Weekend Update

Harry Teinowitz Out at Chicago's 'ESPN 1000' Harry is out at the afternoon "Carmen, Jurko and Harry" show at "ESPN 1000" WMVP-AM, Chicago. The Sports Talk station has "released" longtimer Harry Teinowitz, in the midst of declining ratings for the ESPN Radio outlet. Teinowitz had been with WMVP-AM since 1998 and in afternoons since 2001. He's been on the air in the market even longer counting time at other stations before joining WMVP-AM. Chicagoland Radio and Media reports that after his final show, and after he was told he was out, a memo was immediately sent to the rest of the station's staff. CRM tells us that the memo said: "At 6pm this evening Harry Teinowitz signed off air for the last time at ESPN Chicago. Throughout the many years that Harry has been with us, he has served in many different roles and has helped to establish the ESPN brand in Chicago. Harry’s contributions will be felt for years to come in every department at ESPN Chicago. We wish him nothing but the best in his future endeavors." CRM's Larz writes that no specific reason was given for the dismissal. "However, for the last year, WMVP-AM's afternoon show ratings have been a big disappointment for the station, as ratings have crept downward rather consistently." Teinowitz has four weeks remaining on his contract with "ESPN 1000" and will be paid through the remainder of it. Talk Host Jim Villanucci 'No Longer with Albuquerque's KKOB-AM' Conservative talk host Jim Villanucci is no longer with Talk "News Radio 770" KKOB-AM, Albuquerque. The longtime host says his contract was not renewed by the Cumulus station. In a statement Villanucci wrote that his contract was not renewed, nor was he offered an extension. The station simply announced that he "will not be coming back." Villanucci had been at KKOB-AM for 14 years. Local media in the market asking the station about the host's exit were told only that Villanucci was not fired but his contract was not picked up when it expired. Albuquerque's KOB-TV reports, "Over the past couple of years, many hosts have left the Albuquerque airwaves. So what is the future of local radio? Some said the loss of a long time personality is a big one and could definitely affect how many people tune in, but not permanently." Paula Maes of the New Mexico Broadcasters Association tells them, “It’s just change and change is, it’s hard at times. You know, it’s hard not to hear your familiar voices but, you know, it’s change. People keep moving on and people adapt to what’s happening.” Maes doesn’t know the specifics of why Villanucci’s contract wasn’t renewed, but she believes the economy, internet and syndicated radio could be to blame for the recent changes in the industry." There's no word yet on who will replace Villanucci. Louisiana's 'Star 101.9' Flips to Urban AC 'Mix 101.9' CHR-Top40 "Star 101.9" KNOE-FM, Monroe, Louisiana, flips to Urban AC "Mix 101.9" offering "Monroe's R&B and Classic Soul." The station, established in 1967, is currently owned by The Radio People and the broadcast license is held by Radio Monroe. As "Star 101.9" KNOE-FM had been waging an uphill battle with crosstown Opus Broadcasting CHR-Top40 "Hot 103.1" KQLQ-FM. Among KNOE-FM's six sister stations is Urban "100.1 The Beat" KRVV-FM, which recently has topped the ratings in the market. With the success of the Urban station, the Urban AC format for KNOE-FM is seen as a natural by observers there. A planned new website at Mix1019.net has not yet been activated. However, the new format is streaming live on the old "Star" site at www.StarRadioMonroe.com. Depite the old logo and now outdated content on that website, the audio stream is Urban AC and has liners identifying "Mix 101.9 - Monroe's R&B and Classic Soul." KNOE-FM was founded in 1967 by former Louisiana Governor James A. Noe, who had earlier started Monroe's KNOE-AM in 1944 and KNOE-TV in 1953. In 1936, he also acquired an AM station in New Orleans which he renamed WNOE-AM, and in 1968 started New Orleans station WNOE-FM.