Dateline: July 26, 1996 - 5PM -
Richmond Falls!
In just under two months of being sold by Benchmark Communications
to ABS Communications, Richmond's WVGO 106.5 FM, has canceled Howard's
show effective immediately. The new owners claim that a format change and
declining ratings are at the root of their decision. This, however, may
just be a smoke screen to avoid admitting that they succumbed to the pressures
of a local citizens group allegedly being spear-headed by the Ekrop brothers,
owners of a local supermarket chain in the Richmond area. With the use
of intimidation in print ads and leaflets, the group has pressured some
Stern show sponsors into dropping their ads by threatening to name them
in newspaper advertisements as sponsors of a pornographic radio show. "I want to be on a station in Richmond. I don't want
these people to win," Howard vented in anger. "I think this is a bunch of crap...,"
he added.
As to his possible return to the Richmond airwaves, Howard said this
morning, "In 30 days I can go on another
station." He also hinted that there is a company that already
carries his show on two stations and has a station in Richmond that might
make a good home for his show. ABS Communications will reportedly buy out
the remainder of Howard's contract, which is worth $250,000 to Infinity
Broadcasting.
There is some good news for Richmond area Stern fans. Reports are that
in parts of the greater Richmond area you can still hear Howard's show
on WJFK 106.7 FM from Manassas and WKOC 93.7 FM (K94) out of Norfolk.
By year's end, Howard had not returned to the
Richmond airwaves.
©1996 The K.O.A.M. Newsletter. All Rights Reserved.
