Industry News

Elci Remains Off WJJF-FM as Equal Time Issue Negotiated

WJJF-FM, Montauk morning drive host Lee Elci is still off the air while his employer attempts to negotiate a deal with Connecticut State Senator Martha Marx (D-New London), against whom Elci is running as a Republican in the November elections. Elci joined the race late after the Republican nominee was unable to continue the imgrace. Elci said he intended to not talk about his candidacy or issues relevant to the race but Marx says her request for equal time is in line with FCC regulations and that Elci has to either leave the air until after election day or she gets four hours of airtime to comply with the law. Elci tells CT Insider he’s not involved in the negotiations, “If it were up to me, it would be done a different way. Unfortunately, I don’t know what the final deal is and I guess it’s still a work in progress. Look, I don’t want to come off the air. That’s the last thing I want, and, you know, it’s killing me that I haven’t worked this week. I feel like I’ve let my listeners down. I feel like I let a lot of people down when it comes to this, and I’m getting pulled in a lot of directions for this.” WJJF-FM Saturday morning host Rocky is filling in for Elci.  See the CT Insider story here.

Industry News

Elci Off the Air as WJJF Considers Options

WJJF-FM, Montauk morning drive host Lee Elci is off the air at the Red Wolf Broadcasting news/talk station at the company reviews its options regarding Elci’s recently announced campaign for Connecticut’s 20th State Senate District seat. After announcing his imgcampaign, Elci stated that he intends to not discuss campaign issues or his campaign during his program. But incumbent Senator Martha Marx’s campaign is demanding equal time under FCC rules. Marx tells CT Mirror that if Elci wants to stay on the air, then the station has to give her a four-hour show. The other issue is that if Elci stays on the air, it could be considered an in-kind campaign contribution by the station and that could violate Connecticut campaign laws. For his part, Elci tells CT Mirror the station’s lawyers are seeking clarification for elections enforcement officials. He adds, “Big picture is I wouldn’t want to put my station in jeopardy,” he said. See the CT Mirror story here.

Industry News

WJJF Host Lee Elci Running for State Senate in Connecticut

Lee Elci is the morning host at Red Wolf Broadcasting’s news/talk WJJF-FM, Montauk, New York and he announces that he’s throwing his hat in the ring as a Republican candidate for the Connecticut State Senate in the 20th District. Numerous Connecticut media outlets are reporting the story, including LymeLine, and Elci tells the imgnews site, “There’s a great quote from Theodore Roosevelt back in 1910 about being ‘a man in the arena,’ I think it’s time for me to get in the arena and try to do what’s right.” Elci is entering the race a bit late after the candidate endorsed by the Connecticut Republican Party in May – Ron LaBonte – says he’s no longer able to run for the office currently held by Democrat Martha Marx. The Connecticut State Legislature is a part-time body that meets for several months during the first half of the year. Elci says he could do both jobs if he wins the race. Elci tells LymeLine he will continue to do his show and will not talk about his campaign or issues involving towns in the district. See the LymeLine story here.

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

WLIWAs a result of purchasing the frequency of long-silent Montauk, NY’s WEER-FM (88.7), The WNET Group will extend coverage of its public radio news/talk outlet WLIW-FM. The addition of 88.7 will allow WLIW-FM’s signal to reach Southern Connecticut and Rhode Island. WLIW-FM VP/GM Diane Masciale notes, “WLIW-FM has taken another step forward in our coverage and commitment to our community. In the weeks ahead, we’re also looking to deliver a new app that will allow audiences to easily take WLIW-FM wherever life takes them.”

 

Previous PGA player and a SiriusXM PGA Tour Radio announcer since 2005, Mark Carnevale, 64, died Monday (7/22). He most recently called the action at the Scottish Open. PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan notes, “Mark was a beloved part of the Tour family for a long time. He held numerous roles within the industry, most recently as a significant voice in PGA Tour Radio’s coverage. Mark knew the game and did a terrific job of conveying insights from his unique point of view – and with an engaging wit and sense of humor.” Carnevale made 212 starts on the PGA Tour, earning his lone win at the 1992 Chattanooga Classic and taking home that year’s PGA Tour Rookie of the Year honors.