MAJOR SHIFT IN LOCAL TALK RADIO

May 2007

It's about time to tell the story.

There has been a major shift in local talk radio in the Atlantic City/Cape May/Metro market.

Although we have accomplished this in a somewhat quiet fashion, many people are still taking notice.

Noticeably, WIBG 1020 AM Radio has established more and more of a local talk radio presence in the market without compromising the long-time noble mission of WIBG 1020 Radio as a family-based Christian station.

The latest shift all began in July, 2006, when I left Millennium Radio after more than fifteen years, and joined the Rick and Nancy Brancadora team at WIBG 1020 Radio. For the record, it is the greatest professional move that I have ever made.

The Brancadoras and I have formed a real friendship and partnership, based upon mutual respect and trust...quite rare in our society today. I both respect and appreciate this deeply.

The Brancadora's immediately made a major re-investment in this 2,000 KW blow torch (radio station) that they have owned for more than sixteen years. They also made a major investment in Harry "Hurley in the Morning."

We enjoy a strength of radio station signal that is twice any other local AM talk radio station in the market. Our coverage map is substantial (see evidence available at www.WIBG.com).

The Brancadora's have provided us with everything that we need to be the best local talk radio station in the Metro market. They purchased all new broadcast and phone equipment. And, they have provided the leadership required for a true commitment to establish quality and local based two-way talk radio... the way it's supposed to be.

This process is seamlessly coupled with the Region's leader in pro-active local news reporting, directly provided by the owner himself! Rick Brancadora has a stellar reputation with community leaders, movers and shakers, as well as all local, county and state elected officials. The daily Brancadora news, traffic, features, weather, and local sports package is second to none in the market. Rick's work is clean, and of the highest professional level. Rick's magical "pipes" (broadcast voice) are national caliber.

The partnership of Brancadora and Hurley, and "our" commitment to responsibe and truthful coverage of all the important local news events, has set us apart from the rest of the local market.

For example, it was "Hurley in the Morning" (Harry and Don) who had the guts and the integrity to break the news that Atlantic City Mayor Bob Levy was NOT a United States Military Special Forces Green Beret. Threats, in the form of a letter from Atlantic City lawyer Kim Baldwin and false information provided by a Levy spokesperson, did not stop us from telling the truth.

The test of time on this and all issues about Atlantic City and Craig Callaway have demonstrated the accuracy of our WIBG 1020/Brancadora- Hurley reporting to be spot on. The region certainly has taken notice, as we continue to break major local news items, one after another over the past nine months.

Rick, Nancy and I are extremely proud of the local line-up of quality broadcasters who have joined the WIBG 1020 Radio Team.

A few months into my tenure, Rick and Nancy honored me by appointing me to be their Program Director, responsible for our enhanced focus on local talk radio programming. The have given me the required support and authority to help implement positive changes.

Having been blessed over the past seventeen years to work with some of the finest local broadcasters in the Metro market radio history... one-byone, we have added tremendous on-air talent to our team.

Chuck Betson was the first to come on board. His Betson Connection sports program is Saturdays from 10am to 1pm. Chuck is a real pro and a real team player. We have worked together so many times over the past twenty years. Chuck is the premier local sports broadcaster and play-by-play man in the market. His energy, commitment and enthusiasm to local talk radio is infectious.

Next was Dan Klein. His South Jersey Insider Radio Program is fresh, entertaining and highly successful. Each and every Saturday, Dan and friends sign-on at 1pm to 4pm. From the moment Dan's program begins, his phone lines are filled with one caller after another. Dan is a great asset. He knows the business. He knows how to treat callers with respect. He knows how to create memorable and fun local talk radio. Dan is also a total team player.

The recent appointment of Seth Grossman to provide local afternoon drive time two-way talk was a major coup. Seth is a long-time, successful broadcaster. His hard-hitting, but responsible style is compelling and results in measurable impact at the local, county and state level. The Seth Grossman Monday through Friday program is 3pm to 5pm daily.

I confidently put our present Monday through Friday line-up against any other competitor. The same holds equally true for Saturdays, where an all-day line-up of local based programs is on the menu. Anthony Tort and "Lifeworks" from 8:30am to 9am; Restorative Justice (9am to 10am); The Betson Connection (10am to 1pm); Dan Klein's South Jersey Insider (1pm to 4pm); Bobby Emmons Wibbage Oldies Reunion Program (4pm to 5pm); and our newest addition, Don Hurley and Al Zentmeyer and their Classic Rock Memories program from 5pm to 6pm.

More local based family programming is also coming to Sundays.

Beginning on Sunday June 3rd, Pastor Kevin Bernat and Michael Heath, from The New Life Assembly Church, will debut a new program from 4pm to 5pm.

Also, we have made a commitment to bring on two very well known local talk radio listeners/callers to host their own Sunday afternoon local, two-way talk radio program. We will be announcing their identities on "Hurley in the Morning" in the very near future. This program will feature two dynamic and dedicated individuals, who love and display a true passion for local talk radio. I am absolutely convinced that their program will prove to be popular with listeners and callers, and make an instant impact.

Finally, if all goes well, and, I hope and pray that it will... we will be announcing a major addition to the WIBG 1020 Radio Team that will dramatically enhance our Monday through Friday daily programming. Stay tuned for this potentially exciting announcement.

In short, the best is yet to come. But, for now, it is quite clear that there is a major shift in local talk radio going on here. WIBG 1020 Radio is the place to be. We're earning it the old fashion way, through hard and honest work. Together, we are making a difference.

Take this journey with us, as we all work together to make our Region an even better place to work, live and raise our families.

Harry Hurley is Program Director, and hosts a daily talk radio program, Hurley in the Morning, weekdays from 7am to 11am on Life Radio WIBG 1020 AM. Harry hosts various programs for local Television. He is the editor and publisher of his news and information website, www.HarryHurley.com. You can send e-mail to HarryHurley@aol.com.