Archive for September, 2010

LIN stations get CoolTV

Posted 29 Sep 2010 — by Michigan Media
Category Grand Rapids-Kalamazoo-Battle Creek

TheCoolTVTheCoolTV is coming to the Grand Rapids-Kalamazoo-Battle Creek television market thanks to LIN Media.

LIN Media has added the music multicast channel TheCoolTV to 11 of its 17 markets, adding approximately six million homes to CoolTV’s distribution. The markets are Indianapolis, Austin, Hartford, Toledo, Providence, Grand Rapids, Albuquerque, Ft. Wayne, Springfield, Mass.; Terre Haute, Ind.; and Lafayette, Ind.

CoolTV is part of Kansas-based Cool Music Network. The channel offers round-the clock music videos, like the early days of MTV. CoolTV describes itself as “hyper-localized” and customizable “to reflect the tastes of the local demographics, music scene and even emerging artists.”

“We are diligent about carefully evaluating the myriad of opportunities available for programming on our web sites, mobile applications and digital spectrum,” said LIN President/CEO Vincent Sadusky. “TheCoolTV offers a unique mix of both live national performances and favorite local music that can be customized to our markets.”

Broadcasting & Cable

Detroit fights cable TV rules

Posted 06 Sep 2010 — by Michigan Media
Category Detroit

ComcastAttorneys for the City of Detroit have filed a lawsuit asking that Comcast abide by a previous agreement that calls for the company to pay fees for public, educational and government (PEG) programming as well as resume free service to schools and municipal buildings.

Three years after the Legislature rewrote the rules for how cable television providers do business in Michigan, Detroit is claiming the law is unconstitutional and that Comcast of Detroit used it to cut service in the city.

City attorneys have filed a lawsuit in federal court asking that Comcast abide by a previous agreement that calls for the company to pay fees for public, educational and government (PEG) programming as well as resume free service to schools and municipal buildings.

City spokeswoman Karen Dumas said the city cannot comment on pending litigation but said the dispute has not affected cable customers. Comcast spokesman Patrick Paterno said the company is in compliance with the franchise agreement and has met with the city in good faith to address the issues.

The matter has caught the attention of Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox, whose office intends to defend the law as constitutional.

The Detroit News

Mark Thomas named market manager for Townsquare Media in Grand Rapids

Posted 06 Sep 2010 — by Michigan Media
Category Grand Rapids-Kalamazoo-Battle Creek

Townsquare MediaMark Thomas has been named market manager for Townsquare Media’s Grand Rapids radio cluster.

Mark Thomas has been named the new market manager for Townsquare Media’s West Michigan operation that owns radio stations WLHT-FM (95.7), WGRD-FM (97.9), WTRV-FM (100.5), WFGR- FM (98.7) and WNWZ-AM (1410).

Thomas replaces former general manager Phil Catlett, whose position was vacated at the end of July.

“It’s great to be home in Michigan,” said Thomas, who worked as a sales manager from 1981-1985 at WGRD.

Thomas moved here a month ago after serving as regional vice president and market manager for seven different radio stations in Kentucky and Indiana.

The Grand Rapids Press