Today's Show

We start off today's show from the unofficial theme song "My Love is Mobile" ("that's my wonderful town"), followed by those familiar notes of music ("CBS Special Presentation 1973") leading up to, "Ok here we go, hello you're on the air". Following that clip from Mobile's radio past were Reggie Copeland of the Mobile City Council, "The Idea Guy", and Tim on the theme of this being "a great day in the City of Mobile". "Good morning, Uncle Henry, when I woke up at 5 o'clock this morning, I was in Jacksonville, Alabama", said "Idea" in a new audio clip saying that it's going to be a great day in Mobile because he's not there. "Thank you so much, thank you so much for listening, listener", said the Uncle greeting one & all and thanking listeners for making the show the success it continues to be. "I'm in an usual frame of mind today", said the Uncle, "we're going to have a whole bunch of proposals thrown at us". Such proposals include "three different tax plans" from the governor, a state senator, and a state representative. As for the "mysterious" surplus in the City of Mobile's budget, "we're going to have a gigantic brawl over how to spend that", according to the Uncle. "You know where I would put the money", said the Uncle before mentioning public safety and police as the services that would receive the budget before anyone else. Another issue our host is nervous about is the issue of rewriting the Alabama constitution established in 1901. "More than 90% of the people haven't even read it" according to the Uncle's statistics. "All these people reading the constitution", said the Uncle referring to those who actually read it, "they have too much time on their hands". After reminding listeners to call in at (251) 479-2723, our host suggested to "increase the right to bear arms" and allow Judge Roy Moore's supporters to add things to the constitution draft. Our host summoned Leeanna with listener Jan's "Leeann" audio for her report of Saturday's Mardi Gras parade on Dauphin Island, where she represented Clear Channel of Mobile. "How big was the crowd", our host asked Leeanna. "It was huge", according to our call screener, who also reported a fanatic of the show stopping the parade by photographing her with his camera. She believes some fellow actually "flashed" her by raising his shirt, which cannot be considered a "flash" in our society in the Uncle's view. "Hey, this is Jim", said first live caller Jim reporting an television advertisement for "talk radio 710", including a "guy sitting on a toilet reading a newspaper". "I can't believe that", said the Uncle on the promotion that mentions his show visually. "I appreciate that, you helped me", said the Uncle before terminating Jim's call as he tried to continue his call. "Was it FOX 10 (WALA Channel 10) or was it FOX News (Channel)", our host asked what station it aired on before speaking to Jimmy, who was the fellow who photographed Leeanna in the Dauphin Island parade. The 37-year-old Jimmy said he has been listening to our host since his days on "that other station" (WABB 1480 AM) and mentioned that Leeanna's tattoos were never visible at the parade. Jimmy also appreciates Leeanna's compliment of being considered a person in his twenties. After the first commercial break, including a commercial for Woody's Barbecue in Daphne, Alabama, "It's a brand new week, a week where brand new proposals will be thrown at us, as citizens", said the Uncle before "immediately" getting to a question mentioned in a voice message last week. "Hey old man, you're standing again, listen", said Danny Hodges before asking if he can put up a $250 sign "advertising the show" at the baseball park where he takes his two young children to play tee ball. The Uncle stopped Danny's message as he gave out his cellular phone number. "I'm flattered, I appreciate the thought", said the Uncle, but he would rather see a "John 3:16 sign" or anything else related to Scripture on a large sign. "If you're not going to spend money on your family, do it that way", said the Uncle as he gave Danny his suggestions. Today's 9:30 AM half-hour gets a 4.7/5!


"Warm and Windy" - TV5 meteorologist John Nodar

Today's Show

We start off today's show from the unofficial theme song "My Love is Mobile" (with the Uncle singing lyrics such as "Senior Bowl game" quietly), followed by those familiar notes of music ("CBS Special Presentation 1973") leading up to, "Ok here we go, hello you're on the air". Following that clip from Mobile's radio past were Reggie Copeland of the Mobile City Council, "The Idea Guy", and Tim on the theme of this being "a great day in the City of Mobile". "This is Jim the Tax Man, I'm calling here Saturday", said the taxman before suggesting a "Uncle Henry's Breakfast with Uncle Henry" program for 710 AM's Saturday morning programming. "Right now, it's kind of a hit and miss", said Jim on the format of the show, "we can just have fun on Saturday mornings, but let that [be] with the powers that be". "Thank you so much, welcome to the Uncle Henry Show", said the Uncle greeting one & all on a "beautiful, outstanding day in the Mobile region, as we have the Senior Bowl contest tomorrow". "I'm prouder than ever we have the Senior Bowl here in Mobile, Alabama", said the Uncle, "I've been reading out of town newspapers about all these people", or the players. Our host was watching a Senior Bowl-related TV program on the "indispensable" NFL Network. "They had one of these coaches with a microphone on him", said the Uncle describing the "fascinating" meeting with the coach and his players. "The live calls yesterday inspired some wonderful voice mail", said the Uncle before playing a message from "The Idea Guy". "Find that interesting concept", said the Uncle after hearing "Idea", "is there a way to make the parent partially or fully responsible" for a student's misbehavior in the classroom. "Uncle Henry, yesterday we were talking about children getting suspended", said our next caller via voice message before reminding our host about the "losing battle" at Eanes Middle School, which received a new principal and new set of teachers recently. "I don't understand the question, I don't understand why you are confused", said the Uncle speaking to our first live caller Freddie, who claims to have no understanding of politicians running for public office against others in the same political party. After Freddie left, the Uncle "doubted the seriousness" of that call before suggesting that Freddie simply votes for someone who he shares the same beliefs rather than just the political party. "Uncle Henry, I'm sitting here watching the news", said "Idea", who is glad he's a 51-year-old man nowadays when there is news about childhood obesity and such almost every day. "I'm just happy I'm not a kid in the year 2006", said "Idea" before ending his message. "Lost Tim, Leeanna probably hang up on him", said the Uncle before speaking to Mike. After the conversation with Freddie, "I have really started looking into some things", said our Mike, who will most definitely vote "for the person and not the party" on elections days. "Let's talk to Max, hello Max", said the Uncle before our caller gave him a shout of "Roll Tide" before our host mentioned Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Brodie Croyle's appearance on the NFL Network. "He's promoting the state", said Max. "Quickly, I've only got 30 seconds", said the Uncle before Max suggested about parents and their school children that if "someday that they would be responsible for their actions, it would just make a difference". Today's 9:30 AM half-hour gets a 4.8/5!


"Not Bad" - TV5 meteorologist John Nodar

Today's Show

We start off today's show from the unofficial theme song "My Love is Mobile" ("that's my wonderful town"), followed by those familiar notes of music ("CBS Special Presentation 1973") leading up to, "Ok here we go, hello you're on the air". Following that clip from Mobile's radio past were Reggie Copeland of the Mobile City Council, "The Idea Guy", and Tim on the theme of this being "a great day in the City of Mobile". "I just heard Leeanna give a report here at 11:00 that Don Siegelman has bailed out", said Jim the Tax Man via voice message, who sees Siegelman "doing a disservice" for the tax payers across the state. "Thank you so much, Uncle Henry Show underway and in progress on a beautiful Thursday [morning] in the region of Mobile and Baldwin", said the Uncle greeting one & all. "Looking forward to our interaction", said the Uncle before mentioning the cancelled conversation between him and the former Gov. Siegelman, who was said to be always available according to "his people" last week. "We have the Sheriff Jack Tillman press conference", said the Uncle on the Mobile County sheriff's official announcement on his future today, along with G.W. Bush's press conference now already in progress, though our host is unaware of that. "The whole constitution reform is as clear as a bell, they want the state of Alabama to be liberal", according to the Uncle on the "progressive" folks who want to change the language of the state constitution. First caller Mr. C., or Cecil shared with listeners the story of a Georgia lady featured in today's Mobile Register before complimenting her. "Hey, Uncle Henry, long time listener, I love your program", said James before requesting that our host gives his followers a "pick of the day". "You really, really do, give the way things should be", said James before clarifying for our host that the "pick of the day" would be someone such as a person running for public office, or in today's case Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Brodie Croyle. During the commercial break, the Uncle promotes Woody's Barbecue Restaurant in Daphne, Alabama, including the big screen TV being a "very important feature". "Kids, 10 and under eat free", said the Uncle on this establishment where the customers don't need to worry about cooking and cleaning for themselves. After the first commercial break, "first let me remind all these callers that preach, we were just exercising our right at free speech", said one fellow saying a poem titled "Old Hippie". "That was the liberal poet who calls in with his poems", said the Uncle, who believes this fellow along with the rest of the "rhyming sector" will the ones rewriting the state constitution. "Twenty students taken to the Strickland Youth Center", said a surprised Uncle mentioning the news of police action after a food fight at Eanes Middle School in Mobile County. "Of course I never got involved in a food fight and never [got disruptive] in the classroom", said the Uncle, who's worries during his school years included the paddle. "It was be continued at home", said the Uncle on the paddling if it had happened to him at school. After yesterday's food fight, our host wonders where the 20 arrests will lead up to, suspension or expulsion. "She's a teacher and I'm part of the generation of school when there was not much padding", said Mike speaking about his mother and himself before sharing his "two cents" on why paddling is not viewed as a good thing by other parents. "Nowadays is, what happened", said the Uncle with the hypothetical situation would be cause legal action. Today's 9:30 AM half-hour gets a 5/5!


Notes of Interest:

"Another Nice Day" - TV5 meteorologist John Nodar

"We showed them (UPN) that we could program it ourselves" - Scott Campbell, general manager of WTTO-TV (WB) and WABM-TV (UPN) in Birmingham, Alabama

"Instinct told her something was wrong"

Arbitron's Fall 2005 Ratings for Mobile (Radio Market #93)

During an off-network broadcast of "Malcolm in the Middle" on WJTC-TV (part of the United Paramount Network, but may become 100% independent in the fall), an on-screen "flood warning" graphic for counties north of Mobile and Baldwin. There were no reports of rain or thunderstorms in the Mobile region yesterday, thus leaving Channel 44 viewers something to wonder. Today's Mobile Register had the answer to this warning issued last night, which was actually a river flood warning for areas near the Tombigbee River north of Mobile County.

Today's Show

We start off today's show from the unofficial theme song "My Love is Mobile" ("that's my wonderful town"), followed by those familiar notes of music ("CBS Special Presentation 1973") leading up to a voice message from "The Idea Guy". Following that message was "Ok here we go, hello you're on the air", Reggie Copeland of the Mobile City Council, "Idea", and Tim on the theme of this being "a great day in the City of Mobile". "All right!" said the Uncle, "Uncle Henry Show underway!" "Numerous topics to discuss on today's show, I've got some very disturbing news on the immigration front", said our host, but first he must say, "God bless you, Fred Richardson" after his proposal during the Mobile City Council meeting yesterday. "Don't have that audio and I'll try to make some offer to Charlie Moss", said the Uncle, who would probably give "Mobile's only radio reporter" $5 for the audio tape that he considers "gold". Today's Mobile Register includes the moment when Richardson suggested to the city attorney that there should be an ordinance for alcoholic beverages at home and businesses to be stored in a safe from the reach of "underage minors". "There are some other things in the house that need to be locked up", said the Uncle before playing one fellow's voice message suggesting that candy and National Geographic magazines be stored away too. "Put Drano in there too", the Uncle added. "The next step in Mobile, Alabama is knife control", said the Uncle before playing another voice message from "Idea", who believes Richardson needs to eat some Cocoa Puffs, since he's gone "cuckoo for Cocoa Puffs". Listeners were reminded twice to call in at (251) 479-2723, but first "several ideas" from "Idea", including some "alcohol police" who would bust down one's door with a giant keg. "Idea" also gave our host his first thought of the TV program "Gunsmoke" in weeks thanks to his little skit preceding the police idea. "I think 2006 is going to be a great year for Mobile", said "Idea" after Richardson's "first bonehead idea" 24 days into this new year. "All right, Uncle Henry Show continues", said our host after the first commercial break before he thanked call screener Leeanna for today's "first lost call". First live caller Omar admits that he "doesn't feel comfortable" giving out his credit card information to call center oversees. "Sorry about your mother", said the Uncle after Omar left us. Our host shared with us a story involving one of his daughters, a new computer with a "well known name brand", and a customer service call center in India with folks using English first names. "I would never buy that computer product ever again, based on the quality of customer service", said the Uncle before Tim joined us after reading today's Mobile Register. According to Tim, if you're a member of the city council, "your mind something happens". Our host believes this is a result of the belief that government is like the mother and father. "If you want to lock up someone's cabinet, lock up David Thomas'", said Tim referring to the Mobile County Public School Board president. "I've got the Bank Head Tunnel going on, I hope you can hear me", said Tim before mentioning the Steve Nodine article in today's Register. "You're going to have so many dag gum people working for Nodine, he's going to have to start a company", said Tim. "I'm a big believer in karma and mojo" is how Nodine is quoted in today's Register, which our host doesn't quite understand. "Mojo?" said the Uncle before the Michael P. Sloan newsbreak and commercials, giving him to time to search an Internet dictionary for what the Mobile County commissioner actually believes in. Today's 9:30 AM half-hour gets a 5/5!


Notes of Interest:

"Lots of Sun" - TV5 meteorologist John Nodar

"Struggling TV Networks to Merge" (Mobile Register article)

Today's Show

We start off today's show from the unofficial theme song "My Love is Mobile" ("that's my wonderful town"), followed by those familiar notes of music ("CBS Special Presentation 1973") leading up to audio of the late, great Lillian Jackson saying, "Listen, people out here in the community are not dumb". Following that clip of the community activist were Reggie Copeland of the Mobile City Council, "The Idea Guy", and Tim on the theme of this being "a great day in the City of Mobile". "I've seen in the paper that Steve Russo got arrested again", said "Idea" before suggesting the title "Cheech and Chong Do Orange Beach". Listeners were not greeted first with a shout of "Thank you so much" from the Uncle, but with our host's assumption of one fellow in Orange Beach, Alabama resembling "Chong". "There is something very misleading going on in Mobile, Alabama", said the Uncle on the "resurfacing" of Sam Jones, along with the idea of red light cameras being put up "to save lives". "Let's get to the truth", said the Uncle, who sees this camera idea as a "money making scheme". "Accidents, yes, the word increase", said the Uncle after mentioning the study on red light cameras and its consequences. "Just increase the yellow light by 45-seconds", said the Uncle checking another scientific study. "Just be honest about it and say we want to raise money", said the Uncle before reminding listeners to call in at (251) 479-2723. "They smelled the money, they can see the money, it's easy money", said the Uncle, along with, "it's all perfect for a politician" before the first commercial break. After the break and a voice message from "Idea", "Hello, Uncle Henry, I'm proud of you bringing this up", said first live caller Paul. "It does not prevent accidents", said Paul after mentioning intersections such as those on Airport Blvd. "This is my first time calling into any radio show", said William, whose problem with the traffic cameras is that you would "get the ticket" regardless of who was driving the automobile. "I want to turn their liberal attention toward their liberal paper, the Washington Post", said the Uncle directing the Jones administration toward the scientific study with positive results. "Let's say there's a crime and there is a person escaping the crime", said our next caller before the Uncle suggested implanting tracking chips in all of us. "In a way, I want to agree with that caller a little bit", said Chad, who also believes that "people are driving entirely too fast" and are "tailgating" others. Today's 9:30 AM half-hour gets a 4.6/5!

Notes of Interest

"Sunshine Returns" - TV5 meteorologist John Nodar

Coming Soon: The CW Television Network. When you look back at the history of WJTC-TV and WBPG-TV serving the Mobile/Pensacola region, it's very likely that the latter will become an affiliate of this new television network set to premiere in fall 2006, while WJTC-TV returns to independent status.

Today's Show

We start off today's show from the unofficial theme song "My Love is Mobile" ("that's my wonderful town"), followed by those familiar notes of music ("CBS Special Presentation 1973") leading up to, "Ok here we go, hello you're on the air". Following that clip from Mobile radio history were Reggie Copeland of the Mobile City Council, "The Idea Guy", and Tim on the theme of this being "a great day in the City of Mobile". First new first voice message comes from "The Idea Guy" reflecting on his recent viewing of the FOX News Channel, reminding him of the days when Reagan was president of the USA. "Thank you so much!" said the Uncle greeting one & all upon the beginning of a new week, a week when Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Brodie Croyle along with other players are walking the region days before the Senior Bowl. According to our host, numerous "Alabama women" in Daphne have purchased tickets to witness this Saturday's game. "We have lots and lots of out-of-towners", said the Uncle, along with a reminder to "be on your best behavior" for the sake of southern hospitality. "Paris is not known for its good manors", said the Uncle suggesting that we only be the "Mobile of the South" for the time being. "Billy, do you have a sighting of Brodie Croyle", the Uncle asked before Billy made the false claim that Croyle bent over and "pulled a hamstring" after walking outside his hotel. Our host switches over to a discussion on the Alabama constitution rewrite. "One thing I want to know is who's going write to new one", said the Uncle, who will not "rely on editorials" as someone who can't read small print very well, such as the "Nutrition Facts" on food packages. "Nobody is saying who's going to be rewriting the constitution", according our first real caller Mike. "If you ever find the answer to that question, you could be elected president", said Mike before the Uncle mentioned a state legislator who has no idea who's rewriting the constitution. "Why do they need nuclear power for?" our host asked regarding the land of Persia as Mike as he changed the discussion to what he has heard from Arizona Senator John McCain during weekend programming on the FOX News Channel. First show of "Brodie Croyle week" continues after the first commercial break. After the first commercial break, the theme from "Superman: The Animated Series" plays in the background a voice message from Tim plays. After the bumper music changed, listeners were reminded twice how to call in and to report any Croyle sightings by dialing (251) 479-2723. After losing Jim the Tax Man ("lost the Tax Man!" said the Uncle), our host was asked by another caller if he made a visit to "the Mississippi situation". As for the help needed in areas such as the Mississippi Gulf Coast, "A lot of that is still continuing, we're just not hearing much of it as we used to", according to the Uncle. "Good morning, Uncle Henry", said George joining us on the constitution rewrite discussion, though he never "heard a reason why it should be" rewritten. After listening to "Mobile's First News" with Scott O'Brien this morning, George would bet that the 99.9% of people surveyed on whether the constitution needs a rewrite have never read it. Before the Michael P. Sloan newsbreak and commercials, our host assumed that the new Alabama constitution will resemble that of a more "prosperous state's" constitution, in others words a copycat constitution. Today's 9:30 AM half-hour gets a 4.2/5!


"A Bit More" - TV5 meteorologist John Nodar

Today's Show

We start off today's show from the unofficial theme song "My Love is Mobile" ("that's my wonderful town"), followed by those familiar notes of music ("CBS Special Presentation 1973") leading up to a voice message from "The Idea Guy". "Uncle Henry, you're not going to believe this", said "Idea" before mentioning a website dedicated to Scott O'Brien after some "channel surfing". Following that voice message were audio clips of Reggie Copeland of the Mobile City Council, "Idea", and Tim on the theme of this being "a great day in the City of Mobile". Yet another message from "Idea" after watching Neil Cavuto's program on the FOX News Channel, suggesting that he runs for mayor of Mobile and "get that Paris of the South thing back". "Thank you so much, Uncle Henry Show underway!" said the Uncle greeting one & all before admitting that he was thinking about us early this morning. "Harmless curiosity", as our host described it. "I'll be doing some live radio commercials from Woody's Barbecue", said the Uncle on his live broadcasts during commercial breaks for the Rush program. "There's lots of burning topics, lots of them", according to the Uncle, including the "idiotic idea" of expanding the number of Mobile County Commissioners from three to five. "This is a bad idea on numerous levels", said the Uncle on this idea suggested by state representative Yvonne Kennedy. "They pave the streets, what else do they do?" our host asked, "I'm not sure if you need three of them". "Look at Baldwin County, they just reduced the number of commissioners", said the Uncle. "It's a bad idea, coming and going, and the Legislature needs to stop it, nip it in the bud", said the Uncle before speaking to our first live caller Bill. "I just want to tell you how I appreciate you having Mr. Moore on there", said Bill reflecting on yesterday's program. "I've got an idea", said Bill before suggesting that "they just fire all three of those commissioners and [hire] me down there", saving money. "Idea" joined suggesting a summit including our host and some listeners. The Uncle suggested "Idea", Tim, Mr. Cecil, and maybe voice message commentator Al to be included in this summit. "The United Nations of Talk Radio", our host dubbed it, but he admits that he does not "like the idea of a cover charge". After the first commercial break, the theme from "The Magnificent Seven" plays in the background as a voice message from "Idea" suggesting the idea of a "Russo/Siegelman" ticket to the governor's office in Montgomery now that Orange Beach, Alabama mayor Steve Russo has been indicted on state and federal charges. "You mentioned J.D. Crowe, he's drawn cartoons [on every party]", said the Uncle after speaking to caller Freddie before summoning call screener Leeanna to mention other folks drawn by the Mobile Register cartoonist. "I just put a peanut here in my mouth", said Cecil before suggesting the summit to be held at the Tiny Diny during a time when most listeners are not at work. "The older I get, the more I dislike having a party level", said the Uncle before reminding Cecil to "be careful with that peanut". "I've eaten at the Tiny Diny and there are lots of Uncle Henry fans there", according to Leeanna, who will be handling controls at the station during the Uncle's live broadcasts from Daphne, Alabama. Today's 9:30 AM half-hour gets a 4.6/5!


"Wet Weekend" - TV5 meteorologist John Nodar

Today's Show

We start off today's show from the 10:30 AM half-hour with a voice message from one fellow wondering if anybody knows "what the Boston Tea Party was all about"" before saying that he has "the answers to social security reform, and you are going to completely disagree with me". "If I was elected governor of Alabama, there would be a lottery in which you could only spend five bucks", said this fellow, who would also abolish some taxes. "I know I'm going to run out of voice time and I'll keep it at that", said the caller ending his lengthy voice message. "People don't get addicted buying raffle tickets", said the Uncle before thanking Tom in Citronelle, Alabama for staying on the telephone during that voice message. "It doesn't have a bad image, does it", the Uncle asked about Citronelle, with Tom answering that it depends on the individual he was with. "I know we have problems, but show me a city that has no problems", said Tom, whose kind words for Mobile are "Mobile is a very good place". Tom mentioned Mobile Police Department Chief Sam Cochran's decision to retire early in March. "We'll know after your program if he wants to throw his hat into the arena, you have to admire in this day in time", said Tom before suggesting that Cochran simply writes a book about his years as chief of police and make it into the movie. "If he does, I wish him the best of luck", said Tom if Cochran decides to seek a career in politics. "Most of Alabama is just a very natural…I'm just a person who appreciates trees and there are plenty in the state", said the Uncle before our next caller Freddie asked, "what is going on?" with the gasoline prices going up one penny a day. "That was not that weird of a call, have a nice day", said the Uncle after Freddie suggested that 710 AM does a promotion for gasoline $1.99 per gallon. Though our host doesn't see this happening, he would enjoy hosting the show from a service station like any other remote broadcast location. Woody's Barbecue will be the next remote broadcast location this Friday in Daphne, Alabama from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM during commercial breaks for the Rush program. Final whirlwind segment begins with the Roussos Restaurant representative joining our host to promote her business as part of the show's first "Deal of the Week" in quite a while. "Adam was driven into a fit of hunger when [we were] talking about fried green tomatoes", said the Uncle, and the same goes for the next caller. "Good morning, Uncle Henry", said Jaye, who learns a lot from others who telephone the show and are involved in their community, such as Tim. Speaking of Tim, "Is Roussos still there", he said before mentioning his question on the progress of the restaurant's location in downtown Mobile. "Again, we are out, it's official", said the Uncle on the gift certificates for Roussos, but suggests that listeners visit WRKH 96.1 "The Rocket" FM's website for certificates instead of listening to the radio station for information. "No offense to my fellow employees", said the Uncle, since 710 AM and 96.1 FM are both under the same ownership. Today's 9:30 AM half-hour gets a 4.5/5!


"Sunny and Cool" - TV5 meteorologist John Nodar

Today's Show

We start off today's show from the unofficial theme song "My Love is Mobile" ("that's my wonderful town"), followed by those familiar notes of music ("CBS Special Presentation 1973") leading up to a clip of Mike Dow's, "Ok, that's all I really need, unless you have something to add." Following that clip of the former mayor of Mobile were Reggie Copeland of the Mobile City Council, "The Idea Guy", and Tim on the theme of this being "a great in the City of Mobile". "Thank you so much!" the Uncle shouted as he greeted & all, finding it a pleasure to be speaking with us in spite of the "thundershowers", as he referred the storms passing the Mobile region. "I surely did [get] upset with Ray Nagin", said the Uncle, who is "upset on numerous levels" with the mayor of New Orleans. "I feel sick, hearing what Ray Nagin said during a Martin Luther King, Jr. Day speech", said the Uncle before playing the portion of the speech that he described as "God hating America". "I know J.D. Crowe did a cartoon about this this morning", said the Uncle before asking, "where's the national media now on this?" "Because a liberal Democrat said it, means they don't want to touch it", said the Uncle before moving on to the "chocolate New Orleans comment". "You know, I know it, is racist", said the Uncle. "This city will be chocolate at the end of the day, this city will be a majority African American city", said Nagin in the clip, "it's the way God wants it to be". "What in the world is this", said our host on the brink of laughter and amazement of this fellow's speech. "How could you possibly make this speech and ask for non-chocolate money", said the Uncle, who finds this to be "the worst kind of speech" to make on the day to celebrate King's dream for all people. "Maybe it's a day of politics when we are to remember the anger", said the Uncle on the other meaning to the King holiday. Listeners were reminded twice to call in at (251) 479-2723, but first the voice messages from folks with. "People, I told you he's a racist", said our first caller via voice message, who would never support others like him, such as Al Sharpton. "How else can you interpret that", said the Uncle before speaking to our first live caller Robert, who asked what the reaction to the speech would be if New Orleans' mayor was white. "I guess it's a double standard", said Robert, with the Uncle responding with, "that underlines it". "Every kind of person has wanted to help", said the Uncle before speaking to Lynn, who believes C. Ray Nagin "was not kidding" when he spoke and that "no accident" was made. Lynn asked our host what the reaction would be if a white New Orleans mayor spoke that way about others who are white. "He'd be run out of office immediately", said the Uncle. After Lynn left us, the Uncle reminded listeners that Nagin was speaking at an event related to M. L. K. Day. After the first commercial break, "I wanted to call you and say what a wonderful show you had today", said "Evil Irrational Man" in a voice message before saying he (not she) is against abortion and "wants more Republicans in office". "What is a chocolate New Orleans", "Irrational" asked himself. "It's a shame, you know it's a shame", said the Uncle on this "crying shame". "I don't know if you heard the second part", said Chris before saying that Nagin "put his foot in his mouth" by saying that when he used the word, "chocolate", he was referring to a "mixture of black and white people". "I used the like to go the New Orleans once in a while", said Chris, who will probably never go back with the current administration. "His racist comments are a surprise to me", said Chad, who holds Nagin responsible "for the hundreds of deaths in New Orleans". "That guy is a complete idiot", said Chad before reminding our host about the hurricane season around the corner. "The gross incompetence of this guy is amazing", said Chad, who has kept watch of this fellow since before the storm named "Katrina" arrived. "We lost Tim, thank you Leeanna", said the Uncle, "lost that caller, thanks Leeanna". "We'll revisit some of the Ray Nagin tapes", said the Uncle, along with the audio with Nagin speaking to a reporter about what he meant about "chocolate" by including "milk" as another metaphor. Today's 9:30 AM half-hour gets a 5/5!

Notes of Interest:

Lee Smith of Mobile will be singing "The Star Spangled Banner" before the Senior Bowl game at Ladd-Pebbles Stadium. Viewers of WKRG-TV5 voted from Friday (9:00 AM) to Monday (12:00 AM) onlone on their favorite local singer featured during last week's morning newscasts and Lee was revealed to be the winner this morning. The game will air nationally on the Entertainment and Sports Programming Network (ESPN) and the NFL Network.

"Could Get Noisy" - TV5 meteorologist John Nodar

Today's Show

We start off today's show not from the unofficial theme song "My Love is Mobile" ("that's my wonderful town") or those familiar notes of music ("CBS Special Presentation 1973"), but from audio of Reggie Copeland from the Mobile City Council already in progress. Following that clip were clips of "The Idea Guy" and Tim on the theme of this being a "great day in the City of Mobile". The Rebecca Wilson audio was also among the clips played during the opening. "It is 9:36, Uncle Henry is off today", said program director Scott O'Brien before reminding listeners that they are stuck with him and Scott Walker of WPMI-TV. "It's Friday the 13th, does that bother you?" Scott O'Brien asked Scott Walker., but suddenly the station went off the air and listeners were left with nothing but static. 710 AM was back on the air at 11:57 AM on this Friday the 13th, yet audio problems would persist into noon. Coincidence? Yes.


Notes of Interest (or "Today in Mobile Media"):

From 9:00 AM today to 12:00 AM Monday, folks can vote online for one of three contestants who are up for the opportunity to sing "The Star Spangled Banner" before this year's Senior Bowl football game at Mobile's Ladd-Pebbles Stadium. All three contestants performing their own rendition of the national anthem aired again this morning during WKRG-TV5's 9:00 AM news/public affairs/variety program. They can also be heard on the station's website in Window's Media Player. The polls are located at Senior Bowl.com.

Between 10:00 AM-10:02 AM, 10:27 AM-10:30 AM, and 10:53 AM-10:56 AM viewers of "The Price is Right" on WKRG-TV5 were patient as meteorologist Jere Hough issued important weather bulletins for areas under the storm system passing the Mobile region. Sunlight returned to midtown Mobile shortly after 11:00 AM.

WPMI-TV's 12:00 PM newscast was two minutes longer due to the "breaking news" of tornado damage and at least one death in Conecuh County, Alabama as a result of the storm system earlier. Scott Walker was the only news anchor at the desk today. A commercial for Hoffman's Furniture usually reserved for the summer aired during the newscast's last commercial break. This commercial ended with the words "We Sell Air Conditioners!!" beside a portable air conditioner.

Tomorrow is the 53rd anniversary of WALA Channel 10, Mobile's first television station. The 50th anniversary of the station was never celebrated on the air. The closest viewers ever got to the station's grand past since then was during the on-air tribute to Dot Moore following her retirement in 2004 and the celebration of one WALA-TV employee's 50th year (1955-2005) at the station. February marks the 76th anniversary of Mobile's first radio station (call signs: WODX, WALA, WUNI, WMML, and WLVV) on the 1410 AM frequency. The station's first broadcast came from the Battle House Hotel in downtown Mobile. Sadly the station is still off the air due to hurricane-related damage in the station's current facility located off the Causeway between downtown Mobile and Daphne, Alabama. The 60th anniversary of Mobile's 710 AM (call signs: WKRG, WNTM, WPMI) is September 26th, 2006.

Today's Show

We start off today's show with...oh wait, the Uncle has suddenly taken the rest of the week off! Program director Scott O'Brien and Scott Walker of WPMI-TV hosted today's program. Expect the Uncle to return Monday and a review of Friday's show, if my "internal clock" permits me to wake up before 9:30 AM.


Notes of Interest:

"Spring...For Now" - TV5 meteorologist John Nodar

Walker's third weblog is now online. His first weblog was TV News Line, based on his first website.

Today's Show

We start off today's show from the unofficial theme song "My Love is Mobile" (with the Uncle singing the lyrics "celebration" and "Senior Bowl game"), followed by those familiar notes of music ("CBS Special Presentation 1973") leading up to, "Ok here we go, hello you're on the air". Following that clip from Mobile radio's past were Reggie Copeland of the Mobile City Council, "The Idea Guy", and Tim on the theme of this being "a great day in the City of Mobile". "Uncle Henry, wouldn't it be something tonight when the governor makes his speech, we have a 'Rawhide' (or "Bonanza") fire?" said "Idea" in a voice message recorded yesterday. He also referred to the governor's speech as the "State of the Steak" speech. "All right, Uncle Henry Show begins, Uncle Henry here", said the Uncle greeting one & all with the introduction by him. "Judging by the governor's speech, this is one of the greatest times in Alabama history", according to the Uncle, who knew all along we were in great times before last night's "State of the State" speech. "I would love to see a tax cluck, cut pushed through there", said the Uncle reflecting on one of the most popular applause lines of the speech. "Alabama is stronger, prouder, and better than ever", said the Uncle quoting Gov. Bob Riley last night, though our host has been thinking a lot about 2003 recently, including the "defining moment of rejecting his ideas" for the tax package known on this show as the Alabama Tax Plan. "I'd like a stronger, prouder, Alabama", said the Uncle as he played Riley's "State of the State" speech from 2003 in contrast to last night's speech. "We made our choice and he was wrong, no offence, God bless him, but he was wrong as wrong can be", said the Uncle after playing the clip. "I wonder if there have been any criminals set free" as a result of the failure to pass the Alabama Tax Plan. First caller Michael was "not impressed" by the governor's speech last night. "I'm not a Gov. Riley supporter, I will be the first to say that", said Michael before taking our host back to 2004, a year when prison funding was cut and "white-collar" criminals didn't serve a full prison sentence. "Maybe they have stimulated the economy", said the Uncle on the criminals, "it's possible". "We are over 300 officers short statewide, we are over 500 correction officers short statewide", said Michael. Before Michael left us, our host wondered about the one hundred billion dollars mentioned by the governor last night. Listeners were reminded to "let the phone ring" due to Leeanna's absence from call screening on account of an emergency. Our next caller joined us with a "Roll Tide" shout before saying that the governor's speech is the same old song played statewide, though he does support Riley as a member of the same political party. "It's just a vicious cycle and I appreciate your show, Uncle Henry", said the unnamed caller before our unnamed female caller joined us, who believed in the governor's message last night. "Why are these prices so high?" said one fellow aware of this being the end of the "driving season" during a mild winter, yet the demand for oil is still around. "I've got a good friend who is in upper management at Shell Oil", said our unnamed caller. "I don't think they built a new refinery", said our caller after reading a USA Today article stating that it's been years since a new one was built. Our last caller for the half-hour asked the Uncle if he were to join the armed services, what consequences are in store. "You may have to go the war, you have to pay the consequences", said the Uncle before the caller said, "case closed" before leaving us. Today's 9:30 AM half-hour gets a 5/5!


"Clearing" - TV5 meteorologist John Nodar

Today's Show

We start off today's show from the 10:30 AM half-hour with a voice message from Tim. "My verdict is not always to best, but I don't mind", said Tim. "All right, Uncle Henry Show continues", said the Uncle before reminding listeners to call in at (251) 479-2723 and to remind others who don't want to speak with a voice to send an electronic message to him. "I'm enjoying more and more reading electronic mail", said the Uncle, since he sees this as a better way of communication according to others, including those with the idea of e-mail "saving trees". "They say people don't come here because they like work, they come here because of cultural reasons", said the Uncle speaking about immigration after the newsbreak and commercials. "No, I don't buy that at all, I hope our government stands firm of this", said our host before our next caller Lonnie complimented 710 AM as "a fine radio station", except for radio host Glenn Beck. "Good morning", said our next caller "with two thoughts" on the border issue, including the idea of "shooting a hundred" illegal immigrants to scare others away and that the USA would be something completely different in the next few decades if this sort of immigration continues. Before leaving us, the fellow used the old "Chinese fire drill" term to describe the situation. Others may find this term offensive according to our host. Steve spoke about the fraudulent claims that arose following the storm named "Katrina". "If we're a nation like that, we're headed for another Great Depression", said Steve, who wished he were a "Josh Bernstein-type of person" and that he would "be all over this" investigation. In spite of the negative tone of the call, Steve left us on the note of waking up every day to know that he lives in this country. After the commercial break, "Uncle Henry is the walrus, all of us should know", said our next caller in a poem via voice message. "Is the walrus the drug dealer, the one with the hose", said the Uncle, who finds the poem insulting. "It's probably code for who's holding the pot", said the Uncle before Mike joined our host and Leeanna. "What happened to the supposed investigation into the innuendo of [Sam Jones] and the housing board", said Mike on an investigation that is really more federal than local. "Hey, good morning, Uncle Henry", said our next caller trying to figure out the "walrus" poem, concluding that our host would not be the walrus. "Well Leeanna, thanks for providing the 50% ratings success on today's show", said the Uncle before receiving a "thank you" in return. Today's 10:30 AM half-hour gets a 4.4/5!


"Soggy Finish" - TV5 meteorologist John Nodar

Today's Show

We start off today's show from the unofficial theme song "My Love is Mobile" ("that's my wonderful town"), followed by those familiar notes of music ("CBS Special Presentation 1973") leading up to a voice message from "The Idea Guy". "Uncle Henry, I'm listening to Scott O'Brien this morning and he's in his 11th day without smoking", said "Idea" considering this to be a "a news crisis", including Scott's 10-pound weight gain. "Thank you so much!" said the Uncle greeting one & all on a "beautiful Monday" morning. "I appreciate his concern", said Scott entering the room to the sounds of the song "Staying Alive". "Food tastes so much better, it's amazing to me", according to Scott. "You were one of the more looked at man in the building using the Bobby Solutions plan", said the Uncle reflecting on Scott in 2002. "I did use the product, I did think the product was helpful", said Scott, who has no idea what exactly is included in the product. "It made you stop eating at, like, 7 o'clock at night", the Uncle wondered. "Why don't you go crack it open?" our host asked Scott, but was only reminded that the product on Scott's dresser is over 2-years-old. "The money I'm saving on cigarettes, I'm saving on fried chicken", said Scott, who will try harder as he remains free of ten-pack cigarettes. "Do I look 10-pounds fatter?" Scott asked before leaving us to the sounds of "Staying Alive". Physically, Scott appears to be the same as before in our host's eyes. "I saw the guy dance, he's a good dancer", said the Uncle before suggesting that Scott dances to his "Saturday Night Fever" album and eat an apple (and/or oatmeal, as researchers suggest). Before allowing callers to speak on the air, our host brought up the Mobile Register article on the "snag" ("Mobile County Public School System's use of two Saraland schools as collateral in a loan for building and maintenance funds") preventing schools in Saraland, Alabama from forming their own school system. "Does this sound familiar, does this ring a bell?" said the Uncle on the news he brought up last October on the schools no longer being owned by the Mobile County Public School system. "I told you, I told you, I told you this months ago!" said the Uncle before asking himself why the Register waited four months to print this story. Our host suggested a newspaper column similar to "Sound Off" where the Register can keep up with the show's discussions. "Nobody listens, nobody seems to care", said first live caller Bill before encouraging listeners to pray that Judge Samuel Alito becomes a new Supreme Court justice after the confirmation process, thus putting an end to what he calls "a murder spree" spanning over 30 years. During the live commercial for Woody's Barbecue in Daphne, Alabama, our host suggested that Scott should take up the Atkins Diet. After the first commercial break, "Uncle Henry Show continues on a beautiful Monday, (251) 479-2723 is the number", said the Uncle before "Idea" joined us suggesting that Scott should be given his own TV program, with cameras following him around "dancing and eating friend chicken". "He said his last name is not really O'Brien, he just picked that up", said "Idea" after listening to Scott during this morning's "Mobile's First News", including the revelation of his real name being "Griffin or Griffith". "For the first time this weekend, I heard you advertise Hall's Meats", said our next caller, who was "pleasantly surprised" to the point of slapping his grandma, though she is deceased. "I was thinking about the Hall's Meats this morning", said the Uncle referring to this year's Hall's Meats calendar, including some Norman Rockwell pictures "he used to paint". "It's the Hall's Meats 2006 calendar, but it's not of meat", said the Uncle before learning from our next caller Mike that he sent an electronic message with numerous listings on when to "honk" during the college football season, including "Honk, if you're still Auburn". "It will be attacked and torn apart on the Paul Finebaum Show", said the Uncle after hearing Mike say that this electronic message will be on mentioned on the Finebaum program today. After the Michael P. Sloan newsbreak and commercials, our host will discuss the Alabama Legislature for 2006. Today's 9:30 AM half-hour gets a 5/5!


"Mild" - TV5 meteorologist John Nodar

Today's Show

We start off today's show from the unofficial theme song "My Love is Mobile" ("that's my wonderful town"), followed by those familiar notes of music ("CBS Special Presentation 1973") leading up to, "Ok here we go, hello you're on the air". Following that clip from Mobile radio's past were Reggie Copeland of the Mobile City Council, "The Idea Guy", and Tim on the theme of this being "a great day in the City of Mobile". Michael P. Sloan's voice was heard briefly in the background before a voice message from "Idea" was played. "Thank you so much, yes, Uncle Henry Show in progress", said the Uncle greeting one & all on a "beautiful Friday" morning before mentioning listener Brent and his band the Runway Coal Train's upcoming arrival at 555 Broadcast Drive for today's show. "The Idea Guy just brought up the Carnival cruise line coming to town", said the Uncle, along with suggestion of playing an Ann Murray song for the "snow birds" returning to the region. "You guys want to come in?" the Uncle asked, "the musicians are here!" "Is everybody sleepy for everyday activities", said the Uncle before learning that Brent was recently invited into this band. "It's kind of a combination between southern rock, country, and bluegrass", said one of the musicians, who has "a wide range of influences" in his talent. "Do you do your own compositions", the Uncle asked, which is true. Before playing at the Monsoons restaurant tonight, the band will perform for our host and the listeners after the first commercial break. "Uncle Henry Show continues, we have Runaway Coal Train", said the Uncle just 3-5 seconds away from the band's performance of an original song on banjo. "Outstanding, outstanding, outstanding, outstanding, I feel like I'm in the front row of a concert!" said the Uncle. "We're booked into June right now", said one musician in response to our host's question on the band's tour. "Who named you?" our host wondered, which just came about after being "thrown around" before settling on a name related to one musician's favorite subject. "Is this type of music something you can get on the radio?" said the Uncle on the music described by one band member as a "blue grass revival" with a "little country" thrown in there. Listeners were reminded to call in at (251) 479-2723 to question or comment on the Runaway Coal Train, along with the idea that "Leeanna's not doing what she's suppose to" when answering calls, causing some laughter in the studio. "All right, we have a shy person, probably wanted to talk to Leeanna", said the Uncle before our first live caller requested a performance of "Amazing Grace". "Yes, I have a comment, please", said another unnamed fellow before encouraging the band to "keep up the good work". "It's impossible to be in a bad mood when you're listening to that", said the Uncle during another call. "This is an old Bob Dylan tune", said one of the musicians beginning to perform before the end of this program segment. "Outstanding, outstanding", said the Uncle before asking the band if they can stay after the Sloan newsbreak or must they "split" right now. Our host used slang to communicate better with the band. Today's 9:30 AM half-hour gets a 4.8/5!

Notes of Interest:

"Chillier" - TV5 meteorologist John Nodar

Runaway Coal Train

WALA Channel 10 had some picture problems to resolve during their broadcast of the syndicated talk show "The Tony Danza Show" between 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM. In the meantime, viewers were left with a black & right picture ("snow") or a completely black picture with Channel 10's transparent logo in the lower right-hand corner.

Today's Show

We start off today's show from the unofficial theme song "My Love is Mobile" ("that's my wonderful town"), followed by those familiar notes of music ("CBS Special Presentation 1973") leading up to, "Ok here we go, hello you're on the air". Following that clip from the past were Reggie Copeland of the Mobile City Council, "The Idea Guy", and Tim on the theme of this being "a great day in the City of Mobile". "Thank you so much, thank you listener", said the Uncle greeting one & all. "Numerous topics to discuss on today's show, looking forward to it!" said our host before reminding listeners to call in at (251) 479-2723. "For the past 40 years, we picked the governors by saying, well, the new guy should be [a lot] better than the old guy", said the Uncle quoting Lieutenant Gov. Lucy Baxley up for the position of governor. "Is that really a big deal to you as a voter", the Uncle asked when referring to a candidate's gender, "it surprises me that people even care, especially at this type of job". "The older, the better", said the Uncle without offense to any younger candidates compared the Baxley. "She's coming off in her speech as coming from very humble beginnings, rising up through the political hierarchy and now she's going to represent the poor", said the Uncle. "Same old Alabama politics", said the Uncle, "blah, blah, blah, it's the same old, same old". "In the same day we get this proposal from Gov. Riley", said the Uncle on this plan for $500 million in school construction. "Of course you know, as I'm aware, more excited about Roy Moore's proposition for governor", according to the Uncle. "It doesn't bother me and doesn't help her", said the Uncle before going into the electronic mail box for the first time this year. "I was happy to see a judgement against a spammer in Iowa", said the Uncle, who hopes other such cases will be prosecuted. "Hey, Henry", said our first caller before mentioning Lurleen Wallace. Tim's voice message was played after the first commercial break. Our host has just learned from a search of the World Wide Web that Baxley gave some her own money to the Al Gore presidential campaign. Our next caller comes from Dothan ("one of the few metropolises in Alabama that I haven't spent some time in", said the Uncle) speaks about 710 AM's almost live stream no longer in operation. "There is not yet a targeted date", said the Uncle on whenever the almost live stream shall return, if sponsors permit. Today's 9:30 AM half-hour gets a 4.6/5!


"Cool, then Cold" - TV5 meteorologist John Nodar

Today's Show

We start off today's show from the unofficial theme song "My Love is Mobile" ("that's my wonderful town"), followed by those familiar notes of music ("CBS Special Presentation 1973") leading up to a voice message asking "where are those people" against outsourcing after the news of Hyundai and Chrysler joining forces to create a new automobile in the USA, "specifically Alabama". "Thank you so much, oh it's a pleasure to be here", said the Uncle greeting one & all on this warm winter day. "What a beautiful day, sun is shining, birds are singing", said our host. "Telephone number is 479-2723, that's 251-479-2723", said the Uncle before hoping that none of us left trash on the curb too early or face a fine under the City of Mobile's enforced law on leaving out trash on the curb. "This was in the newspaper last week", said the Uncle, who heard the story again about Citronelle, Alabama ridding itself of its "redneck image" during Mike Rush's report for one of WPMI-TV's evening newscasts. "I was not aware of Citronelle having any image at all, no offence to Citronelle", said the Uncle speaking as a long-time resident of southwest Alabama. "Face it, it's a town in the state of Alabama in the middle of the woods", said the Uncle after actually visiting the town in the past, "the people of Citronelle are still going to be Alabamians". "This politician, this person in Citronelle is off base", according to the Uncle, who finds residents in that town to be "hard working people". Our host believes it would take "decades of different festivals to change the image" of Citronelle. "You said you never heard of the image", said first caller George before reminding listeners and the Uncle of a time when Citronelle was a tourist destination for the wealthy and a spot for oil drilling until the 1960s. "It's just a nice quiet little town", said George before leaving us with a reminder to "take care of yourself". "It's a nice quiet little place", said the Uncle before mentioning the Piggly Wiggly grocery store located in Citronelle (makes him smile every time). "And that's a good thing", said the Uncle before the break. During the commercial break, including the Uncle's commercial for Woody's Barbecue in Daphne, Alabama, "NewsRadio…", part of 710 AM's station identification was heard during the first advertisement. After the first commercial break, "Hey Henry", said one fellow via voice message, "I just called from Saraland and just heard your show about all the trash talk". Listeners were reminded three times how to call in, but first our host must mention the "Sound Off" calls the Mobile Register has received over the movie "Brokeback Mountain", which is not being shown at any theatre in the Mobile region. "How do you estimate the number of people [wanting] to attend a gay cowboy movie", the Uncle asked, "no one's rights are being violated". "The whole movie industry has been on the decline", said the Uncle reflecting upon the ticket sales over the past three years, "I would like to go see a regular cowboy movie". "Let's talk to Chris, hello Chris", said the Uncle before our caller's shout of "Roll Tide, Uncle Henry!" "There ain't another John Wayne out there", said Chris answering our host's question on why there are no cowboy movies being remade, since "King Kong" (a non-western) was remade. "We had a large time, Uncle Henry, and we represented real well", said Chris after Monday's Cotton Bowl football game with the Alabama Crimson Tide. According to Jim the Tax Man on the lack of cowboy movies, "they kill too many minorities". Jim switched his call over to today's Mobile Register, which like many other newspapers east of the Mississippi River has the wrong story on the West Virginia miners who were trapped underground. "That's my firm opinion and I'm sticking to it", said Jim describing his feelings right now. "It's best the cowboy genre of movies be left in the past so that we can enjoy them", said the Uncle before the commercials and newsbreak. Today's 9:30 AM half-hour gets a 5/5!


"Warmer…For Now" - TV5 meteorologist John Nodar

Today's Show

We start off today's show with...oh wait, another "Best of Uncle Henry" show! All we can do is wait for the Uncle's grand return, since today is the observed New Year's Day (according to the calendar). Good day!


Notes of Interest:

"Improving" - TV5 meteorologist John Nodar

"The 11 O'Clock Swap"

On Sunday, December 31st, 1995 at 11:00 PM, the biggest change in Mobile television history took place after more than a year of anticipation. This one event completely changed the future of TV and radio in the Mobile region in many ways that were not foreseeable. Here are some excerpts from the Mobile Register from 1994 to early 1996:

August 1994

"The owners of WALA-TV have agreed to sell Mobile's NBC affiliate to a joint venture of Savoy Pictures Entertainment Inc. and Fox Television Stations, officials said Thursday. But the prospective new owners may sell WALA to another party before the first deal is final, according to WALA President Joe Cook. The whirlwind deal ends months of speculation that WALA would be sold, and continues Fox Broadcasting Network's march to improve its affiliation network."

October 1994

"There's still great uncertainty in TV Land two months after Savoy Pictures Entertainment Inc. and Fox Television Stations agreed to buy WALA-TV10, the local NBC affiliate. WALA's new owner was rumored to be interested in reselling WALA to someone else, which could have bumped WALA back to NBC or to another network altogether."

December 1994

"NBC has taken further steps to try and ensure that WALA-TV10 stays in the family. Late last week the network filed a petition with the FCC objecting to the recent purchase agreement between WALA and Savoy-Fox Broadcasting Co. NBC claims the license transfer should be invalid, citing FCC rules that prohibit more than 25 percent foreign ownership of U.S. television stations. Fox Broadcasting Co. is owned by global media giant News Corp., and run by Rupert Murdoch, a naturalized American."

May 1995

"While the FCC still hasn't given its blessing for WALA-10 to become a Fox affiliate, developments elsewhere last week suggest the deal will go through. Last Thursday the FCC voted conditionally to allow Savoy-Fox Broadcasting, the company that wants to buy WALA to purchase WLUK-TV in Green Bay, Wis. Savoy-Fox, a relatively new joint venture of Savoy Pictures Entertainment Inc. and Fox Television Stations, had the Green Bay deal in motion."

September 1995

"Last December, television viewers in Atlanta turned on their sets to watch CBS programs on WAGA the 40-year CBS affiliate only to find Fox shows where "Picket Fences'' and "Murder, She Wrote'' should have been. In six months to a year Mobile viewers who haven't kept up with events may find themselves in almost the same boat. But they'll be seeing Fox shows on a former NBC affiliate."

December 1995

"The NBC and Fox television networks will swap Mobile affiliates Jan. 1, causing WALA-10 and WPMI-15 to trade some programs, the stations announced Tuesday. The swap comes as a result of WALA's sale, finalized last August, to a joint venture of Savoy Pictures Entertainment Inc. and Fox Television Stations. For viewers, the essence of the swap is that Fox and NBC network-fed shows, specials and sporting events will be moving across the dial."

"The picture is starting to clear in terms of the news team being put together by Mobile and Pensacola's soon-to-be-NBC affiliate, WPMI-15. On Jan. 1 when WALA-10 and WPMI-15 switch network affiliations, Mobile will suddenly have a new group of TV journalists on the block. The on-air talent will be headed up by Gary Mattingly, who comes to Mobile from WDSU in New Orleans. He was a weekend anchor there."

"There's a new anchor in town, and Mobile's information-hungry TV audiences will soon be able to size him up for themselves. Gary Mattingly, 41, will head up the news team at 5, 6 and 10 p.m. for WPMI-15 after the station switches network affiliations. The network switch, slated for Dec. 31 at 11 p.m., will make WPMI-15 part of NBC, while WALA-10 will become a Fox station."

"It happens near the stroke of midnight on New Year's Eve, and might confuse all 433,060 television households in the Mobile/Pensacola market. For a while, at least. The NBC-Fox affiliation swap has been talked about for 16 months, and at 11 p.m. Sunday it's a done deal. The two TV stations involved, WPMI-15 and WALA-10, have purchased billboard and print advertisements and run their own ads to ease the confusion."

"The Dick Clark special starts at 11:30 p.m. on WEAR-3, and other specials are listed below. Don't forget that Mobile's affiliation swap between NBC and Fox is set to occur tonight."

January 1996

"Look for a complete listing below, and remember that today is the first full day of the NBC-Fox affiliation swap. Our listings show where everything is, so keep them by your side."

"So what kind of media year will 1996 be? Will the addition of WPMI-15's new electronic news team mean more competition and a higher quality of TV news..."

"Got a case of the TV channel switch blues? Like the new lineup? Starting at 11 last night, WALA-TV Channel 10 switched from being an NBC station to being a Fox network station and WPMI-TV Channel 15 changed from being a Fox affiliate to being an NBC station. The result: Viewers had to look on different stations for some of the same old shows."

"Channel switch irks most callers. Those in remote areas say [WPMI] signal is too weak to pick up former Channel 10 programs. Mobile-area television viewers woke up to a new era of programming Monday as the channel swap between WPMI and WALA took full effect, and many people clearly weren't ready for the abrupt change. "I think this new channel swap with WPMI and WALA really stinks. A whole lot of us can't get Channel 15, so that leaves us without any NBC."

"The commotion over Mobile's newly switched network affiliations brings to mind an old joke. It's the one about the preacher who was loved by his congregation as long as his sermons dealt with sin in general. When he began citing specifics, according to the punchline, he'd "quit preaching and gone to meddling.''

"For 25 years, NBC and WALA have been my favorites. I am really sick that they have separated. I hope Channel 10 puts "Jeopardy!'' back on the air and at a time when the high school students can watch it. It is one of the most educational programs on today, and I know a lot of people enjoyed it after coming home from school."

"A week after Mobile's dreaded affiliate change, the television-viewing public is still adjusting to the changes. The adjustments being made by TV viewers, however, aren't much compared with those of the people directly in front of and behind the cameras. WPMI's news team had a start that was rugged in places. But there were technical problems with deal with."

February 1996

"Ice stops signal from WPMI-15. Normal operations expected back by Tuesday afternoon; in meantime, station scrambles to air `Gulliver's Travels' for some viewers A combination punch of harsh winter weather and the laws of physics on Saturday knocked out WPMI-15's transmitter atop a 1,700-foot tower in Baldwin County Saturday. "Mother Nature got us with an ice storm and took the WPMI transmitter down,'' Andy Comegys."

"TV blackout is bad timing. The cold has turned the No. 1-rated NBC's "must see TV'' into "can't see TV'' along the Gulf Coast and it's costing WPMI money and ratings points. WPMI, which has been the NBC affiliate only since Jan. 1 after the much-ballyhooed switch from Fox, has been off the air since the wee hours of Saturday morning after ice formed on the transmission line on its 1,700-foot tower."

"While the recent NBC network switch from Channel 10 to Channel 15 did not seem to be such a big deal to me as far as finding my favorite network programs, I can now better understand the complaints from those who cannot get Channel 15 on antenna when the cable service is down. I do, however, think that WPMI has some improving to do in their delivery of programming. There are frequently ``dead air'' pauses between programs where nothing in on but their station logo."

"WPMI-TV still isn't back on the air, but the NBC affiliate was back on cable Thursday in Mobile, thanks to a microwave link between the station and Comcast Cable. The TV station is expected to be literally back "on the air'' in the Mobile-Pensacola area by Saturday afternoon when a new, temporary antenna is installed, said Andy Comegys, WPMI vice president and general manager."

"WPMI-TV was off the air again Tuesday morning while crews worked to repair a transmitter damaged when ice formed Feb. 3 on the transmission line of its 1,700-foot tower in Baldwin County. The ice blocked the station's signal, which caused a heat buildup that damaged the transmission line and couplers, officials said."

"WPMI-TV Channel 15's viewers, those who don't have or can't get cable may get relief today after nearly a month of pulling in foggy images from the tower. The station's transmitter cable, a key component of its antenna system, iced up in the early morning hours of Feb. 3. The ice blocked the station's signal, which caused a heat buildup that damaged the transmission line and couplers."