March 26, 2007

Hi gang!

Well here I am at CRN and as executive producer my duties include overseeing six national 24/7 channels. But what is CRN? Well maybe this will help:

"CRN Digital Talk Radio is the premier provider for radio syndication. CRN develops the hottest new and unique talk talent and distributes it worldwide via radio, cable TV audio, satellite audio and the Internet."

Those of you who have worked with me in the past know that I am not the easiest person to deal with and at times perhaps my diplomacy could be better. With that said, it is with total honesty that you should know that the people I work with at CRN are the best of the broadcast world and unlike others in the business, CRN is striving everyday to produce "real radio", the way it should be, exciting, creative and professional. Starting with Mike Horn, our President and owner, who unquestionably understands the industry and whose talents are equal to any major market radio talent I have ever worked with at anytime. Jennifer Horn is Mike's daughter and former president of "Women in Cable " and co-hosts the "Doug Stephan Show" and is invaluable for her knowledge and creativity. Erin Farrell is also on the business side and handles affiliations and oversees major projects. Stephanie Bamondi is in charge of Human Resources and Accounting but also has a very creative side and is working with PR and specifically the CRN "My Space" website. Eric Horn and Courtney Kadera work with Stephanie and their combined energy and hard work keep the operation moving ahead. Paul Stern is CRN's "Operations Director" and co-hosts the "AM SHOW" with Jennifer Horn and "What's Cookin" with Mike Horn. He certainly knows the talk radio players and is a great guy. Back when I was a "top forty jock", having Erik Hines on the show would have been great. Digital editing has replaced the razor blade, but as CRN's production Director , Erik has the talent and knowledge which combine the creativity and excitement of the "good ole days" with the technological superiority of today. Erik also produces the popular "What's Cookin on Wine" show from the Napa Rose restaurant at Disneyland every Friday night with the legendary "Robert Balzar". Tomas is CRN's Assistant Operations Director and has almost as much time as I do in radio, working as a programmer and air talent in many outlets across this country. David Sears has great expertise in the broadcast industry and has held many key positions, so it is great to be working with such a respected talent who also hosts "We the People" on Saturday nights. (By the way, he is also married to Jann Carle of "Entertainment Tonight" ... wow some guys have all the luck!) Jill Garneski is on the CRN staff as Executive Producer for Celebrity Programming and also has the Celebrity Soup website and Elmer Dills and Friends on Saturdays. Her creativity and drive help to make CRN to always be on the edge of "whats happening". Larry Lipson is with the Los Angeles Daily News and joins "What's Cookin" every Wednesday live across America with his unique commentary and thought on Food & Wine. Steve Evans with the Sundance Channel is live on "What's Cookin" every Friday with the weekend movie pics and Jeremy Wilkinson from Great Wines International previews some great wines on Friday's show as well.

I am so fortunate to be working with true broadcast professionals such as:

Elmer Dills ("Elmer Dills & Friends" - Saturdays at 2 PM PT)

The former CIA agent and Los Angeles food legend hosts a new show across America with his lovely wife Lynne. Brandon Drake is the producer/engineer and pulls it all together weekly.

Ed McMahon ("What's Cookin" - Thursdays at 8:30 AM PT)

In my mind , the nicest celebrity in entertainment today and a "real person". I have known Ed since my days at his first radio station, WLLH in Lowell, MA and his kindness, professionalism and willingness to have fun on the air have not changed in all that time - A real good guy!

Charlie Barrett ("Sinatra & Co" - SA/SUN 12-4 AM)

Charlie Barrett is a friend and has been in the business for many years. He hosts a "Sinatra" show on weekends and also contributes to "What's Cookin" as a travel reporter. In addition to working as a publicist for CRN, he also represents "The Amazing Race" and other high profile clients and owns the Barrett Company.

Gregg Hunter ("Gregg Hunter's Niteside" TH 8-10 PM PT)

Working with Gregg is a real kick as he knows the entertainment world and the "real Hollywood stars" inside out and although it sometimes appears that we have a generation gap, we really don't. His knowledge of celebrities combined with his execution on air and his former status as host of the live program from the original Brown Derby in Hollywood have earned my respect and admiration.

In addition Dick Sinclair, Linda Salvin, Les Kincaid, Ira Sternberg, Brent Ogle, Dr. Mitchell Perry, Larry Windsor and Fred Wallin join the above in making this crew the most professional and best I have ever had the pleasure of working with in the broadcast industry . Rounding out our team is Arline Fields, Mike Horn's assistant who keeps tabs on everything and Terry Bates, who handles insurance and shares an office with me.

This first blog spend a lot of time telling you who we are so your are able to understand our combined experience and what we can do together as a team. Future updates will deal with the programming, guests and what you can expect from CRN in the week ahead. Here is a quick look at some of guests this week and a brief musical tribute to Captain Fantastic (Elton John) who turns 60 on Sunday.

Jack

MON MAR 26 SECRET WORD OF DAY - BOTTLE

WC SHOW - 8:30 AM PT Xemina Gabella Adventure Wines
WC SHOW - 8:30 AM PT Angela Skinner "Race Day Grub"

TUE MAR 27 SECRET WORD OF DAY - ORANGE

WC SHOW 8:10 AM PT Micharl Barnes "Malibu Wine Classic"
WC SHOW 8:30 AM PT Dave Williams "Yamashiro Easter Buffet"

WED MAR 28 SECRET WORD OF DAY - COOKIE

WC SHOW 8:10 AM PT Larry Lipson (Food writer - LA Daily News)
WC SHOW 8:20 AM PT Leslie Sbrocco Wedding Wine Expert
WC SHOW 8:30 AM PT Lisa Keam Tropicana Las Vegas 50th Anniversary

THU MAR 29 SECRET WORD OF DAY - PAPER

WC SHOW 8:10 AM PT Vincent Brunetti - Hyatt Long Beach

FRI MAR 30 WORD OF DAY - DOOR

WC SHOW 8:30 AM PT Jeremy Wilkinson (Great Wines International)
WC SHOW 8:50 AM PT Steve Evans Sundance Channel

ELTON JOHN IS 60 ON SUNDAY MARCH 25, 2007

In a career spanning four decades, Elton John has sold over 250 million records and has over 50 Top 40 hits, making him one of the most successful musicians of all time. John was one of the dominant commercial forces in the rock world during the 1970s, with a string of seven consecutive #1 records on the U.S. album charts, 23 Top 40 singles, 16 Top 10 ones, and six #1 hits. His success had a profound impact on popular music, and contributed to the continued popularity of the piano in rock and roll. Key musical elements in John's success included his melodic gifts matched with the contributions of his lyricist partner Bernie Taupin, his rich tenor and gospel-chorded piano, aggressive string arrangements, and his flamboyant fashion sense and on-stage showmanship. In 2004, Rolling Stone Magazine ranked Elton John #49 on their list of the 100 Greatest Artists of All Time. He continues to be a major public figure, and has been heavily involved in the fight against AIDS since the late 1980s. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994 and was knighted in 1998, and has remained an enduringly successful artist. Also, Elton is a champion for gay rights.

Click Play Button below for Elton Montage