WJW made a winning bid for the Browns radio broadcast rights that included the team taking an ownership stake in the station,{{Cite news|last=Phelps|first=Peter|date=February 11, 1984|title=WHK keeps Browns' games|page=B2|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/86711128/whk-keeps-browns-games/|access-date=October 12, 2021|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=October 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211029172730/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/86711128/whk-keeps-browns-games/|url-status=live}} but minority owner Robert Gries sued Modell on charges of anti-competitive practices{{Cite news|date=December 16, 1983|title=Gries renews legal battle with Modell|page=15|newspaper=The News-Messenger|agency=Associated Press|location=Fremont, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/86710843/gries-renews-legal-battle-with-modell/|access-date=October 12, 2021|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=October 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211029174229/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/86710843/gries-renews-legal-battle-with-modell/|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|last=Schudel|first=Jeff|date=December 24, 1983|title=Modell wins court battle|page=17|newspaper=News Journal|location=Mansfield, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/86711093/modell-wins-court-battle/|access-date=October 12, 2021|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=October 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211029172731/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/86711093/modell-wins-court-battle/|url-status=live}} and existing flagship WHK matched WJW's bid for the 1984 season.{{r|AkronB1984021123}} Lake Erie's purchase of WWWE and WDOK came days after Lake Erie—not WJW specifically—managed to secure a long-term contract for the Browns effective with the 1985 season.{{Cite news|last=Gottlieb|first=Ken|date=February 23, 1985|title=Follow the bouncing Browns' broadcast ball|page=B4|work=Elyria Chronicle-Telegram|location=Elyria, Ohio|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/entertainment-clipping-feb-23-1985-2748498/|access-date=October 12, 2021|via=NewspaperArchive|archive-date=October 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211027181520/https://newspaperarchive.com/entertainment-clipping-feb-23-1985-2748498/|url-status=live}} Despite Modell's history of questionable investments{{r|Akro830118}} and concerns he was heavily in debt,{{Cite news|last=Phipps|first=Peter|date=June 23, 1984|title=Modell's bank debts date to 1961|pages=B1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/86975527/modells-bank-debts-date-to-1961-p2/ B3]|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/86975507/modells-bank-debts-date-to-1961/|access-date=October 13, 2021|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=October 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211029174504/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/86975507/modells-bank-debts-date-to-1961/|url-status=live}} he dismissed speculation that Lake Erie did not have the money to complete the deal, claiming "our collective net worth far exceeds the price of these stations".{{Cite news|last=Gottlieb|first=Ken|date=March 2, 1985|title=When Ron Bilek talks, WKYC-TV Channel 3 listens|page=B4|work=Elyria Chronicle-Telegram|location=Elyria, Ohio|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/entertainment-clipping-mar-02-1985-2749080/|access-date=October 13, 2021|via=NewspaperArchive|archive-date=October 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211027181518/https://newspaperarchive.com/entertainment-clipping-mar-02-1985-2749080/|url-status=live}}
Concurrent with the purchase and to meet regulatory approval, Lake Erie divested WJW to Booth American for $2.1 million.{{Cite news|date=March 1, 1985|title=Detroit firm buys WJW-AM|page=B8|work=Elyria Chronicle-Telegram|agency=Associated Press|location=Elyria, Ohio|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/entertainment-clipping-mar-01-1985-2748466/|access-date=October 12, 2021|via=NewspaperArchive|archive-date=October 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211027181523/https://newspaperarchive.com/entertainment-clipping-mar-01-1985-2748466/|url-status=live}} Not included in the sale was WJW's talk format, which Lake Erie opted to "move" outright to WWWE.{{cite news|last=Dyer|first=Bob|date=June 12, 1985|title=Changes on the radio dial|page=C7|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/85577643/changes-on-the-radio-dial/|access-date=September 19, 2021|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=September 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210920213107/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/85577643/changes-on-the-radio-dial/|url-status=live}} Nearly all of WJW's air talent and management were reassigned to WWWE, with Pete Franklin's Sportsline as the lone program retained.{{r|RR19900607p3}} While neither WJW or WWWE had strong ratings, WJW's talk format had been drawing more younger listeners than competitor WERE,{{Cite news|last=Gottlieb|first=Ken|date=July 21, 1984|title=Mellow rock, news and talk gain radio listeners|page=B4|work=Elyria Chronicle-Telegram|location=Elyria, Ohio|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/entertainment-clipping-jul-21-1984-2748988/|access-date=October 12, 2021|via=NewspaperArchive|archive-date=October 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211027181518/https://newspaperarchive.com/entertainment-clipping-jul-21-1984-2748988/|url-status=live}} while WWWE was now one of the lowest-rated stations{{Cite news|last=Gottlieb|first=Ken|date=October 19, 1985|title=It's almost a Modell Miracle as WWWE rises in ratings|page=A8|work=Elyria Chronicle-Telegram|location=Elyria, Ohio|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/entertainment-clipping-oct-19-1985-2748581/|access-date=October 12, 2021|via=NewspaperArchive|archive-date=October 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211027181522/https://newspaperarchive.com/entertainment-clipping-oct-19-1985-2748581/|url-status=live}} outside of sports programming.{{cite news|date=September 20, 1987|title=The Last Word: With Pete Franklin here, you'll never have it again|page=328|newspaper=Newsday|location=Nassau Edition (Hempstead, New York|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88785980/the-last-word-with-pete-franklin-here/|access-date=November 12, 2021|archive-date=November 12, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211112062936/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88785980/the-last-word-with-pete-franklin-here/|url-status=live}} Dismissed with the move were Ray Marshall,{{Cite news|date=June 7, 1985|title=Popovich OM At New WLTF & WRMR Combo|pages=3–4|work=Radio & Records|issue=587|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-RandR/1980s/1985/RR-1985-06-07.pdf|access-date=December 19, 2019|via=World Radio History|archive-date=September 20, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200920210730/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-RandR/1980s/1985/RR-1985-06-07.pdf|url-status=live}} David "Fig" Newton, Jack Reynolds and morning sportscaster Bruce Drennan{{Cite news|last=Gottlieb|first=Ken|date=June 15, 1985|title=Channel 3's 60 minutes not discouraged by ratings|page=B4|work=Elyria Chronicle-Telegram|location=Elyria, Ohio|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/entertainment-clipping-jun-15-1985-2748458/|access-date=October 12, 2021|via=NewspaperArchive|archive-date=October 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211027181520/https://newspaperarchive.com/entertainment-clipping-jun-15-1985-2748458/|url-status=live}} along with eight other staffers.{{Cite news|last=Frolik|first=Joe|date=June 12, 1985|title=All sports eggs in one basket|page=3E|newspaper=The Plain Dealer|location=Cleveland, Ohio}} Franklin repeatedly threatened to leave WWWE during the latter days of Gannett ownership, and Drennan was seen in some circles as a potential replacement to host Sportsline.{{Cite news|last=Gottlieb|first=Ken|date=May 25, 1985|title=Modell group about to take over WWWE and WDOK|page=A8|work=Elyria Chronicle-Telegram|location=Elyria, Ohio|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/entertainment-clipping-may-25-1985-2748433/|access-date=October 12, 2021|via=NewspaperArchive|archive-date=October 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211027181526/https://newspaperarchive.com/entertainment-clipping-may-25-1985-2748433/|url-status=live}}
WJW general manager Art Caruso and news director John O'Day assumed like duties at WWWE, and were tasked with hiring Jim Muller's broadcast partner for the Browns broadcasts{{Cite news|last=Shippy|first=Dick|date=May 31, 1985|title=Dieken wants to move his line to the radio|page=B5|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/85577422/dieken-wants-to-move-his-line-to-the/|access-date=September 19, 2021|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=September 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210920213250/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/85577422/dieken-wants-to-move-his-line-to-the/|url-status=live}} which were also transferred to WWWE.{{r|ECT19850525pA8}} Along with the Indians and Cavs rights,{{r|Akro850612}} Lake Erie's takeover of WWWE resulted in the station now holding the broadcast rights to all three professional sports teams for the first time.{{r|CPD19850612p3E}} Newspaper reports recognized the transactions and format changes as "WWWE... became, in (essence), WJW",{{r|Akro850612}} or that WJW had "a new location on the radio dial".{{Cite news|date=June 12, 1985|title=WJW changes its name, place on dial|page=C2|work=The News Reporter|agency=Associated Press|location=Dover, Ohio|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/entertainment-clipping-jun-12-1985-2748441/|access-date=October 12, 2021|via=NewspaperArchive|archive-date=October 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211027181519/https://newspaperarchive.com/entertainment-clipping-jun-12-1985-2748441/|url-status=live}} The final week of programming over WJW had promos for both the talk format's "new home" on WWWE and Booth American's replacement format on WJW, rechristened as WRMR.{{Cite news|date=June 5, 1985|title=Radio stations to switch next week|page=8E|newspaper=The Plain Dealer|location=Cleveland, Ohio}} Indeed, the switchover at 11:00 a.m. on June 11, 1985,{{r|RR19900607p3}} had a "final sign-off" for WJW{{cite news|last=Segall|first=Grant|date=June 1, 2010|title=R. Marvin Cade broadcast news on WJW-AM|work=The Plain Dealer|url=https://www.cleveland.com/obituaries/index.ssf/2010/06/r_marvin_cade_broadcast_news_o.html|access-date=July 18, 2018|archive-date=July 19, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180719054528/https://www.cleveland.com/obituaries/index.ssf/2010/06/r_marvin_cade_broadcast_news_o.html|url-status=live}} followed by Cleveland mayor George Voinovich pressing a ceremonial switch on WWWE that completed the "move" of WJW's prior talk format.{{r|ECT19850615pB4}}
Along with Franklin, the "new" WWWE's lineup boasted an all-news block in morning drive, followed by hosts John McCullough, Michael Freedman, Merle Pollis and Joel Rose,{{r|ECT19851019pA8}} with NBC Talknet in the overnight hours.{{r|AkronB19870607}} The summer 1985 Arbitron book showed substantial ratings increases for WWWE after the switch to talk, surprising even the station's management and resulting in one paper calling their fifth-place showing "almost a Modell Miracle".{{r|ECT19851019pA8}} Ratings for WWWE remained higher than with the MOR format, but slowly stagnated against WERE despite a substantial promotional campaign centered around Pollis, Rose and Franklin.{{cite news|last=Dyer|first=Bob|date=April 27, 1986|title=There's only one rock station in WMMS zone|page=C2|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/89011698/theres-only-one-rock-station-in-wmms-zo/|access-date=November 15, 2021|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=February 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220203042539/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/89011698/theres-only-one-rock-station-in-wmms/|url-status=live}} Larry Elder, who was involved with local television productions in Cleveland, was inspired to enter talk radio after sitting in as a guest on Pollis' WWWE show.{{Cite news|last=Feran|first=Tom|date=October 2, 2000|title=Larry Elder's new show puts morality on trial|page=5D|newspaper=The Plain Dealer|location=Cleveland, Ohio|url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0F80DBEB0E13CA4F|url-access=subscription|access-date=November 14, 2021|via=NewsBank|archive-date=February 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220203042541/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/0F80DBEB0E13CA4F&f=basic|url-status=live}} The station bid aggressively against WHK and WERE to retain the Cleveland Indians rights during the summer of 1986, while Franklin—who now additionally did weekend work for St. Louis's KMOX{{Cite news|last=Lebovitz|first=Hal|author-link=Hal Lebovitz|date=February 23, 1986|title=Danielson to become 'Clevelander', McDonald fuming|page=11D|newspaper=News-Journal|location=Mansfield, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/89018151/danielson-to-become-clevelander/|access-date=February 2, 2022|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=November 16, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211116033431/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/89018151/danielson-to-become-clevelander/|url-status=live}}—again threatened to leave WWWE if it lost the Indians games.{{Cite news|last=Ocker|first=Sheldon|author-link=Sheldon Ocker|date=August 17, 1986|title=Indians' radio sweepstakes may bring surprise|page=39|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/89017309/indians-radio-sweepstakes-may-bring/|access-date=February 2, 2022|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=November 16, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211116033434/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/89017309/indians-radio-sweepstakes-may-bring/|url-status=live}} McCullough and Freedman were both fired as part of an October 1986 lineup shakeup,{{Cite news|last=Dyer|first=Bob|date=October 26, 1986|title=Television is breaking up that old WONE gang|page=F2|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0EDF14953628B897|url-access=subscription|access-date=November 14, 2021|via=NewsBank|archive-date=February 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220203042542/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/0EDF14953628B897&f=basic|url-status=live}} but Freedman returned less than two months later following Joel Rose's resignation after a contract dispute,{{Cite news|last=Dyer|first=Bob|date=December 21, 1986|title=Checkbooks cool off as ratings period closes|page=H2|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0EDF1497D497176D|url-access=subscription|access-date=November 14, 2021|via=NewsBank|archive-date=February 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220203042543/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/0EDF1497D497176D&f=basic|url-status=live}} while Pollis subsequently left to reunite with Rose over at WERE.{{Cite news|last=Dyer|first=Bob|date=January 25, 1987|title=WCLV saga: Hear today, unheard tomorrow|page=C2|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0EDF498663BD4C9E|url-access=subscription|access-date=November 18, 2021|via=NewsBank|archive-date=February 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220203042542/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/0EDF498663BD4C9E&f=basic|url-status=live}}
== Losing Pete Franklin, sale to Independent Group ==
{{Quote box
| quote = Most people didn't think he'd go (to New York) because there have been stories of Pete (Franklin) leaving before, and he always stayed. Pete has dominated the market for 21 years. He always held the trump card, and he usually played it to get a raise and stay here. But I think he got such a lucrative deal from New York, and the money, combined with the idea of climbing that one last big mountain, was too much for him to resist.
| author = Nev Chandler{{r|AkronB19870514}}
| align = right
| width = 325px
| qalign = left
| salign = left
}}
As May 1987 began, Lake Erie entered into negotiations to sell WWWE to Jacor for $14 million;{{r|AkronB19870510}} Jacor already owned WBBG and WMJI—the former WWWM—while concurrently putting WBBG up for sale.{{Cite news|date=July 23, 1987|title=Jacor selling AM outlet back to a previous owner|page=B-12|newspaper=The Cincinnati Enquirer|location=Cincinnati, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88550662/jacor-selling-am-outlet-back-to-a-previo/|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 12, 2021|archive-date=February 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220203042541/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88550662/jacor-selling-am-outlet-back-to-a/|url-status=live}} Had the deal closed, WWWE would have been added to a growing portfolio that included Cincinnati's WLW and Denver's KOA.{{Cite news|last=Pluto|first=Terry|author-link=Terry Pluto|date=May 6, 1987|title=New York station makes a fancy bid for Pete Franklin|pages=A1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88659968/new-york-station-makes-a-fancy-bid-for/ A6]|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88659790/new-york-station-makes-a-fancy-bid-for-p/|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 12, 2021|archive-date=February 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220203042542/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88659790/new-york-station-makes-a-fancy-bid-for/|url-status=live}} The WWWE sale, however, was jeopardized after Franklin announced intentions to leave WWWE for a lucrative two-year contract with New York City's WHN to headline a new all-sports format to be named "WFAN".{{Cite news|last=Dolgan|first=Bob|date=December 10, 2004|title=Pete Franklin, the ultimate Cleveland sports talker: Life Stories Revisited|newspaper=The Plain Dealer|location=Cleveland, Ohio|url=https://www.cleveland.com/obituaries/2011/06/pete_franklin_the_ultimate_cle.html|access-date=December 20, 2019|archive-date=December 20, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191220173226/https://www.cleveland.com/obituaries/2011/06/pete_franklin_the_ultimate_cle.html|url-status=live}} Days after the announcement, Franklin underwent emergency quadruple bypass surgery at the Cleveland Clinic following a massive heart attack,{{cite news|last=Meyer|first=Ed|date=May 21, 1987|title=Franklin continues to improve|page=C1|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88786069/franklin-continues-to-improve/|access-date=February 2, 2022|archive-date=November 12, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211112062938/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88786069/franklin-continues-to-improve/|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|date=May 25, 1987|title=Riding Gain on Radio: Station Breaks|volume=112|page=69|work=Broadcasting|issue=21|url=https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1987/BC-1987-05-25.pdf|access-date=December 21, 2019|via=World Radio History|archive-date=February 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220203042541/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1987/BC-1987-05-25.pdf|url-status=live}} which some attributed to stress over the New York move{{cite news|last=Pluto|first=Terry|author-link=Terry Pluto|date=May 14, 1987|title=Franklin cohorts wish him a quick recovery|page=C1|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88786042/franklin-cohorts-wish-him-a-quick-recove/|access-date=February 2, 2022|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=February 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220203042542/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88786042/franklin-cohorts-wish-him-a-quick/|url-status=live}} while Franklin attributed it to a poor diet.{{cite news|last=Pluto|first=Terry|author-link=Terry Pluto|date=June 18, 1987|title=Franklin has changed ways, but not style|pages=B1–[https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88786331/franklin-has-changed-ways-but-not/ B2]|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88786326/franklin-has-changed-ways-but-not-style/|access-date=February 2, 2022|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=November 12, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211112063728/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88786326/franklin-has-changed-ways-but-not-style/|url-status=live}} Calls to Sportsline in the wake of Franklin's heart attack were filled with well-wishers, particularly from females;{{Cite news|date=May 14, 1987|title=Sports Talk Show Host Fights For Life|page=8|newspaper=Marysville Journal-Tribune|agency=Associated Press|location=Marysville, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88551006/sports-talk-show-host-fights-for-life/|access-date=February 2, 2022|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=November 12, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211112150406/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88551006/sports-talk-show-host-fights-for-life/|url-status=live}} WHN's station manager John Chanin recognized Franklin as "a very sincere, warm person" unlike his radio persona, and that the possibility of leaving Cleveland affected him deeply.{{r|AkronB19870514}} WWWE was forced to use a variety of guest hosts for Sportsline that included Nev Chandler{{Cite news|last=Pluto|first=Terry|author-link=Terry Pluto|date=May 10, 1987|title=Tait or Chandler might be answer to WWWE's needs|page=55|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88659308/tait-or-chandler-might-be-answer-to/|access-date=February 2, 2022|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=February 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220203042543/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88659308/tait-or-chandler-might-be-answer-to/|url-status=live}} and Gib Shanley,{{Cite news|last=Ocker|first=Sheldon|author-link=Sheldon Ocker|date=May 21, 1987|title=Shanley is leading Sportsline candidate|page=C1|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88786087/shanley-is-leading-sportsline-candidate/|access-date=February 2, 2022|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=November 12, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211112062935/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88786087/shanley-is-leading-sportsline-candidate/|url-status=live}} along with nationally known figures Bob Costas, Paul McGuire and Dick Vitale.{{cite news|last=Dyer|first=Bob|date=June 7, 1987|title=Old announcers never die; they just read away|page=C2|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88550954/old-announcers-never-die-they-just-read/|access-date=February 2, 2022|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=February 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220203042542/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88550954/old-announcers-never-die-they-just/|url-status=live}} Franklin ultimately chose to leave Cleveland for WFAN by that September.{{cite news|date=September 20, 1987|title=The Last Word: With Pete Franklin here, you'll never have it again|page=328|newspaper=Newsday|location=Hempstead, New York|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88785980/the-last-word-with-pete-franklin-here/|access-date=November 12, 2021|archive-date=November 12, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211112062936/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88785980/the-last-word-with-pete-franklin-here/|url-status=live}}
Jacor withdrew their purchase offer of WWWE due to Franklin's departure,{{r|Akro870805}} having considered him an "important asset".{{cite news|last=Pluto|first=Terry|author-link=Terry Pluto|date=May 10, 1987|title=Tait or Chandler might be answer to WWWE's needs|page=E3|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88659308/tait-or-chandler-might-be-answer-to-wwwe/|access-date=November 12, 2021|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=February 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220203042543/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88659308/tait-or-chandler-might-be-answer-to/|url-status=live}} Lake Erie ended up selling both WDOK and WWWE to Independent Group, Inc. on August 3, 1987, for a combined $13.5 million, a $4 million net profit for Modell's syndicate.{{r|Akro870805}} Independent Group marked a return to WWWE for both Tom Embrescia and Tom Wilson, while co-investor Larry Pollock had experience with Larry Robinson's broadcasting interests.{{cite news|last=Dyer|first=Bob|date=August 5, 1987|title=Modell Reaps Tidy Profit on Radio Stations|pages=C8, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88523378/modell-reaps-tidy-profit-on-radio/ C12]|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88523349/modell-reaps-tidy-profit-on-radio/|access-date=November 12, 2021|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=November 13, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211113024632/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88523349/modell-reaps-tidy-profit-on-radio/|url-status=live}} Real estate magnate and Cleveland Force owner Bert Wolstein also was an investor, reportedly owning almost 50 percent of the station,{{cite news|last=Pluto|first=Terry|author-link=Terry Pluto|date=December 29, 1987|title=Air Wars: Drennan's hiring sets off talk-show hosts|pages=D1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/89077906/air-wars-drennans-hiring-sets-off/ D4]|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/89077861/air-wars-drennans-hiring-sets-off-talk/|access-date=November 17, 2021|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=August 4, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220804180547/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/89077861/air-wars-drennans-hiring-sets-off/|url-status=live}} but promised the Force would honor their existing radio contract with WGAR.{{r|Akro871201}} Coincidentally, WWWE morning sportscaster Mike Snyder, who called the Force games over WGAR, was himself dismissed.{{Cite news|last=Shippy|first=Dick|date=December 1, 1987|title=Wolsteins' radio purchases won't affect Force, for now|page=D3|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83483631/wolsteins-radio-purchases-wont/|access-date=August 15, 2021|archive-date=August 15, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210815152036/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83483631/wolsteins-radio-purchases-wont/|url-status=live}} Bruce Drennan returned to WWWE in November 1987 as guest host of Sportsline, asserting that "the show needs me"; Drennan was contacted directly by Tom Wilson and had worked previously for Embresica at WBBG.{{r|Akro871206}} Meanwhile, Michael Freedman was fired from WWWE for the second time in one year, this time owing to a disagreement over paid vacations.{{cite news|date=November 15, 1987|title=WWWE psychologist out – again|page=18|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88785137/wwwe-psychologist-out-again/|access-date=November 12, 2021|archive-date=November 12, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211112062923/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88785137/wwwe-psychologist-out-again/|url-status=live}} Former WSLR executive Harvey Simms was hired by the outgoing management to be the station's marketing director, then was promoted to general manager by the new ownership less than three months later.{{cite news|last=Dyer|first=Bob|date=December 9, 1987|title=Ex-Akron radio exec at helm of WWWE|page=D8|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88550721/ex-akron-radio-exec-at-helm-of-wwwe/|access-date=February 2, 2022|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=November 12, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211112062932/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88550721/ex-akron-radio-exec-at-helm-of-wwwe/|url-status=live}} David George, a station veteran of eight years, was also promoted from production director to program director.{{r|BB19880903p19}}
== Enter Gary Dee and Bruce Drennan ==
{{Quote box
| quote = I'm amazed at his instinct for entertainment. I don't even know whether he actually knows how he does it, but knowing what's going to make people respond—for better, for worse, or whatever—is totally natural for him. A lot of people say, 'I hate what Gary did yesterday, I hate what he did today, and I'm gonna hate what he does tomorrow, too.'
| author = David George
| source = WWWE program director, on Gary Dee{{r|BB19880903p19}}
| align = right
| width = 265px
| qalign = left
| salign = left
}}
Despite Bruce Drennan's open lobbying for the Sportsline slot, he was generally seen as a long shot to take over the program.{{r|Akro870521a}} Terry Pluto of the Akron Beacon Journal regarded Drennan as having "a voice that sounds as if he gargled with Drano"{{Cite news|last=Pluto|first=Terry|author-link=Terry Pluto|date=December 6, 1987|title=Drennan says 'Sportsline' needs him|page=E9|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/85638330/drennan-says-sportsline-needs-him/|access-date=November 7, 2021|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=November 12, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211112063723/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/85638330/drennan-says-sportsline-needs-him/|url-status=live}} and in ranking probable Sportsline hosts, said of Drennan, "if nothing else, he's available".{{r|Akro870510}} WWWE general manager Harvey Simms promised a permanent host by the end of 1987,{{r|AkronB19871209}} to which Pete Franklin commented, "When Jack Kennedy was shot, they had a guy lined up in a few minutes, but it has taken them seven months to replace (me)... what that tells me is the new owners don't have the money to pay anybody."{{r|AkronB19871229}} WWWE also conducted a newspaper poll to help choose Franklin's successor; Dan Coughlin, who also was a Sportsline fill-in host,{{r|Akro870510}} retrospectively called the polling process less honest than the "fan vote" for the 1988 MLB All-Star Game and the Rolling Stone "Radio Station of the Year" poll that WMMS infamously rigged.{{Cite news|last=Coughlin|first=Dan|author-link=Dan Coughlin (sportscaster)|date=July 10, 1988|title=They rigged the vote—big deal!|pages=D1, [https://newspaperarchive.com/entertainment-clipping-jul-10-1988-2822038/ D2]|work=Elyria Chronicle-Telegram|location=Elyria, Ohio|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/entertainment-clipping-jul-10-1988-2822036/|access-date=November 17, 2021|via=NewspaperArchive|archive-date=November 17, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211117052046/https://newspaperarchive.com/entertainment-clipping-jul-10-1988-2822036/|url-status=live}} Drennan was chosen to host Sportsline on December 28, 1987, beating out WERE's Greg Brinda, setting off a war of words between the two—and between Franklin and Drennan—while Franklin committed to an interview on Brinda's competing show.{{r|AkronB19871229}}
File:Bruce Drennan (13648039124).jpg
Drennan's addition was one of many changes ushered in at WWWE that sought to reorient the audience towards the 25–54 demographic typically accustomed to rock music and the FM dial.{{r|BB19880903p19}} While Simms merely suggested at first of "fine-tuning and polishing" the format,{{r|AkronB19871209}} program director David George intended to make WWWE the top-rated station in Cleveland overall, "...and we were not going to do it with conventional news/talk".{{r|BB19880903p19}} The station hired shock jock Gary Dee (Gilbert) for the midday slot on January 7, 1988, replacing John Dayle, who would rejoin Merle Pollis and Joel Rose at WERE.{{cite news|last=Dyer|first=Bob|date=July 3, 1988|title=One area station stands out amid blur of turnovers|pages=F1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/89200150/one-area-station-stands-out-amid-blur/ F6]|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/89200126/one-area-station-stands-out-amid-blur-of/|access-date=November 19, 2021|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=February 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220203042649/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/89200126/one-area-station-stands-out-amid-blur/|url-status=live}} Dee's hiring came after management and all six Independent Group stakeholders agreed by consensus.{{Cite news|last=Dyer|first=Bob|date=January 7, 1988|title=Gary Dee back on Cleveland radio|page=B5|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88550855/gary-dee-back-on-cleveland-radio/|access-date=February 3, 2022|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=November 12, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211112062946/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88550855/gary-dee-back-on-cleveland-radio/|url-status=live}} Dee's conservative-leaning populist persona was often compared to onetime WERE host Morton Downey Jr.,{{r|BB19880903p19}} while the Beacon Journal
It was David "Fig" Newton, who returned to WWWE as afternoon host on April 11, 1988,{{cite news|date=April 8, 1988|title=Radio personality Fig Newton returns Monday to WWWE|page=C12|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88551190/radio-personality-fig-newton-returns-mon/|access-date=February 3, 2022|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=February 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220203042650/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88551190/radio-personality-fig-newton-returns/|url-status=live}} that netted the most negative attention. {{age in years and days|1988|04|11|1988|05|19}} after his show debuted, a WJW-TV report filed by Carl Monday revealed Newton was previously convicted on charges of purchasing a videotape that contained child pornography.{{Cite news|last=Dyer|first=Bob|date=May 21, 1988|title=WWWE's Fig Newton quits job after report of child porn charges|page=A8|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88551098/wwwes-fig-newton-quits-job-after/|access-date=February 3, 2022|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=November 12, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211112062925/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88551098/wwwes-fig-newton-quits-job-after/|url-status=live}} After winding up on a mailing list after purchasing an art film containing nudity, government agents attempted to bait him with porn mail catalogs, and he purchased a tape after the eighth attempt.{{r|AkronB19880529}} Monday confronted Newton about the allegations while Newton conducted his show in the WWWE studios, while the U.S. attorney that handled Newton's case revealed he was fired from his prior job in Denver over the conviction.{{r|Akro880521}} Dee began his show the following morning pillorying Newton, declaring he would refuse to work at a station that employed "a child molester",{{cite news|last=Dyer|first=Bob|date=May 29, 1988|title=Tale of two disc jockeys has a curious ending|page=C2|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88784961/tale-of-two-disc-jockeys-has-a-curious-e/|access-date=February 3, 2022|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=February 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220203042650/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88784961/tale-of-two-disc-jockeys-has-a-curious/|url-status=live}} and Newton resigned later that day.{{r|Akro880521}} Danny Wright and humorist Tom Bush took Newton's time slot in what was termed "rock radio without the music".{{r|BB19880903p19}} Even with all the controversy, WWWE ascended to fourth place in the spring 1988 Arbitron book, helped largely by Dee and the Indians.{{Cite news|last=Dyer|first=Bob|date=July 31, 1988|title=Reading Arbitron's fine print: Overlapping markets add to the confusion|page=C2|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88786157/reading-arbitrons-fine-print/|access-date=February 3, 2022|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=November 12, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211112150409/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88786157/reading-arbitrons-fine-print/|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|last=Pluto|first=Terry|author-link=Terry Pluto|date=April 28, 1988|title=Area fans are being cavalier no longer|pages=A1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88786496/area-fans-are-being-cavalier-no-longer/ A5]|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88786484/area-fans-are-being-cavalier-no-longer/|access-date=February 3, 2022|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=November 12, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211112064434/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88786484/area-fans-are-being-cavalier-no-longer/|url-status=live}} However, the station's Indians commitments caused the majority of the Cavaliers' 1988 playoff run to air on WRMR and WDOK instead.{{Cite news|last=Pluto|first=Terry|author-link=Terry Pluto|date=October 1, 1988|title=Tait has made changes in Cavs' radio and TV setup|page=C2|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/85639995/tait-has-made-changes-in-cavs-radio/|access-date=September 19, 2021|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=September 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210920213035/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/85639995/tait-has-made-changes-in-cavs-radio/|url-status=live}} In response, Joe Tait—who had taken over as head of Cavaliers broadcasting operations{{Cite news|last=Pluto|first=Terry|author-link=Terry Pluto|date=December 16, 1987|title=Tait to tackle Cavs' radio|page=B5|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/89200188/tait-to-tackle-cavs-radio/|access-date=February 3, 2022|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=November 19, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211119121954/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/89200188/tait-to-tackle-cavs-radio/|url-status=live}}—ended the contract with WWWE and moved the flagship to WRMR.{{Cite news|last=Dyer|first=Bob|date=January 30, 1988|title=Cavs end contract with WWWE|page=B8|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/85640206/cavs-end-contract-with-wwwe/|access-date=September 19, 2021|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=September 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210920213402/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/85640206/cavs-end-contract-with-wwwe/|url-status=live}}
== Indecency fallout ==
Danny Wright was fired from WWWE at the end of 1988, with Wright expressing disappointment over the station's lack of promotional support and being "stuck in the middle" between Dee and Drennan.{{Cite news|last=Dyer|first=Bob|date=January 1, 1989|title=Raunchy radio entry spells trouble in Kentucky|page=F2|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/44359311/raunchy-radio-entry-spells-trouble-in/|access-date=February 3, 2022|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=November 12, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211112062929/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/44359311/raunchy-radio-entry-spells-trouble-in/|url-status=live}} Tom Bush was subsequently paired with Bob Becker until a further lineup revamp on April 10, 1989, had Becker moved to mornings, incumbent morning host Bob Fuller moved to middays, and Dee moved to afternoons.{{Cite news|last=Dyer|first=Bob|date=April 2, 1989|title=WKDD tinkers with three important time slots|page=H2|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88785925/wkdd-tinkers-with-three-important-time/|access-date=February 3, 2022|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=November 12, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211112062937/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88785925/wkdd-tinkers-with-three-important-time/|url-status=live}} Veteran executive Nick Anthony joined WWWE as program director, replacing programming consultant Eric Stevens; Anthony was hired after Harvey Simms learned about his availability through reading a Beacon Journal story about his departure from WKDD days earlier.{{Cite news|last=Dyer|first=Bob|date=January 18, 1989|title=Anthony does radio two-step, joins WKDD competitor WWWE|page=C8|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88786003/anthony-does-radio-two-step-joins-wkdd/|access-date=February 3, 2022|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=November 12, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211112062936/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88786003/anthony-does-radio-two-step-joins-wkdd/|url-status=live}} Anthony promptly cut down the volume of commercials WWWE was obligated to run via radio network commitments to 14 minutes per hour; at one point, the station aired as much as 20 to 22 minutes of commercials per hour.{{Cite news|last=Dyer|first=Bob|date=March 12, 1989|title=WKSU to get 'Morning Edition' boost|page=H2|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88785903/wksu-to-get-morning-edition-boost/|access-date=February 3, 2022|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=November 12, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211112150549/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88785903/wksu-to-get-morning-edition-boost/|url-status=live}} Rumors emerged of Anthony replacing Drennan with XETRA-AM announcer Lee Hamilton, as both previously worked together in Akron, while Greg Brinda's WERE show started to outdraw Drennan in the ratings.{{cite news|last=Dyer|first=Bob|date=January 26, 1989|title=Former Akron announcer to return?|page=C7|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88550596/former-akron-announcer-to-return/|access-date=November 17, 2021|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=November 18, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211118035648/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88550596/former-akron-announcer-to-return/|url-status=live}} NBC Talknet was dropped in favor of ABC Radio's Tom Snyder and Sally Jessy Raphael, with Snyder marking the WWWE addition by interviewing the station's overnight board operator, coincidentally named Tom Snyder.{{Cite news|last=Dyer|first=Bob|date=January 22, 1989|title=Snyder-to-Snyder chat probably didn't thrill WNIR|page=C2|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/44379216/snyder-to-snyder-chat-probably-didnt/|access-date=February 3, 2022|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=November 18, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211118035653/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/44379216/snyder-to-snyder-chat-probably-didnt/|url-status=live}} Anthony only lasted for five months before resigning in mid-June 1989, one week after weekender Geoff Sindelar took over as Sportsline host;{{cite news|last=Dyer|first=Bob|date=June 25, 1989|title=WKDD wins at least a moral victory|page=B2|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/89301500/wkdd-wins-at-least-a-moral-victory/|access-date=November 21, 2021|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=November 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211121054145/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/89301500/wkdd-wins-at-least-a-moral-victory/|url-status=live}} Sindelar had gained notoriety as a regular caller to Pete Franklin.{{Cite news|last=Pluto|first=Terry|author-link=Terry Pluto|date=April 5, 1998|title=A Franklin in mint condition is one thing, but after 11 years...|pages=C1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83619323/a-franklin-in-mint-condition-is-one/ C10]|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83619333/a-franklin-in-mint-condition-is-one/|access-date=August 17, 2021|archive-date=August 17, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210817175904/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83619333/a-franklin-in-mint-condition-is-one/|url-status=live}} Drennan subsequently assumed Sindelar's prior weekend duties.{{cite news|date=June 18, 1989|title=Sindelar new 'Sportsline' host|page=D14|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88526193/sindelar-new-sportsline-host/|access-date=November 21, 2021|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=November 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211121054147/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88526193/sindelar-new-sportsline-host/|url-status=live}}
{{Quote box
| quote = I just didn't follow directions. I'm my own worst enemy. Gary Dee drives Gary Gilbert crazy.
| author = Gary Dee (Gilbert)
| source = explaining his August 1989 firing from WWWE{{r|AkronB19890901}}
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| width = 225px
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The controversy surrounding Gary Dee reached a breaking point on August 25, 1989,{{cite news|last=Dyer|first=Bob|date=August 26, 1989|title=Gary Dee suspended over complaint to FCC|pages=A6-[https://www.newspapers.com/clip/89132527/gary-dee-suspended-over-complaint-to/ A7]|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/89132533/gary-dee-suspended-over-complaint-to-fcc/|access-date=November 17, 2021|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=November 18, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211118035648/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/89132533/gary-dee-suspended-over-complaint-to-fcc/|url-status=live}} when WWWE confirmed Dee had been suspended indefinitely{{Cite news|date=September 1, 1989|title=Street Talk|pages=28–30|work=Radio & Records|issue=804|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-RandR/1980s/1989/RR-1989-09-01.pdf|access-date=December 21, 2019|via=World Radio History|archive-date=September 19, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200919093052/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-RandR/1980s/1989/RR-1989-09-01.pdf|url-status=live}} {{age in years and days|1989|08|16|1989|08|25}} earlier after a formal indecency complaint against him was filed with the FCC,{{cite news|last=Dyer|first=Bob|date=September 1, 1989|title=Gary Dee fired by WWWE|page=D12|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/89130687/gary-dee-fired-by-wwwe/|access-date=November 17, 2021|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=November 18, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211118035651/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/89130687/gary-dee-fired-by-wwwe/|url-status=live}} the second complaint against him in one year. Three months of Dee airchecks were included in the complaint, some of which contained profanity broadcast over the air, which Dee attributed to faulty equipment.{{r|AkronB19890826}} As the FCC was launching an anti-indecency campaign focused on both radio and television,{{Cite news|date=September 1, 1989|title=FCC Cracks Down On 'Shock Jock' Indecency|pages=1, 32|work=Radio & Records|issue=804|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-RandR/1980s/1989/RR-1989-09-01.pdf|access-date=November 17, 2021|via=World Radio History|archive-date=October 1, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211001095831/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-RandR/1980s/1989/RR-1989-09-01.pdf|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|date=November 6, 1989|title=Passing grades: surveying the FCC's sense of decency|volume=117|page=36|work=Broadcasting|issue=19|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1989/BC-1989-11-06.pdf|access-date=December 21, 2019|via=World Radio History|archive-date=September 20, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200920204205/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1989/BC-1989-11-06.pdf|url-status=live}} WWWE executives were worried that the station's license, which was up for renewal, could be revoked.{{r|AkronB19890826}} Dee was fired on August 31, 1989, with the station merely explaining the move as "a decision... to pursue a different direction" and denied it had anything to do with the complaint,{{r|AkronB19890901}} while Dee claimed, "they had every reason to fire me because I didn't follow directions".{{Cite news|date=September 4, 1989|title=In Brief|volume=117|page=80|work=Broadcasting|issue=10|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1989/BC-1989-09-04.pdf|access-date=December 21, 2019|via=World Radio History|archive-date=September 19, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200919092425/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1989/BC-1989-09-04.pdf|url-status=live}} Dee's ratings overall had been a disappointment for WWWE management, as he was previously a perennially top-rated host at WERE and WHK.{{r|AkronB19890901}} The FCC's anti-indecency campaign specifically cited Dee's June 15, 1989, show for multiple discussions on-air regarding sexual fantasies and behavior; WWWE was one of eight stations given a 30-day notice by the agency to address the allegations.{{Cite news|date=November 3, 1989|title=FCC Indecency Campaign Reaches New Climax|pages=1, 34|work=Radio & Records|issue=813|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-RandR/1980s/1989/RR-1989-11-03.pdf|access-date=December 21, 2019|via=World Radio History|archive-date=September 20, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200920213905/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-RandR/1980s/1989/RR-1989-11-03.pdf|url-status=live}}
The station filled the vacancy left by Dee with Bob Becker paired with friend and radio novice Luther Heggs, while Bob Fuller returned to mornings, and Beth Albright was brought in from Birmingham, Alabama, to host Fuller's former midday slot.{{cite news|last=Dyer|first=Bob|date=December 24, 1989|title=Buyer snaps up stations, but Akron sale drags on|page=B2|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/44350047/buyer-snaps-up-stations-but-akron-sale/|access-date=November 20, 2021|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=November 12, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211112062943/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/44350047/buyer-snaps-up-stations-but-akron-sale/|url-status=live}} Pete Franklin also "returned" to WWWE with daily sports commentaries during the morning and afternoon shows.{{Cite news|date=September 8, 1989|title=Franklin will rejoin WWWE|page=B5|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88785879/franklin-will-rejoin-wwwe/|access-date=February 3, 2022|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=November 12, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211112062942/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88785879/franklin-will-rejoin-wwwe/|url-status=live}} The biggest change, however, occurred on December 23, 1989, when Booth American purchased WWWE from Independent Group in exchange for $10 million in cash and WRMR, effectively making the deal an asset swap{{Cite news|last=Yerak|first=Rebecca|date=December 23, 1989|title=Owners of WWWE, WRMR trade chairs in $10 million deal|newspaper=The Plain Dealer|location=Cleveland, Ohio|url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F173D9D0C6A4142C0|url-access=subscription|access-date=September 22, 2021|via=NewsBank|archive-date=February 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220203042652/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/173D9D0C6A4142C0&f=basic|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|date=January 1, 1990|title=Changing Hands|volume=118|page=115|work=Broadcasting|issue=1|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1990/BC-1990-01-01.pdf|access-date=December 21, 2019|via=World Radio History|archive-date=June 9, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200609172327/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1990/BC-1990-01-01.pdf|url-status=live}} and the station's fifth overall ownership change since 1972.{{Cite news|last=Dyer|first=Bob|date=December 23, 1989|title=Detroit group buys WWWE Radio|page=A10|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/85641182/detroit-group-buys-wwwe-radio/|access-date=September 22, 2021|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=September 22, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210922042704/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/85641182/detroit-group-buys-wwwe-radio/|url-status=live}} The cash considerations were a motivating factor for Independent to sell off WWWE{{r|Akro891223}} while the company's principals were happy to retain an AM property.{{r|CPD19891223a}} Without Dee, WWWE fell to ninth place in the Arbitron book, while WRMR ranked at tenth place.{{r|Akro891223}} Booth retained the Cavaliers radio network flagship rights, transferring it back to WWWE,{{Cite news|last=Dolgan|first=Bob|date=October 11, 1990|title=Cavs games returning to powerful WWWE|newspaper=The Plain Dealer|location=Cleveland, Ohio|url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F173EA9844A325230|url-access=subscription|access-date=September 21, 2021|via=NewsBank|archive-date=February 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220203042652/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/173EA9844A325230&f=basic|url-status=live}} while also purchasing the production rights to the Browns and Indians networks from Sports Marketing, controlled by Tom Wilson.{{Cite news|last=Pluto|first=Terry|author-link=Terry Pluto|date=December 23, 1989|title=Cavaliers throw one away in loss to Bucks|pages=C1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/85641232/cavaliers-throw-one-away-in-loss-to/ C4]|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/85766905/cavaliers-throw-one-away-in-loss-to/|access-date=September 22, 2021|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=September 22, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210922042700/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/85766905/cavaliers-throw-one-away-in-loss-to/|url-status=live}} The transaction was delayed for several months due to the FCC investigation against Dee{{Cite news|last=Dyer|first=Bob|date=June 24, 1990|title=Upcoming WWWE purge not a well-kept secret|page=G2|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/44358742/upcoming-wwwe-purge-not-a-well-kept/|access-date=September 19, 2021|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=September 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210920213132/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/44358742/upcoming-wwwe-purge-not-a-well-kept/|url-status=live}} with WWWE later paying an $8,000 fine.{{Cite news|date=May 7, 1990|title=In Brief|volume=118|page=80|work=Broadcasting|issue=19|url=https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1990/BC-1990-05-07.pdf|access-date=December 21, 2019|via=World Radio History|archive-date=February 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220203042650/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1990/BC-1990-05-07.pdf|url-status=live}} The outgoing Independent Group management retained the ability{{Cite news|date=January 3, 1990|title=Embrescia group will pick voice|newspaper=The Plain Dealer|location=Cleveland, Ohio|url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F173F0133AF2974B0|url-access=subscription|access-date=September 21, 2021|via=NewsBank|archive-date=February 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220203042653/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/173F0133AF2974B0&f=basic|url-status=live}} to hire Tom Hamilton as Herb Score's Indians broadcast partner prior to the start of the 1990 season with Booth's blessing.{{Cite news|last=Dolgan|first=Bob|date=January 17, 1990|title=Hamilton named Tribe announcer|newspaper=The Plain Dealer|location=Cleveland, Ohio|url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F173F010310199118|url-access=subscription|access-date=September 22, 2021|via=NewsBank|archive-date=February 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220203042653/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/173F010310199118&f=basic|url-status=live}}
== The "Monster on the Lake" ==
Booth's takeover of WWWE was regarded in the local press as a "purge" with much of the airstaff going on-air to discuss their fates.{{r|Akro900624}} Dismissed were Bob Fuller, Beth Albright, Bob Becker, Luther Heggs, Steve Church and Bruce Drennan,{{Cite news|last=Sowd|first=David|date=June 25, 1990|title=New WWWE owner puts emphasis on news|newspaper=The Plain Dealer|location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F173D9D3E1EC40D88|url-access=subscription|access-date=November 6, 2021|via=NewsBank|archive-date=February 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220203042653/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/173D9D3E1EC40D88&f=basic|url-status=live}} with Geoff Sindelar retained as Sportsline host on an interim basis.{{r|Akro900624}} Lee Hamilton again expressed interest in joining WWWE, having been friends with much of the new Booth management,{{Cite news|last=Ross |first=David|date=November 9, 1990|title=Bieler's replacement is up in the air|page=F2|work=Long Beach Press-Telegram|url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0EAE8CAF62876D5B|url-access=subscription|access-date=November 6, 2021|via=NewsBank|archive-date=February 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220203042653/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/0EAE8CAF62876D5B&f=basic|url-status=live}} but could not agree to a contract after expressing a desire to also do play-by-play announcing.{{r|Akro900624}} When the deal closed on June 25, 1990,{{Cite news|date=June 29, 1990|title=Cleveland Upheavals Reshape Market: Booth-Independent Swap Spurs Changes At WWWE, WRMR; WQAL Names PD; New Management At WGAR (AM)|pages=1, 30|work=Radio & Records|issue=846|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-RandR/1990s/1990/RR-1990-06-29.pdf|access-date=December 21, 2019|via=World Radio History|archive-date=September 20, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200920210652/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-RandR/1990s/1990/RR-1990-06-29.pdf|url-status=live}} WWWE filled the majority of their daytime lineup with syndicated fare: Dr. Joy Browne in late mornings and The Rush Limbaugh Show and Dr. Dean Edell in afternoons, Rush's program having moved over from WERE.{{r|CPD19900625a}} Browne's show was added after Fuller declined an offer to host middays and was only temporary as syndicator ABC Radio planned on cancelling it by that September.{{Cite news|last=Sowd|first=David|date=August 3, 1990|title=Local talk lacking on airwaves|newspaper=The Plain Dealer|location=Cleveland, Ohio|url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F173EA87B12B104D8|url-access=subscription|access-date=August 20, 2021|via=NewsBank|archive-date=February 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220203042654/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/173EA87B12B104D8&f=basic|url-status=live}} Lee Kirk from Toledo's WSPD was ultimately brought in for the timeslot.{{Cite news|last=Sowd|first=David|date=September 28, 1990|title=WKNR moves to new format|newspaper=The Plain Dealer|location=Cleveland, Ohio|url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F173D9D2355064B30|url-access=subscription|access-date=August 20, 2021|via=NewsBank|archive-date=February 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220203042654/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/173D9D2355064B30&f=basic|url-status=live}}
The station went aggressive on news with rolling all-news blocks launched in morning and afternoon drive{{r|Akro900624}} along with an hourlong noon block.{{r|CPD19900625a}} A 12-person 24-hour news department was instituted with ABC-Information newscasts replacing CBS; Booth executive Roger Turner cited ABC's "tighter writing and a faster delivery" as the reason for the switch.{{r|CPD19900625a}} Turner himself became a on-air presence with daily editorials also implemented by Booth.{{r|CPD19900803a}} By virtue of common ownership with WLTF, WWWE also became involved with WLTF's Coats for Kids charity campaign, which was launched by Booth American in 1981.{{Cite news|last=Sowd|first=David|date=December 14, 1990|title=WLTF charity in 10th year|newspaper=The Plain Dealer|location=Cleveland, Ohio|url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F173EA6DEF8AA12B0|url-access=subscription|access-date=November 6, 2021|via=NewsBank|archive-date=February 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220203042654/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/173EA6DEF8AA12B0&f=basic|url-status=live}} New studios were constructed for WWWE and WLTF at the Western Reserve Building in the Warehouse District{{Cite news|date=July 16, 1990|title=WWWE, WLTF plan move |newspaper=The Plain Dealer|location=Cleveland, Ohio|url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F173EFF0AE81DD620|url-access=subscription|access-date=November 6, 2021|via=NewsBank|archive-date=February 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220203042719/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/173EFF0AE81DD620&f=basic|url-status=live}} with an additional studio at the Nautica Entertainment Complex for sports talk shows.{{Cite news|last=Lubinger|first=Bill|date=August 24, 1990|title=Sports restaurant in lineup for Nautica's Powerhouse |newspaper=The Plain Dealer|location=Cleveland, Ohio|url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F173EFF005D6A5D70|url-access=subscription|access-date=November 6, 2021|via=NewsBank|archive-date=February 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220203042717/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/173EFF005D6A5D70&f=basic|url-status=live}} Newsman Ed Coury, who rejoined WWWE upon the Booth takeover as co-host of the morning news block,{{r|Akro900624}} was eventually promoted to news director at the end of 1991.{{Cite magazine|last=Ross|first=Sean|date=November 16, 1991|title=Vox Jox|volume=103|page=14|magazine=Billboard|issue=46|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Billboard/90s/1991/BB-1991-11-16.pdf|access-date=December 22, 2019|via=World Radio History|archive-date=March 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210307132618/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Billboard/90s/1991/BB-1991-11-16.pdf|url-status=live}} The afternoon news block co-anchored by Bob Henderson{{r|CPD19900625a}} soon evolved into a talk show in its own right, with Henderson eschewing confrontational arguments in favor of a polite demeanor.{{Cite news|last=Santiago|first=Robert|date=September 3, 1992|title=Sensible approach to bashing liberals|page=14E|newspaper=The Plain Dealer|location=Cleveland, Ohio|url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0F803CC8C3ED1015|url-access=subscription|access-date=November 26, 2021|via=NewsBank|archive-date=February 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220203042717/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/0F803CC8C3ED1015&f=basic|url-status=live}}
File:Boomer_and_Carton_(29872193013)_(cropped).jpg]]
Sindelar departed the station on October 3, 1990,{{Cite news|last=Dolgan|first=Bob|date=October 4, 1990|title=Sindelar out, Snyder in as host of 'Sportsline'|newspaper=The Plain Dealer|location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F173EA8F425723A38|url-access=subscription|access-date=November 6, 2021|via=NewsBank|archive-date=February 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220203042718/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/173EA8F425723A38&f=basic|url-status=live}} after a series of changes by management limiting the number of phone calls to his show when listener surveys revealed multiple complaints that the same people were always calling in constantly.{{Cite news|last=Dolgan|first=Bob|date=September 6, 1990|title=Limit on phone calls has Sindelar fans upset|newspaper=The Plain Dealer|location=Cleveland, Ohio|url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F173EA82149863798|url-access=subscription|access-date=November 6, 2021|via=NewsBank|archive-date=February 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220203042718/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/173EA82149863798&f=basic|url-status=live}} Sportscaster Mike Snyder, who joined the station the previous month, took over as Sportsline host,{{Cite news|last=Dolgan|first=Bob|date=October 25, 1990|title=Brinda and Snyder a study in contrasts|newspaper=The Plain Dealer|location=Cleveland, Ohio|url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F173EA69DD80AE458|url-access=subscription|access-date=November 6, 2021|via=NewsBank|url-status=live|archive-date=February 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220203042718/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/173EA69DD80AE458&f=basic}} while Sindelar resurfaced at WKNR.{{Cite news|date=November 14, 1990|title=Sindelar back as radio host|newspaper=The Plain Dealer|location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F173EFF027AC50758|url-access=subscription|access-date=November 6, 2021|via=NewsBank|archive-date=February 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220203042718/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/173EFF027AC50758&f=basic|url-status=live}} Despite simulcasting all games throughout the 1990 season with WLTF,{{Cite news|last1=Chancellor|first1=Carl|last2=Dyer|first2=Bob|date=December 18, 1990|title=Browns sportswear is thrown for a loss|pages=C5, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88484525/browns-sportswear-is-thrown-for-a-loss/ C9]|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88484347/browns-sportswear-is-thrown-for-a-loss/|access-date=November 6, 2021|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=November 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211107031645/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88484347/browns-sportswear-is-thrown-for-a-loss/|url-status=live}} WWWE lost the Cleveland Browns rights after the season ended, with WHK prevailing in a bidding war against WKNR.{{Cite news|last=Lebovitz |first=Hal|author-link=Hal Lebovitz|date=February 24, 1991|title=Tribe skipper asks: Is it live or Memorex? |page=3E|work=Mansfield News Journal|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83504752/tribe-skipper-asks-is-it-live-or/|access-date=August 15, 2021|archive-date=August 15, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210815212137/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83504752/tribe-skipper-asks-is-it-live-or/|url-status=live}} Following the 1991 season, WWWE ended its radio contract with the Cleveland Indians, with the flagship rights going to WKNR.{{Cite magazine|last=Ross|first=Sean|date=December 21, 1991|title=Vox Jox|page=87|magazine=Billboard |url=https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-Billboard/90s/1991/BB-1991-12-21.pdf|access-date=December 22, 2019|archive-date=February 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220203042718/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Billboard/90s/1991/BB-1991-12-21.pdf|url-status=live}} WWWE hired Craig Carton as Sportsline host in April 1992, replacing Snyder, who was promoted to sports director, a position he holds to this day;{{Cite magazine|last=Ross|first=Sean|date=April 18, 1992|title=Vox Jox|page=66|magazine=Billboard |url=https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-Billboard/90s/1992/Billboard-1992-04-18.pdf|access-date=December 22, 2019|archive-date=February 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220203042720/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Billboard/90s/1992/Billboard-1992-04-18.pdf|url-status=live}} Carton left the station in May 1993.{{Cite magazine |last=Stark|first=Phyllis|date=May 22, 1993|title=Vox Jox|page=111|magazine=Billboard|url=https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-Billboard/90s/1993/BB-1993-05-22.pdf|access-date=December 22, 2019 |url-status=live|archive-date=February 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220203042720/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Billboard/90s/1993/BB-1993-05-22.pdf}} WWWE picked up Imus in the Morning for morning drive in September 1993 after Westwood One offered up the show for national syndication.{{Cite magazine|last=Stark|first=Phyllis|date=September 11, 1993|title=Vox Jox |page=77|magazine=Billboard |url=https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-Billboard/90s/1993/BB-1993-09-11.pdf|access-date=December 22, 2019}}
File:Carl Smith tower.jpg, with a backup tower in the foreground. The original transmitter building is to the far right.{{cite news |date=August 12, 1990|title=WWWE signal: the facts|pages=G1-[https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88786297/wwwe-signal-the-facts-p2/ G2]|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88786283/wwwe-signal-the-facts/|access-date=November 12, 2021|archive-date=November 12, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211112063727/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88786283/wwwe-signal-the-facts/|url-status=live}}]]In April 1994, Booth American merged with Broadcast Alchemy to form Secret Communications in a $160 million deal.{{Cite news|date=March 7, 1994|title=Station and Cable Trading|page=47|work=Broadcasting & Cable |url=https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1994/BC-1994-03-07.pdf|access-date=December 22, 2019|archive-date=February 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220203042717/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1994/BC-1994-03-07.pdf|url-status=live}} Gary Bruce was hired from WIOD in Miami as program director that May,{{Cite magazine|last=Stark|first=Phyllis|date=May 28, 1994|title=Vox Jox|page=71|magazine=Billboard|url=https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-Billboard/90s/1994/BB-1994-05-28.pdf|access-date=December 22, 2019|archive-date=February 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220203042720/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Billboard/90s/1994/BB-1994-05-28.pdf|url-status=live}} and re-oriented WWWE back to a "shock radio" style of talk the station offered in the late 1980s, acknowledging that WWWE was the poorest-performing station in Secret's 14-station chain.{{r|CPD19940827p6F}} General manager Dennis Best cited the low ratings of Lee Kirk and Bob Henderson, coupled with ratings successes for "deejays who talk and act like the common man" as the impetus for WWWE's changes.{{r|CPD19940913p1B}} Bruce hired two hosts from WIOD: Chuck Meyer for mornings, replacing Imus in the Morning,{{cite news|last=Rauzi|first=Robin|date=August 23, 1994|title=Imus Show Out, Meyer Show in at WWWE|page=10E|newspaper=The Plain Dealer|location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0F807D7A89884A69|url-access=subscription|access-date=January 4, 2007|via=NewsBank|archive-date=February 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220203042738/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/0F807D7A89884A69&f=basic|url-status=live}} and Jaz McKay for late mornings, replacing Kirk.{{cite news|last=Santiago|first=Roberto|date=September 13, 1994|title=WWWE deejay, he's a Shocker|page=1B|newspaper=The Plain Dealer|location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0F807D93F4A96DAD|url-access=subscription|access-date=January 4, 2007|via=NewsBank|archive-date=February 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220203042739/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/0F807D93F4A96DAD&f=basic|url-status=live}} The duo of Jeff Kinzbach and Ed "Flash" Ferenc were installed in afternoon drive hosting a show not dissimilar to their former morning show on WMMS.{{Cite news|last=Simmons|first=Sheila|date=August 27, 1994|title=WWWE reunites Kinzbach and Ferenc|page=6F|newspaper=The Plain Dealer|location=Cleveland, Ohio|url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0F807D804292C4A8|url-access=subscription|access-date=November 26, 2021|via=NewsBank|archive-date=February 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220203042740/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/0F807D804292C4A8&f=basic|url-status=live}} Mike Trivisonno took over as Sportsline host on July 11, 1994, with former host Mike Snyder becoming the program's update anchor.{{Cite news|last=Dolgan|first=Bob|date=July 7, 1994|title=Trivisonno to replace Snyder |page=3D|newspaper=The Plain Dealer|location=Cleveland, Ohio|url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0F807D3022F70C4A|url-access=subscription|access-date=November 26, 2021|via=NewsBank|archive-date=February 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220203042739/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/0F807D3022F70C4A&f=basic|url-status=live}} Like Sindelar, Trivisonno was a regular caller to Pete Franklin's iteration of the show and was derisively dubbed "Mr. Know It All" by Franklin.{{r|CPD20041210a}}
McKay's show was a notable ratings failure,{{Cite news|last=Santiago|first=Robert|date=January 14, 1995|title=Country conquers radio shock talk|page=12E|newspaper=The Plain Dealer|location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0F8083EFF145B25F|url-access=subscription|access-date=November 26, 2021|via=NewsBank|archive-date=February 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220203042740/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/0F8083EFF145B25F&f=basic|url-status=live}} and was moved to overnights in late March 1995,{{Cite news|last=Brown|first=Roger|date=September 6, 1995|title=Staff changes are afoot at WWWE AM|page=5E|newspaper=The Plain Dealer|location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0F808553EB3CF06F|url-access=subscription|access-date=November 26, 2021|archive-date=February 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220203042739/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/0F808553EB3CF06F&f=basic|url-status=live}} with Rich Michaels taking over the late-morning timeslot.{{Cite news|last=Santiago|first=Robert|date=March 23, 1995|title=WWWE trolling for ratings: Station still looking for morning hit|page=12E|newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio|url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0F80843CDF3AE632|url-access=subscription|access-date=November 26, 2021|via=NewsBank|archive-date=February 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220203042741/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/0F80843CDF3AE632&f=basic|url-status=live}} Aside from Limbaugh, WWWE struggled in the ratings and was even outranked substantially by WRMR, prompting the dismissals of Bruce and McKay.{{r|CPD19950906p5E}} The Bob & Tom Show was added in evenings via tape-delay in October 1995{{Cite magazine|last=Taylor|first=Chuck|date=October 14, 1995|title=Vox Jox|page=79|magazine=Billboard|url=https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-Billboard/90s/1995/BB-1995-10-14.pdf |access-date=December 22, 2019|archive-date=February 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220203042740/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Billboard/90s/1995/BB-1995-10-14.pdf|url-status=live}} amid speculation that the station could go all-news outside of Limbaugh and Trivisonno.{{Cite news|last=Brown|first=Roger|date=September 20, 1995|title=Scuttlebutt is all news at WWWE|page=4E|newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio|url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0F8085A5E1D9EFDA|url-access=subscription|access-date=November 26, 2021|via=NewsBank|archive-date=February 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220203042742/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/0F8085A5E1D9EFDA&f=basic|url-status=live}} WWWE itself would make news on January 23, 1996, when its traffic plane hit a cellular phone tower and crashed in Highland Hills, killing both MetroTraffic reporter James Endsley (who was known on-air as Fred Wesley) and pilot James McVeigh.{{Cite news|date=February 26, 1996|title=Riding Gain: MetroTraffic reporter, pilot killed|page=36|work=Broadcasting & Cable |url=https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1996/BC-1996-02-26.pdf|access-date=December 22, 2019|archive-date=February 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220203042740/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1996/BC-1996-02-26.pdf|url-status=live}}
=WTAM (1996–present)=
== New name and an emerging "Triv" ==
{{Quote box
| quote = All I'll say right now is that we're re-evaluating how we identify ourselves. But let's put it this way - we can't change being on the AM band or our frequency, can we?
| author = Bobby Hatfield
| source = WTAM program director{{r|CPD19960701p7D}}
| align = left
| width = 275px
| qalign = left
| salign = left
}}
WWWE phased out the "3WE" branding entirely in June 1996 and started to simply identify as "AM 1100", with the only mention of the call letters during the top-of-hour station identification.{{Cite news|last=Brown |first=Roger|date=July 15, 1996|title=Honoring broadcasters: Tolliver, Elliot, Ware-Abrams to be honored for work|page=7D|newspaper=The Plain Dealer|location=Cleveland, Ohio|url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0F808D04700080D9|url-access=subscription|access-date=November 23, 2021|via=NewsBank|archive-date=February 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220203042742/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/0F808D04700080D9&f=basic|url-status=live}} Program director Bobby Hatfield (Joe Reilly){{Cite web|last=Fybush|first=Scott|date=August 21, 2003|title=August 21-28, 2003: Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania|url=https://www.fybush.com/site-030821.html|url-status=live|access-date=November 23, 2021|website=Fybush.com: Tower Site of the Week|via=RadioBB|archive-date=November 23, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211123212109/https://www.fybush.com/site-030821.html}} confirmed to The Plain Dealer on July 1, 1996, that a call sign change was imminent, management perceived the WWWE letters and "3WE" name as "stodgy and antiquated" that inhibited efforts to recast the station's identity as newer and aggressive.{{Cite news|last=Brown|first=Roger|date=July 1, 1996|title=E in WWWE may stand for Extinct|page=7D|newspaper=The Plain Dealer|location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0F808CF6B5A5D5C0|access-date=November 23, 2021|via=NewsBank |archive-date=February 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220203042800/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/0F808CF6B5A5D5C0&f=basic|url-status=live}} The WTAM calls were reclaimed after looking over available call signs with an "AM" in them and having rejected "WZAM" and "WUAM" because of similarities to WZAK and WUAB.{{r|WTAM calls}} That WTAM had been the station's original identifier did hold some historical significance but merely served as incidental;{{cite news|last=Brown|first=Roger|date=July 19, 1996|title=WWWE to change call letters to WTAM|page=4E|newspaper=The Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio|url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0F808D07B7F55DA6|url-access=subscription|access-date=January 1, 2007|via=NewsBank|archive-date=February 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220203042800/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/0F808D07B7F55DA6&f=basic|url-status=live}} Hatfield said of the process to rename the station, "we can't change being on the AM band or our frequency, can we?"{{r|CPD19960701p7D}}{{efn|The WWWE calls were later assigned to a 5,000-watt daytime station in the Atlanta market, also at {{Frequency|1100|AM}}.}}
With the call sign change to WTAM on July 29, 1996,[http://svartifoss2.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/ws.exe/prod/cdbs/pubacc/prod/call_hist.pl?Facility_id=59595&Callsign=WTAM Call Sign History for WTAM] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160112064444/http://svartifoss2.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/ws.exe/prod/cdbs/pubacc/prod/call_hist.pl?Facility_id=59595&Callsign=WTAM|date=January 12, 2016}}, from FCC's AM station database. Retrieved January 1, 2007. the lineup was revamped again. Jeff Kinzbach and Ed Ferenc were moved to morning drive but with Kinzbach as the main host and Ferenc providing special features and commentaries; Hatfield said of the rearrangement, "we're going to make Ed the Paul Harvey of Cleveland".{{Cite news|last=Brown|first=Roger|date=July 22, 1996|title=New call letters only half the story at WTAM|page=7D|newspaper=The Plain Dealer|location=Cleveland, Ohio|url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0F808D0B2C90DD77|access-date=November 23, 2021|via=NewsBank|archive-date=February 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220203042801/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/0F808D0B2C90DD77&f=basic|url-status=live}} An hour-long news block at noon was reinstated, Mike Trivisonno's Sportsline was moved to afternoon drive, and Dr. Laura Schlessinger—which WWWE picked up for weekends in late May along with the nightly Coast to Coast AM{{Cite news|last=Brown|first=Roger|date=May 27, 1996|title=WWWE shakes up its programming: AM station signs on two shows, axes one|page=7D|newspaper=The Plain Dealer|location=Cleveland, Ohio |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0F808CD5D0BA31E8|url-access=subscription|access-date=November 23, 2021|via=NewsBank|archive-date=February 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220203042801/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/0F808CD5D0BA31E8&f=basic|url-status=live}}—was added in early evenings.{{r|CPD19960722p7D}} The station also signed up as a charter affiliate of the Baltimore Ravens radio network for the 1996 season for any Browns fans wanting to follow the team out of curiosity, and filled all local advertising breaks with public service announcements.{{Cite news|last=Brown|first=Roger|date=August 29, 1996|title=WTAM will carry all Ravens games|page=4F|newspaper=The Plain Dealer|location=Cleveland, Ohio|url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0F808D31489C622E|url-access=subscription|access-date=November 23, 2021|via=NewsBank|archive-date=February 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220203042801/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/0F808D31489C622E&f=basic|url-status=live}} WTAM's ratings experienced a resurgence in the Fall 1996 Arbitron book, moving to ninth place overall, sixth place in afternoon drive, and third place in afternoons among the 25–54 male demographic.{{Cite news|last=Brown |first=Roger|date=January 15, 1997|title=Tuning in to fallout from ratings|page=5E|newspaper=The Plain Dealer|location=Cleveland, Ohio|url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0F80C4ED892B2790|url-access=subscription|access-date=November 23, 2021|via=NewsBank|archive-date=February 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220203042802/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/0F80C4ED892B2790&f=basic|url-status=live}}
{{Quote box
| quote = I think Mike (Trivisonno) is a very nice man, for a very socially retarded ignoramus. The fact that he has a platform on a 50,000-watt radio station makes me want to vomit. He says what people want to say but can't... The danger is that he doesn't offer any analysis with that; he can't be bothered with the facts. Mike just hasn't grown up.
| author = Merle Pollis{{r|CPD19980201p8}}
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While still formally called Sportsline, the show soon evolved into an "anything goes" format after Mike Trivisonno's move to afternoons with executive producer Marty Allen, call screener Jerry Jaye, producer Paul Rado, and update anchor Mike Snyder among the on-air cast.{{Cite news|last=O'Connor|first=Clint|date=February 1, 1998|title=Mighty Mouth: Why Mike Trivisonno rules Cleveland sports radio|page=8|newspaper=The Plain Dealer Sunday Magazine|location=Cleveland, Ohio|url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0F80CF69A983245D|url-access=subscription|access-date=November 23, 2021|via=NewsBank|archive-date=February 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220203042802/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/0F80CF69A983245D&f=basic|url-status=live}} A mail-in listener poll conducted by Plain Dealer radio critic Roger Brown in the summer of 1996 named Trivisonno the "Voice of Cleveland", beating WRMR's Bill Randle.{{Cite news|last=Brown|first=Roger|date=June 26, 1996|title=Trivisonno our voice? Go figure|page=6E|newspaper=The Plain Dealer|location=Cleveland, Ohio|url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0F808CF1332F86B0|url-access=subscription|access-date=November 23, 2021|via=NewsBank|archive-date=February 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220203042802/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/0F808CF1332F86B0&f=basic|url-status=live}} Brown's criticism of Trivisonno, at one point comparing him to "the obnoxious race-baiting of your average bigot rally leader... (but) has his own teeth",{{Cite news|last=Brown|first=Roger|date=October 8, 1997|title=Cleveland stations for $1,000, Alex|page=6F|newspaper=The Plain Dealer|location=Cleveland, Ohio|url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0F80CC67A082B590|url-access=subscription|access-date=November 23, 2021|via=NewsBank|archive-date=February 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220203042802/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/0F80CC67A082B590&f=basic|url-status=live}} attracted negative attention when a fan-made inflammatory billboard was erected in Cleveland's West Side with numerous racial epithets against Brown.{{Cite news|last=Brown|first=Roger|date=November 25, 1996|title=Wake up to ugly racism|page=7D|newspaper=The Plain Dealer|location=Cleveland, Ohio|url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0F808D89062DE504|url-access=subscription|access-date=November 23, 2021|via=NewsBank|archive-date=February 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220203042803/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/0F808D89062DE504&f=basic|url-status=live}} An Italian-American, Trivisonno freely used the pejorative "dago" in self-deprecating nature, parodying the "megadittos" catchphrase used by callers to Rush Limbaugh's show with "megadagos" among his callers, explaining, "words like that don't bother me... they are only words... if everyone thought that way, those words would go away".{{r|CPD19980201p8}} Indeed, Trivisonno often referred to himself as a "dumb dago from the East Side of Cleveland with a 10th grade education"{{Cite web|last=Moore|first=Tom|date=October 28, 2021|title=WTAM's Mike Trivisonno Has Passed Away |url=https://wtam.iheart.com/content/2021-10-28-wtams-mike-trivisonno-has-passed-away/|url-status=live|access-date=November 23, 2021|website=Newsradio WTAM 1100|publisher=iHeartMedia|language=en|archive-date=October 31, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211031130136/https://wtam.iheart.com/content/2021-10-28-wtams-mike-trivisonno-has-passed-away/}} but took it as a compliment whenever people likened him to Pete Franklin, Howard Stern and Gary Dee, all three he held in high regard.{{r|CPD19980201p8}}
== Reclaiming the Indians ==
File:Mike Trivisonno (converted).jpg]]
Secret divested their entire nine-station group to SFX Broadcasting on October 8, 1996,{{Cite news|last=Brown|first=Roger|date=October 9, 1996|title=2 local radio stations reportedly to be sold|page=2C|newspaper=The Plain Dealer|location=Cleveland, Ohio|url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0F34170CA01EA10B|url-access=subscription|access-date=November 23, 2021|via=NewsBank|archive-date=February 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220203042803/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/0F34170CA01EA10B&f=basic|url-status=live}} in a $300 million deal.{{Cite news|last=Brown|first=Roger|date=January 20, 1997|title=Deal to sell WTAM, WLTF is called off|page=7D|newspaper=The Plain Dealer|location=Cleveland, Ohio|url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0F80C4F36339D4F7|url-access=subscription|access-date=November 23, 2021|via=NewsBank|archive-date=February 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220203042803/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/0F80C4F36339D4F7&f=basic|url-status=live}} Conventional wisdom had SFX promptly reselling WTAM and WLTF to a third party,{{Cite news|last=Brown|first=Roger|date=November 18, 1996|title=Vindication for Trapper: WDOK personality, co-workers are making their mark|page=7D|newspaper=The Plain Dealer|location=Cleveland, Ohio|url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0F808D82216190D5|url-access=subscription|access-date=November 23, 2021|via=NewsBank|archive-date=February 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220203042803/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/0F808D82216190D5&f=basic|url-status=live}} given their track record of buying and selling stations quickly.{{Cite news|last=Brown|first=Roger|date=October 16, 1996|title=WTAM, WLTF likely to be on the move again|page=5E|newspaper=The Plain Dealer|location=Cleveland, Ohio|url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0F808D5F84D2C6A1|url-access=subscription|access-date=November 23, 2021|via=NewsBank|archive-date=February 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220203042804/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/0F808D5F84D2C6A1&f=basic|url-status=live}} Secret withdrew the Cleveland stations—valued at $45 million—from the deal in mid-January 1997; executive Frank Wood stated the company never wanted to sell them and considered purchasing additional stations in the market.{{r|CPD19970120p7D}} However, Jacor bought WTAM and WLTF on April 25, 1997, for $23.9 million in cash{{cite news |date=April 25, 1997 |title=Jacor buys four more |work=Cincinnati Business Courier |publisher=American City Business Journals |url=http://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/stories/1997/04/21/daily21.html |access-date=January 1, 2007}} and $21 million in company stock,{{Cite news|last=Brown|first=Roger|date=April 30, 1997|title=What does Jacor plan at new stations?|page=5E|newspaper=The Plain Dealer|location=Cleveland, Ohio|url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0F80C596626443C4|url-access=subscription|access-date=November 23, 2021|via=NewsBank|archive-date=February 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220203042827/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/0F80C596626443C4&f=basic|url-status=live}} ten years after having called off their prior purchase of WWWE.{{r|Akro870805}} General manager Dennis Best said after the deal was struck, "short of Secret keeping us, Jacor buying us is the best thing that could have happened".{{Cite news|last=Brown|first=Roger|date=April 26, 1997|title=Kentucky group purchases WTAM and WLTF|page=7B|newspaper=The Plain Dealer|location=Cleveland, Ohio|url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0F80C5891267E950|url-access=subscription|access-date=November 23, 2021|via=NewsBank|archive-date=February 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220203042827/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/0F80C5891267E950&f=basic|url-status=live}} Jacor's purchase occurred six weeks after Secret was rumored to purchase WKNR, which was running an annual deficit of $1 million due to their recently renewed Indians contract being a loss leader.{{Cite news|last=Brown|first=Roger|date=March 12, 1997|title=WKNR looks vulnerable to purchase|page=4E|newspaper=The Plain Dealer|location=Cleveland, Ohio|url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0F80C531FACF7AB5|url-access=subscription|access-date=August 22, 2021|via=NewsBank|archive-date=February 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220203042827/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/0F80C531FACF7AB5&f=basic|url-status=live}} Talks soon began between Jacor and WKNR owner Cablevision,{{Cite news|last=Brown|first=Roger|date=March 24, 1997|title=Jacor officials interested in WTAM, WLTF|page=7D|newspaper=The Plain Dealer|location=Cleveland, Ohio|url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0F80C5484A79F4B4|url-access=subscription|access-date=August 22, 2021|via=NewsBank|archive-date=February 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220203042828/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/0F80C5484A79F4B4&f=basic|url-status=live}} which sold that station for $8.7 million on August 19, 1997.{{cite press release|archive-date=May 11, 2008|title=Jacor: Acquires Sports Leader WKNR, Cleveland|url=http://www.cfonews.com/jcor/c081997a.txt|access-date=January 1, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080511081821/http://www.cfonews.com/jcor/c081997a.txt |date=August 19, 1997|url-status=dead|publisher=Jacor Communications, Inc.}}{{Cite news|last=Adams|first=David|date=October 31, 1997|title=Fate of WKNR still hangs in balance|page=D10|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83534296/fate-of-wknr-still-hangs-in-balance/|access-date=August 16, 2021|archive-date=August 16, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210816061315/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83534296/fate-of-wknr-still-hangs-in-balance/|url-status=live}} Speculation soon centered on Jacor programming WTAM far more aggressively to attract additional male listeners, and that WTAM's prior moves gave them a head start.{{r|CPD19970421p5E}}
Rich Michaels was fired on June 16, 1997, with Dr. Laura taking his late-morning spot on the lineup under the belief her program would draw higher ratings.{{Cite news|last=Brown|first=Roger|date=June 20, 1997|title=WTAM fires Michaels, now airs Dr. Laura|page=3E|newspaper=The Plain Dealer|location=Cleveland, Ohio|url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0F80C7BB4A3CCB6B|url-access=subscription|access-date=November 23, 2021|via=NewsBank|archive-date=February 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220203042827/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/0F80C7BB4A3CCB6B&f=basic|url-status=live}} One month later, WTAM recruited Morton Downey Jr. to host a local evening show,{{Cite news|last=Brown|first=Roger|date=July 14, 1997|title=Downey back with WTAM talk show|page=5E|newspaper=The Plain Dealer|location=Cleveland, Ohio|url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0F80C8F729CBCE84|url-access=subscription|access-date=November 26, 2021|via=NewsBank|archive-date=February 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220203042828/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/0F80C8F729CBCE84&f=basic|url-status=live}} but Downey abruptly resigned after six weeks.{{Cite news|last=Brown|first=Roger|date=August 30, 1997|title=Downey leaves WTAM; Stern blamed|page=5B|newspaper=The Plain Dealer|location=Cleveland, Ohio|url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0F80CB84EF596A42|url-access=subscription|access-date=November 26, 2021|via=NewsBank|archive-date=February 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220203042828/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/0F80CB84EF596A42&f=basic|url-status=live}} Former WERE host Rick Gilmour took his place, but was not named a permanent host as Jacor disclosed plans to move the Indians rights to WTAM once their purchase of WKNR was complete.{{Cite news|last=Brown|first=Roger|date=September 15, 1997|title=Listen to the words, not just the voice|page=5E|newspaper=The Plain Dealer|location=Cleveland, Ohio|url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0F80CBFBA1B9D79F|url-access=subscription|access-date=November 26, 2021|via=NewsBank|archive-date=February 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220203042828/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/0F80CBFBA1B9D79F&f=basic|url-status=live}} Kinzbach and Ferenc were dismissed on October 5, 1997, with an all-news block taking their place in mornings.{{Cite news|last=Brown|first=Roger|date=October 6, 1997|title=WTAM drops personalities Jeff and Flash|page=5E|newspaper=The Plain Dealer|location=Cleveland, Ohio|url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0F80CC5F9EE9E279|url-access=subscription|access-date=November 26, 2021|via=NewsBank|archive-date=February 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220203042829/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/0F80CC5F9EE9E279&f=basic|url-status=live}} When Jacor assumed operations of WKNR on January 4, 1998, Trivisonno hosted a day-long marathon on that station, the last four hours simulcast on WTAM.{{Cite news|last=Brown|first=Roger|date=December 29, 1997|title=Owner set to pump up WKNR|page=5E|newspaper=The Plain Dealer|location=Cleveland, Ohio|url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0F80CEA19F33D242|url-access=subscription|access-date=August 14, 2021|via=NewsBank|archive-date=February 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220203042829/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/0F80CEA19F33D242&f=basic|url-status=live}} The Indians flagship formally was transferred to WTAM with the 1998 home opener on April 10, 1998.{{Cite news|date=April 7, 1998|title=On the radio|page=C1|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83457617/on-the-radio/|access-date=August 14, 2021|archive-date=August 15, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210815003137/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83457617/on-the-radio/|url-status=live}} Pete Franklin also returned to host Sportsline once a week via a home studio at his San Diego residence,{{r|Akro980405}} but quit several weeks later in protest over Trivisonno's aforementioned on-air use of ethnic pejoratives, which reportedly hurt Trivisonno.{{Cite news|last=Brown|first=Roger|date=June 1, 1998|title=Franklin's loud exit should be no surprise|page=3E|newspaper=The Plain Dealer|location=Cleveland, Ohio|url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0F80D0128915A17E|url-access=subscription|access-date=November 26, 2021|via=NewsBank|archive-date=February 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220203042851/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/0F80D0128915A17E&f=basic|url-status=live}} On August 10, 1998, Jacor traded WKNR to Capstar Broadcasting in exchange for Pittsburgh's WTAE{{Cite news|last=Souhrada|first=Paul|date=August 11, 1998|title=Cleveland's WKNR traded for Pittsburgh station|page=C7|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83456787/clevelands-wknr-traded-for-pittsburgh/|access-date=August 14, 2021|archive-date=August 15, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210815003141/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83456787/clevelands-wknr-traded-for-pittsburgh/|url-status=live}} to clear regulatory approval for their $620 million purchase of Nationwide Communications.{{cite press release|title=Justice Department Requires Jacor to Sell Eight Radio Stations as Part of Nationwide Communications Inc. Acquisition|publisher=U.S. Department of Justice|url=http://www.usdoj.gov/opa/pr/1998/August/362at.html|date=August 10, 1998|access-date=January 1, 2007|archive-date=September 30, 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060930135858/http://www.usdoj.gov/opa/pr/1998/August/362at.html|url-status=live}} Clear Channel then purchased Jacor in a $6.5 billion deal announced on October 8, 1998;{{cite news|date=March 19, 2000|title=How Clear Channel became the biggest|newspaper=The Cincinnati Enquirer|location=Cincinnati, Ohio|url=http://faculty.msb.edu/homak/HomaHelpSite/WebHelp/Clear_Channel_Time_Line_Cinn_Enquirer_3-19-00.htm|url-status=dead|access-date=January 1, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070929062547/http://faculty.msb.edu/homak/HomaHelpSite/WebHelp/Clear_Channel_Time_Line_Cinn_Enquirer_3-19-00.htm|archive-date=September 29, 2007}}{{Cite news|last=Bodipo-Memba|first=Alejandro|date=October 9, 1998|title=Clear Channel Wins Bidding Contest, Agrees to Buy Jacor Communications|language=en-US|newspaper=The Wall Street Journal |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB907848481506215500|access-date=August 1, 2019|issn=0099-9660|archive-date=February 15, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170215113851/https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB907848481506215500|url-status=live}} by then, Jacor had already acquired Premiere Networks—the syndicators for Rush Limbaugh, Dr. Dean Edell, Dr. Laura and Coast to Coast AM{{Cite web|last=Nolan|first=John|title=Clear Channel Buys Jacor|url=https://apnews.com/d828c1dbc6706278d6188810043d7e1d|access-date=August 1, 2019|website=AP NEWS|archive-date=November 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211126163441/https://apnews.com/d828c1dbc6706278d6188810043d7e1d|url-status=live}}—all of which WTAM now aired via vertical integration.{{Cite web|last1=Morgan|first1=Richard|date=October 9, 1998|title=Clear Channel buys Jacor|url=https://variety.com/1998/biz/news/clear-channel-buys-jacor-1117481271/|access-date=August 1, 2019|website=Variety|language=en|archive-date=November 3, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211103181553/https://variety.com/1998/biz/news/clear-channel-buys-jacor-1117481271/|url-status=live}}
Veteran radio executive Kevin Metheny was named WTAM's operations director in June 1998, eventually overseeing the entire Jacor-Clear Channel Cleveland cluster.{{Cite news|last=O'Connor|first=Clint|date=September 22, 2002|title=At the controls: Clear Channel programmer rules radio in Cleveland|page=J1|newspaper=The Plain Dealer|location=Cleveland, Ohio|url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0F63F86E9EBCAA48|url-access=subscription|access-date=November 26, 2021|via=NewsBank|archive-date=February 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220203042851/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/0F63F86E9EBCAA48&f=basic|url-status=live}} Bill Wills was transferred from co-owned WLW in July 1998{{Cite news|last=Brown|first=Roger|date=July 27, 1998|title=A look at the ratings up and down the dial|page=3E|newspaper=The Plain Dealer|location=Cleveland, Ohio|url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0F80D04DD9EF2076|url-access=subscription|access-date=November 26, 2021|via=NewsBank|archive-date=February 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220203042852/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/0F80D04DD9EF2076&f=basic|url-status=live}} to host the all-news morning drive block,{{Cite news|last=Brown|first=Roger|date=August 17, 1998|title=New owner at WMMS fires three personalities|page=3E|newspaper=The Plain Dealer|location=Cleveland, Ohio|url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0F80D06010CC1B01|url-access=subscription|access-date=November 26, 2021|via=NewsBank|archive-date=February 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220203042852/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/0F80D06010CC1B01&f=basic|url-status=live}} and was paired with newscaster John Webster and sports anchor Casey Coleman for Wills, Webster and Coleman in the Morning.{{Cite news|last=Brown|first=Roger|date=January 18, 1999|title=Buzzard scam gets WMMS what it wanted: more listeners|page=3E|newspaper=The Plain Dealer|location=Cleveland, Ohio|url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0F80D19AD5E2EAFC|url-access=subscription|access-date=November 26, 2021|via=NewsBank|archive-date=February 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220203042853/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/0F80D19AD5E2EAFC&f=basic|url-status=live}} Bruce Drennan, who had made another return to the station in 1995 for weekend/fill-in work,{{Cite news|last=Brown|first=Roger|date=July 19, 1995|title=Short takes on Cleveland's radio scene|page=4E|newspaper=The Plain Dealer|location=Cleveland, Ohio|url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0F8084D62EDC082F|url-access=subscription|access-date=November 26, 2021|via=NewsBank|archive-date=February 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220203042853/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/0F8084D62EDC082F&f=basic|url-status=live}} was once again named Sportsline host.{{Cite news|last=Feran|first=Tom|date=August 10, 2000|title=Sports-talker Bruce Drennan off air at WTAM|page=11E|newspaper=The Plain Dealer|location=Cleveland, Ohio|url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0F80DBB13A398BD7|url-access=subscription|access-date=November 26, 2021|via=NewsBank|archive-date=February 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220203042853/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/0F80DBB13A398BD7&f=basic|url-status=live}} WTAM enjoyed substantial ratings success thanks to the Indians' 1998 playoff run and the impeachment trial of President Clinton, reaching fifth place overall and Trivisonno at first place overall in the Fall 1998 Arbitron book.{{r|CPD19990118p3E}} Jacor won a bidding war for the expansion Cleveland Browns' broadcast rights, with WMJI as the flagship and WTAM simulcasting games;{{Cite news|last=Pluto |first=Terry|author-link=Terry Pluto|date=January 26, 1999|title=Browns Notes|page=B5|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83467772/browns-notes/|access-date=August 14, 2021 |archive-date=August 15, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210815042907/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83467772/browns-notes/|url-status=live}} Coleman was also named as sideline reporter for the Browns broadcasts. Drennan left the station again on July 26, 2000, after failing to agree on a new contract; by then, WTAM had become the top-ranked overall station in the Spring 2000 Arbitron book.{{r|CPD20000810p11E}}
== Consolidation and changes ==
Dr. Laura was replaced on the weekday schedule with Glenn Beck following the September 11 attacks; Kevin Metheny said of Glenn after the switch, "he has a greater inclination to entertain and relate, rather than evangelize", and felt Dr. Laura's ratings were "disappointing".{{Cite news|last=O'Connor|first=Clint|date=September 25, 2001|title=Dr. Laura is dumped from WTAM lineup|page=E7|newspaper=The Plain Dealer|location=Cleveland, Ohio|url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0F2D769514A420C3|url-access=subscription|access-date=November 26, 2021|via=NewsBank|archive-date=February 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220203042853/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/0F2D769514A420C3&f=basic|url-status=live}} John Webster's presence on Wills, Webster and Coleman ended on November 2, 2001, after a downsizing effort that also saw seven other staffers in the cluster fired.{{Cite news|last=O'Connor|first=Clint|date=November 3, 2001|title=Webster, Wright, 6 others lose jobs|page=E1|newspaper=The Plain Dealer|location=Cleveland, Ohio|url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0F2DBD4F2A581D05|url-access=subscription|access-date=November 26, 2021|via=NewsBank|archive-date=February 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220203042854/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/0F2DBD4F2A581D05&f=basic|url-status=live}} WTAM's studios, along with the studios for all other Clear Channel Cleveland stations, were consolidated into a new facility in Independence in 2002, with one newspaper story calling the arrangement "a food court of radio, with McDonald's, Burger King and Taco Bell".{{r|CPD20020922pJ1}} Beck was replaced in March 2005 with Jerry Springer's mid-morning show, which WTAM dropped the following March in favor of a local program hosted by Bob Frantz, formerly with WSPD in Toledo. Beck's show was then brought back on November 3, 2008, bumping Frantz to evenings.{{cite news|last=Washington|first=Julie E.|date=October 22, 2008|title=Glenn Beck heading back to WTAM|newspaper=The Plain Dealer|location=Cleveland, Ohio|url=http://www.cleveland.com/tv/index.ssf/2008/10/glenn_beck_heading_back_to_wta.html|access-date=October 28, 2008|archive-date=October 26, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081026022424/http://www.cleveland.com/tv/index.ssf/2008/10/glenn_beck_heading_back_to_wta.html|url-status=live}} Casey Coleman died at the age of 55 on November 27, 2006, following a 15-month bout with pancreatic cancer;{{cite news|date=November 27, 2006|title=Longtime Cleveland broadcaster Casey Coleman dies at 55|publisher=Associated Press Sports|url=http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/15919500/|access-date=November 28, 2006}}{{dead link|date=August 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} Mike Snyder succeeded Casey on the morning show, renamed Wills and Snyder. The station was one of 10 stations awarded the 2007 Crystal Radio Award for public service awarded by the National Association of Broadcasters at the Radio Luncheon on April 17, 2007.{{cite web|date=April 17, 2007|title=NAB Announces Crystal Radio Awards Winners|url=http://www.nab.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Search&template=/CM/HTMLDisplay.cfm&ContentID=8638|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151107034341/http://www.nab.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Search&template=%2FCM%2FHTMLDisplay.cfm&ContentID=8638|archive-date=November 7, 2015|access-date=September 9, 2018|work=National Association of Broadcasters}}
WTAM added a mid-morning debate program titled The Spew on March 11, 2013, with Trivisonno and Bob Frantz as debate partners and Dave Ramos as moderator.{{Cite web|title=WTAM Adds 'The Spew'|url=https://www.allaccess.com/net-news/archive/story/116172/wtam-adds-the-spew|access-date=November 12, 2021|website=All Access|language=en|archive-date=November 12, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211112051655/https://www.allaccess.com/net-news/archive/story/116172/wtam-adds-the-spew|url-status=live}} Frantz was fired from WTAM on July 8, 2014, due to "corporate restructuring" but alluded heavily to financial issues surrounding Clear Channel{{Cite web|last=Kleps|first=Kevin|date=July 9, 2014|title=WTAM fires veteran broadcaster Bob Frantz|url=https://www.crainscleveland.com/article/20140709/FREE/140709814/wtam-fires-veteran-broadcaster-bob-frantz|url-status=live|access-date=November 12, 2021|website=Crain's Cleveland Business|language=en|archive-date=November 12, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211112051715/https://www.crainscleveland.com/article/20140709/FREE/140709814/wtam-fires-veteran-broadcaster-bob-frantz}} which itself was renamed iHeartMedia one month later.{{Cite news|last=Sisario|first=Ben|date=September 16, 2014|title=Clear Channel Renames Itself iHeartMedia in Nod to Digital|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/09/17/business/media/embracing-digital-brand-clear-channel-renames-itself-iheartmedia.html|access-date=January 21, 2020|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=June 9, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200609075557/https://www.nytimes.com/2014/09/17/business/media/embracing-digital-brand-clear-channel-renames-itself-iheartmedia.html|url-status=live}} Nick Camino replaced Frantz in evenings,{{r|Crains20140709}} while John Lanigan replaced Frantz as Trivisonno's debate partner on The Spew, with Mike Snyder now as moderator.{{Cite book|last1=Lanigan|first1=John|title=Lanigan in the Morning: My Life in Radio|last2=Jedick|first2=Peter|last3=Olszewski|first3=Mike|publisher=Gray & Company|year=2017|isbn=978-1-938441-93-6|location=Cleveland, Ohio|ref=LaniganInTheMorning|author-link=John Lanigan (broadcaster)}}{{Rp|154}} Lanigan, who had retired from WMJI earlier in the year, was reluctant to take the job and had barely if ever interacted with Trivisonno, but the two became friendly when Trivisonno offered to interview Lanigan for one program and Lanigan returned the favor the next day.{{r|Lanigan2017}}{{Rp|152–153}} While Lanigan initially viewed the show as a way to "get up in the morning and read the newspapers... (keeping) me alert, alive and involved",{{Cite web|last=Goodrich|first=Barry|date=December 18, 2017|title=John Lanigan Isn't Shy About Sharing His Opinions|url=https://clevelandmagazine.com/in-the-cle/articles/john-lanigan-isn%27t-shy-about-sharing-his-opinions|url-status=live|access-date=August 27, 2021|website=Cleveland Magazine|language=en|archive-date=August 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210827041127/https://clevelandmagazine.com/in-the-cle/articles/john-lanigan-isn%27t-shy-about-sharing-his-opinions}} he abruptly quit during the middle of the August 8, 2018, episode,{{cite news|last=Morona|first=Joey|date=August 10, 2018|title=Cleveland radio legend John Lanigan ups and quits in the middle of his show on WTAM|work=The Plain Dealer|url=https://www.cleveland.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2018/08/cleveland_radio_legend_john_la.html#incart_m-rpt-1|access-date=August 10, 2018|archive-date=August 10, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180810205256/https://www.cleveland.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2018/08/cleveland_radio_legend_john_la.html#incart_m-rpt-1|url-status=live}} citing a lack of enjoyment, disinterest in the topics discussed and feeling unqualified to express his opinion.{{Cite web|last1=Donatelli|first1=Joe|last2=Cross|first2=Ian|date=August 9, 2018|title=Why Lanigan retired in middle of his show|url=https://www.news5cleveland.com/news/local-news/john-lanigan-retires-middle-show|url-status=live|access-date=November 12, 2021|publisher=WEWS|language=en|archive-date=November 12, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211112051658/https://www.news5cleveland.com/news/local-news/john-lanigan-retires-middle-show}} Following a brief period with Jensen Lewis as a fill-in co-host, The Spew was retired on September 24, 2018, for an hour-long local program hosted by Geraldo Rivera,{{cite press release|date=September 22, 2018|title=Geraldo Rivera Joins WTAM|url=https://wtam.iheart.com/content/2018-09-22-geraldo-rivera-joins-wtam/|work=WTAM.com|publisher=iHeartMedia, Inc.|access-date=September 22, 2018|archive-date=September 22, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180922230336/https://wtam.iheart.com/content/2018-09-22-geraldo-rivera-joins-wtam/|url-status=live}} with Lewis and Trivisonno joining Camino in early evenings for Sports Feed 2.0.{{Cite web|last=Venta|first=Lance|date=September 23, 2018|title=Geraldo Rivera Joins WTAM Cleveland|url=https://radioinsight.com/headlines/170740/geraldo-rivera-joins-wtam-cleveland/|url-status=live|access-date=November 12, 2021|website=RadioInsight|language=en-US|archive-date=November 12, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211112051700/https://radioinsight.com/headlines/170740/geraldo-rivera-joins-wtam-cleveland/}} Camino left the station in 2019 to join WKYC as a sports reporter and weekend sports anchor.{{Cite news|last=Morona|first=Joey|date=March 15, 2019|title=WTAM's Nick Camino moving to WKYC Ch. 3 as weekend sports anchor|newspaper=The Plain Dealer|location=Cleveland, Ohio|url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F1723110BED269030|url-access=subscription|access-date=November 26, 2021|via=NewsBank|archive-date=February 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220203042855/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/1723110BED269030&f=basic|url-status=live}}
== Losing Rush and Triv ==
{{Quote box
| quote = If there's a Mount Rushmore of Cleveland radio, Mike Trivisonno is right there on the forefront... Mike Trivisonno is on that.
| author = Mike Snyder{{Cite web|last=DeNatale|first=Dave|date=October 28, 2021|title='A trailblazer in radio': Tributes pour in for late WTAM 1100 talk show host Mike Trivisonno|url=https://www.wkyc.com/article/news/local/cleveland/tributes-to-late-wtam-1100-talk-show-host-mike-trivisonno/95-21e3ea80-08f9-413c-8dd8-37baa0aaeae7|url-status=live|access-date=2021-11-14|publisher=WKYC|language=en-US|archive-date=February 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220203042856/https://www.wkyc.com/article/news/local/cleveland/tributes-to-late-wtam-1100-talk-show-host-mike-trivisonno/95-21e3ea80-08f9-413c-8dd8-37baa0aaeae7}}
| align = right
| width = 250px
| qalign = left
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}}
Rush Limbaugh remained on the lineup until his February 2021 death; following four months of "best of" tribute shows,{{Cite web|last=Venta|first=Lance|date=May 27, 2021|title=Clay Travis & Buck Sexton To Take Over Rush Limbaugh Show|url=https://radioinsight.com/headlines/208791/clay-travis-buck-sexton-to-take-over-rush-limbuagh-show/|url-status=live|access-date=November 7, 2021|website=RadioInsight|language=en-US|via=RadioBB|archive-date=November 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211107031650/https://radioinsight.com/headlines/208791/clay-travis-buck-sexton-to-take-over-rush-limbuagh-show/}} WTAM—by virtue of iHeartMedia ownership—became a charter affiliate of The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show on June 18, 2021.{{Cite web|last=Venta|first=Lance|date=June 20, 2021|title=Number Of Rush Limbaugh Affiliates Decide On Replacement Shows|url=https://radioinsight.com/headlines/209827/number-of-rush-limbaugh-affiliates-decide-on-replacement-shows/|url-status=live|access-date=November 7, 2021|website=RadioInsight|language=en-US|via=RadioBB|archive-date=November 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211107231035/https://radioinsight.com/headlines/209827/number-of-rush-limbaugh-affiliates-decide-on-replacement-shows/}} An even larger shock to the station, however, happened when Mike Trivisonno died suddenly on October 28, 2021, hours before his afternoon drive show was to have started.{{Cite web|last=Bona|first=Marc|date=October 28, 2021|title='He won't be forgotten' - Mike Trivisonno remembered as influential Cleveland radio talk-show host|url=https://www.cleveland.com/entertainment/2021/10/he-wont-be-forgotten-mike-trivisonno-remembered-as-influential-cleveland-radio-talk-show-host.html|url-status=live|access-date=November 6, 2021|work=The Plain Dealer|language=en|archive-date=November 6, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211106013551/https://www.cleveland.com/entertainment/2021/10/he-wont-be-forgotten-mike-trivisonno-remembered-as-influential-cleveland-radio-talk-show-host.html}} Co-hosts Carmen Angelo{{Cite web|last1=Anderson|first1=Chris|last2=Kennedy|first2=Kelly|date=October 28, 2021|title=Mike Trivisonno, of WTAM 1100 Cleveland's Newsradio, dies at the age of 74|url=https://www.cleveland19.com/2021/10/28/mike-trivisonno-wtam-1100-clevelands-newsradio-dies-age-74/|url-status=live|access-date=November 6, 2021|publisher=WOIO|language=en|archive-date=November 4, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211104233456/https://www.cleveland19.com/2021/10/28/mike-trivisonno-wtam-1100-clevelands-newsradio-dies-age-74/}} and Seth Williams, along with WTAM program director Ray Davis, hosted a memorial program that day in Trivisonno's time slot, the start of which was delayed by an hour with various taped press conferences airing as filler.{{Cite web|last=Grzegorek|first=Vince|date=October 28, 2021|title=Longtime Cleveland Radio Personality Mike Trivisonno Has Died|url=https://www.clevescene.com/scene-and-heard/archives/2021/10/28/longtime-cleveland-radio-personality-mike-trivisonno-has-died|url-status=live|access-date=November 6, 2021|website=Cleveland Scene|language=en|archive-date=November 6, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211106013550/https://www.clevescene.com/scene-and-heard/archives/2021/10/28/longtime-cleveland-radio-personality-mike-trivisonno-has-died}} Industry blogger Lance Venta commented that Trivisonno's show on the night Art Modell revealed plans to relocate the Cleveland Browns to Baltimore "may have been one of the best one-night ... talk radio shows in history".{{Cite web|last=Venta|first=Lance|date=October 28, 2021|title=WTAM Cleveland Afternoon Host Mike Trivisonno Dies At 74|url=https://radioinsight.com/headlines/214603/wtam-cleveland-afternoon-host-mike-trivisonno-dies-at-74/|url-status=live|access-date=November 6, 2021|website=RadioInsight|language=en-US|via=RadioBB|archive-date=November 6, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211106013550/https://radioinsight.com/headlines/214603/wtam-cleveland-afternoon-host-mike-trivisonno-dies-at-74/}}
After a period of rotating guest hosts that included Angelo and Williams,{{Cite web|date=November 9, 2021|title=Glenn Beck Joins Carmen And Seth Today At 5:10|url=https://wtam.iheart.com/featured/mike-trivisonno/content/2021-11-09-glenn-beck-joins-carmen-and-seth-today-at-510/|access-date=November 14, 2021|website=Newsradio WTAM 1100|publisher=iHeartMedia|language=en|archive-date=November 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211110071422/https://wtam.iheart.com/featured/mike-trivisonno/content/2021-11-09-glenn-beck-joins-carmen-and-seth-today-at-510/|url-status=live}} WTAM appointed David "Bloomdaddy" Blomquist, morning host at sister station WWVA in Wheeling, West Virginia, as Trivisonno's replacement{{Cite web|last=O'Brien|first=Eric|date=February 4, 2022|title=Bloomdaddy leaving WWVA and WJAS|url=https://www.pbrtv.com/bloomdaddy-leaving-wwva-and-wjas/|access-date=February 4, 2022|website=PBRTV.com|language=en-US|archive-date=February 4, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220204152311/https://www.pbrtv.com/bloomdaddy-leaving-wwva-and-wjas/|url-status=live}} with Angelo retained as a co-host. Blomquist's WWVA show, which he had hosted since 2005,{{Cite web|date=February 4, 2022|title='Bloomdaddy' To Succeed The Late Mike Trivisonno On Cleveland's WTAM.|url=http://www.insideradio.com/free/bloomdaddy-to-succeed-the-late-mike-trivisonno-on-cleveland-s-wtam/article_39d5fe92-8604-11ec-bd93-97d6583b24fb.html|access-date=February 5, 2022|website=Insideradio.com|language=en|archive-date=February 4, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220204221900/http://www.insideradio.com/free/bloomdaddy-to-succeed-the-late-mike-trivisonno-on-cleveland-s-wtam/article_39d5fe92-8604-11ec-bd93-97d6583b24fb.html|url-status=live}} was regionally syndicated to other talk stations in the region including Akron's WHLO.{{Cite web|last=Venta|first=Lance|date=February 4, 2022|title=Bloomdaddy Departs WWVA Mornings For WTAM Afternoons|url=https://radioinsight.com/headlines/219501/bloomdaddy-departs-wwva-mornings-for-wtam-afternoons/|access-date=February 4, 2022|website=RadioInsight|language=en-US|via=RadioBB|archive-date=February 4, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220204160549/https://radioinsight.com/headlines/219501/bloomdaddy-departs-wwva-mornings-for-wtam-afternoons/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|last=DeNatalie|first=Dave|date=February 4, 2022|title=WTAM names David 'Bloomdaddy' Blomquist as new afternoon show host following passing of Mike Trivisonno|url=https://www.wkyc.com/article/news/local/cleveland/wtam-announces-david-bloomdaddy-blomquist-afternoon-show-death-mike-trivisonno/95-bbb65a54-7882-485e-938f-7a8b707f7818|access-date=February 5, 2022|website=wkyc.com|language=en-US|archive-date=August 4, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220804180547/https://www.wkyc.com/article/news/local/cleveland/wtam-announces-david-bloomdaddy-blomquist-afternoon-show-death-mike-trivisonno/95-bbb65a54-7882-485e-938f-7a8b707f7818|url-status=live}} Geraldo Rivera left at the end of March 2022 owing to an increased role with Fox News;{{Cite web |last=Venta |first=Lance |date=March 29, 2022 |title=Geraldo Rivera To Depart WTAM Cleveland |url=https://radioinsight.com/headlines/222257/geraldo-rivera-to-depart-wtam-cleveland/ |access-date=May 2, 2022 |website=RadioInsight |language=en-US |via=RadioBB |archive-date=May 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220502045715/https://radioinsight.com/headlines/222257/geraldo-rivera-to-depart-wtam-cleveland/ |url-status=live }} his replacement in the mid-morning time slot was comedian Jimmy Malone, John Lanigan's former co-host at WMJI,{{Cite web |last=Venta |first=Lance |date=April 7, 2022 |title=Jimmy Malone To Host Daily Show On WTAM |url=https://radioinsight.com/headlines/223275/jimmy-malone-to-host-daily-show-on-wtam/ |access-date=May 2, 2022 |website=RadioInsight |language=en-US |via=RadioBB |archive-date=May 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220502045716/https://radioinsight.com/headlines/223275/jimmy-malone-to-host-daily-show-on-wtam/ |url-status=live }} a post he held until August 2024.{{cite web |last=Venta |first=Lance |date=August 9, 2024 |title=The iHeartMedia Cuts Continue |url=https://radioinsight.com/headlines/277568/iheartmedia-makes-programming-cuts/ |access-date=August 11, 2024 |website=RadioInsight |via=RadioBB}}
Programming
=Regular schedule=
Local personalities on WTAM include Bill Wills and Mike Snyder in morning drive, David "Bloomdaddy" Blomquist in afternoon drive{{r|WTAMBloomdaddy}} and Dennis Manoloff evenings. The station also carries This Morning with Gordon Deal (early mornings), The Glenn Beck Program (late mornings), The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show{{r|WTAMClayBuck}} (midday) and Coast to Coast AM (overnight).{{Cite web|last=Venta |first=Lance|date=June 29, 2021|title=George Noory Extends Deal With Premiere Networks To Remain Host Of Coast To Coast AM|website=RadioInsight |url=https://radioinsight.com/headlines/210179/george-noory-extends-deal-with-premiere-networks-to-remain-host-of-coast-to-coast-am/|url-status=live|access-date=November 14, 2021|via=RadioBB|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211114030631/https://radioinsight.com/headlines/210179/george-noory-extends-deal-with-premiere-networks-to-remain-host-of-coast-to-coast-am/|archive-date=November 14, 2021}}
Saturdays feature syndicated host Gary Sullivan,{{Cite web|date=June 28, 2012 |title=200 Affiliates For 'At Home With Gary Sullivan'|url=https://www.allaccess.com/net-news/archive/story/107696/200-affiliates-for-at-home-with-gary-sullivan|access-date=February 5, 2022 |website=All Access|language=en|archive-date=February 5, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220205201634/https://www.allaccess.com/net-news/archive/story/107696/200-affiliates-for-at-home-with-gary-sullivan|url-status=live}} while Ben Ferguson and Bill Cunningham are heard Sundays, along with The Lutheran Hour and Fox Sports Radio in lieu of any sports play-by-play.{{Cite web |title=WTAM schedule |website=WTAM.com |url=http://www.wtam.com/pages/programming/ |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130512133207/http://www.wtam.com/pages/programming/|url-status=dead|archivedate=May 12, 2013}}
WTAM airs national news updates from ABC News Radio and Fox News Radio, and local news and weather updates from WKYC.{{Cite web |url=https://wtam.iheart.com/featured/wills-snyder-in-the-morning/about/ |title=Wills & Snyder page |access-date=May 25, 2020 |archive-date=May 13, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200513203008/https://wtam.iheart.com/featured/wills-snyder-in-the-morning/about/ |url-status=live }}
=Play-by-play=
File:Tom_Hamilton_2015_(cropped).jpg]]
WTAM is the AM flagship of a 28-station network for the Cleveland Cavaliers (NBA) with play-by-play announcer Tim Alcorn, color analyst Jim Chones, Mike Snyder as pregame/postgame studio host, and Brad Sellers as postgame analyst.{{unbulleted list citebundle|{{cite press release|author=Cavs.com|date=October 8, 2014|title=Cavaliers and iHeartMedia Announce AM/FM Simulcast|url=https://www.nba.com/cavaliers/releases/cavaliers-iheartmedia-141008|work=Cavs.com|publisher=NBA Media Ventures, LLC|access-date=July 22, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141009171341/https://www.nba.com/cavaliers/releases/cavaliers-iheartmedia-141008|archive-date=October 9, 2014}}|{{cite press release|author=Cavs.com|date=October 5, 2017|title=Cavs and Monsters Announce Multi-Year Extensions of Radio Broadcast Agreements|url=https://www.nba.com/cavaliers/releases/radio-extension-171005|work=Cavs.com|publisher=NBA Media Ventures, LLC|access-date=July 22, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171006032935/https://www.nba.com/cavaliers/releases/radio-extension-171005|archive-date=October 6, 2017}}}}
WTAM is also the AM flagship for a 29-station network for the Cleveland Guardians (MLB) with Tom Hamilton and Jim Rosenhaus as announcers. The flagship statuses for both networks are shared with WMMS, since 2013 for the Guardians{{Efn|The franchise was renamed from the Cleveland Indians at the start of the 2022 season.}} and 2014 for the Cavaliers; all games for both teams are broadcast live and limited solely to terrestrial broadcasts.{{cite web|author=Inside Radio|date=March 5, 2018|title=Play-By-Play Streaming Rights: 'The Goal Posts Are Moving.'|url=http://www.insideradio.com/play-by-play-streaming-rights-the-goal-posts-are-moving/article_46da9fc8-204e-11e8-ae0d-4b9fc5ccb9d9.html|access-date=May 1, 2018|work=InsideRadio.com|publisher=Inside Radio|archive-date=June 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210607021429/http://www.insideradio.com/play-by-play-streaming-rights-the-goal-posts-are-moving/article_46da9fc8-204e-11e8-ae0d-4b9fc5ccb9d9.html|url-status=live}}{{unbulleted list citebundle|{{cite tweet|author=Newsradio WTAM 1100|user=wtam1100|number=865725330698502144|date=May 19, 2017|title=As a reminder, we cannot stream @Cavs or @Indians on the Internet or via the @iHeartRadio app...|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180722070648/https://twitter.com/wtam1100/status/865725330698502144|archivedate=July 22, 2018}}|{{cite tweet|author=Newsradio WTAM 1100|user=wtam1100|number=522314792116453376|date=October 15, 2014|title=The NBA prohibits us from streaming games on iHeartRadio.|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180722080837/https://twitter.com/wtam1100/status/522314792116453376|archivedate=July 22, 2018}}|{{cite tweet|author=Cleveland Cavaliers|user=Cavs|number=519960890020749313|date=October 8, 2014|title=Nope - you'll want to grab the exclusive NBA Game Time app for that.|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180722080923/https://twitter.com/cavs/status/519960890020749313|archivedate=July 22, 2018}}|{{cite tweet|author=Cleveland Cavaliers|user=Cavs|number=522502462973153280|date=October 15, 2014|title=No, but you can listen free online w/ NBA Audio League Pass or paid w/ the NBA League Pass app.|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180722081009/https://twitter.com/cavs/status/522502462973153280|archivedate=July 22, 2018}}}}
WTAM additionally airs Cleveland State Vikings men's basketball games in the event of conflicts with sister station/CSU flagship WARF,{{Cite web|date=October 26, 2021|title=Vikings Partner With iHeartMedia For Men's Basketball Radio|url=https://www.csuvikings.com/general/2021-22/releases/20211026mn9ulz|access-date=November 6, 2021|website=Cleveland State University|language=en|archive-date=October 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211026211912/https://csuvikings.com/general/2021-22/releases/20211026mn9ulz|url-status=live}} and simulcasts select Cleveland Monsters games with sister station/Monsters flagship WARF.{{cite web |title=Monsters To Air Eight Upcoming Games On Newsradio WTAM 1100 |url=https://www.clevelandmonsters.com/news/detail/monsters-to-air-eight-upcoming-games-on-newsradio-wtam-1100 |website=Cleveland Monsters.com |publisher=Cleveland Monsters |access-date=January 17, 2025}}
FM translator
As of September 6, 2018, WTAM simulcasts over low-power Cleveland FM translator W295DE ({{Frequency|106.9|FM}}).{{cite press release|date=September 6, 2018|title=Newsradio WTAM 1100 Now Also on FM 106.9|url=https://wtam.iheart.com/content/2018-09-06-newsradio-wtam-1100-now-also-on-fm-1069/|work=WTAM.com|publisher=iHeartMedia, Inc.|access-date=September 15, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180908092831/https://wtam.iheart.com/content/2018-09-06-newsradio-wtam-1100-now-also-on-fm-1069/|archive-date=September 8, 2018}}
{{RadioTranslators
| callsign = WTAM
| call1 = W295DE
| freq1 = 106.9
| city1 = Cleveland
| watts1 = 146
| fid1 = 147802
| class1 = D
| haat1 = -264
| coord1 = {{coord|41|22|45|N|81|43|11.1|W|region:US-OH_type:landmark_source:FCC|name=W295DE}}
}}
Notes
{{notelist}}
References
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}
External links
{{Commons category}}
- {{Official website|https://wtam.iheart.com/}}
- {{AM station data|59595|WTAM}}
- {{Cite web|url=https://cdbs.recnet.com/corres/?doc=68915|title=History Cards for WTAM|publisher=Federal Communications Commission}} (Guide to reading History Cards)
;FM translator
- {{FCC-LMS-Facility|147802|W295DE}}
- {{FXL|W295DE}}
{{Cleveland Radio}}
{{News/Talk Radio Stations in Ohio}}
{{Clear Channel AM}}
{{iHeartMedia}}
{{Authority control}}
Category:1923 establishments in Ohio
Category:Clear-channel radio stations
Category:IHeartMedia radio stations
Category:News and talk radio stations in the United States