Press Gazette - Top 2010

Warren Gerds column: Top TV, radio stories of 2010

Green Bay Press Gazette - Green Bay, Wis.

Author:	Warren Gerds
Date:	Jan 4, 2011
Start Page:	B.7
Section:	Life
Text Word Count:	461

Document Text

The big story in TV and radio locally in 2010 is about a fallout. Looking back:

* Profound: The makers of the "Wisconsin Vietnam War Stories" public TV documentary help inspire the landmark LZ Lambeau, an emotional welcome-home weekend at Lambeau Field in Green Bay. The program earns a regional Emmy, and the event inspires similar welcome-homes elsewhere.

* Vince lives on: HBO and the Green Bay Packers do up the premiere of the documentary "Lombardi" big. Bart Starr, Jerry Kramer and Dave Robinson appear, and the showing is electric. "To premiere 'Lombardi' at Lambeau Field -- I really can't think of anything more perfect," says producer Joe Lavine.

* Headaches: WBAY, Channel 2, and WPNE, Channel 38, share the same tower and share transmission problems that last for almost five months. Six channels are affected.

* Radio changes: Soft-pop WECB ("The Breeze") is replaced by quicker-paced hits on WCHK ("Chuck FM) at 104.3 and 103.5 FM. The 24/7 Christmas music of the past shifts to WCHK's Internet station. WAUN, 92.7 FM shifts from smooth jazz to light jazz-rock. Alt-rock WZNN ("The Zone") switched to adult album alternative WKRU ("The Cruise") at 106.7 FM.

* He's honored: John Anderson of ESPN's "SportsCenter" and ABC's "Wipeout" returns to Green Bay Southwest High School to accept his alma mater's first distinguished alumni award.

* Academics, too: Professors associated with "A Mirror of Our Culture: Sport & Society," a notable academic conference hosted by the Packers and St. Norbert College, closely examine TV sports viewing and find it "active and participatory" -- yelling for the home team -- rather than passive. Yeah.

* Glib, plus: Globetrotting Anthony Bourdain of TV's "No Reservations" makes a spontaneous, entertaining, acerbic appearance at the Weidner Center.

* Death: Personable former WLUK meteorologist Bob Thomas, noted for sailing the world for 10 years, dies at age 89. His family lays a wreath in his honor in waters off Egg Harbor Yacht Club.

* Eight for eight: Green Bay native Tony Shalhoub earns an eighth -- and final -- Emmy Award nomination for his role on "Monk."

* From here: Two local women are featured in TV series, Marcia Prentice in HGTV's "Design School" and Sharon Hinnendael in Showtime's late-night "Look."

* Ripple effect: Using sophisticated techniques and stories with power, the Green Bay made documentary "The Hidden Homeless" reaches a statewide audience, earns national honors and carries on as part of an exhibit on local poverty.

* Yawn patrol: WBAY, Channel 2, moves its morning newscast a half-hour earlier, 4:30 a.m.

* More than a tweak: Time Warner Cable changes its digital experience for subscribers.

Warren Gerds writes about television and radio for the Press-Gazette. Write to him at P.O. Box 23430, Green Bay, WI 54305-3430 or e-mail wgerds@greenbaypressgazette.com.