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Follow the bouncing Browns' broadcast ballBy KEN GOTTLIEB C-T TV WriterBeing the center ol attention is nothing new for Cleveland Browns principal owner Art Model I.It's just that the attention usually comes in the local sports world, where Modell has been a major figure for more than 20years.BUT NOW Modell has also taken the spotlight in the local broadcasting business, with rumors and speculation swirling about two big moves he and his business partners may be about to make.In addition to his role with the Browns, Modell is a partner in Lake Erie Radio Co., which owns WJW-AM in Cleveland.The action began earlier this week when the Browns’ board of directors met Monday to award the team's radio broadcast rights to a local station.Team officials would not comment on the outcome of the meeting, saying a public announcement will be made early next week.ART MODELLBUT AN informed source said the team will announce it has ended its 17-year association with WHK-AM in favor of Model I’s Lake Erie Radio Co. and WJW.At the same time, two other sources in the broadcasting industry said they expect LakeErie Radio to sell WJW soon and purchase WWWE-AM and WDOK-FM, currently owned by Gannett Co., Inc., publishers of USA Today.If that happens. Lake Erie Radio would still retain the football radio rights and could simply transfer them to WWWE or WDOK.Neither Modell nor Gannett officials would comment on the possible station transactions.HOWEVER, ONE source expressed “99.9 percent” certainty the transactions would be made, saying “the deal is already cut.”Among the many interested observers ol these developments is Browns minority owner Bob Gries, who sued Modell last year when he learned WJW had submitted an ”out*of-the-ordi-nary” rights bid that included a piece of the station itself.Gries has declined to comment on this week’s board meeting, which he attended, but may have something to say later.“I have things I can say assoon as a public announcement is made,” he said. “But I promised not to comment before then.”ANOTHER INTERESTEDobserver is former Browns player Thom Darden, now an executive vice president of WIN Communications, which purchased WQAL-FM last year.If WJW became available,would WIN he interested in acquiring it?“That would be a logical move,” Darden said, “because (WQAL) is a stand-alone FM. But we’re not in a position to say right now. There is no deal on the table.”There is, however, one person willing to speak freely on the subject.WWWE sports talkshow host Pete Franklin — who will speak freely on any subject — is again threatening to leave town when his current contract expires in November.BUT FRANKLIN said he would reconsider should Modell’s group by WWWE and WDOK.TV newsShannon Jewell, editor“It would probably be the best thing in the world,” Franklin said.“I love Cleveland and if they’ll pay American money. I'd probably stay.”HERE'S JOHNNY — Johnny Carson will come to WUAB-TV Channel 43, probably this fall, in a new syndicated program,“Carson’s Comedy Classics.The half-hour show consists of sketches performed by Carson over the years on “The Tonight Show.”Included are such Tonight” staples as Carnac the Magnificent, The Tea Time Movie with Art Fern, and The Mighty Carson Art Players.• * *THEY KNOCKED THEROCK — Rocky Colavito is out of the running for the color commentator job on Channel 43 Indians baseball telecasts this year, supposedly because he was asking too much money.Colavito was unavailable to comment on the situation.Oddly enough, Channel 43’s parent company, Gaylord Broadcasting, is in the process of paying millions for a part interest in the Texas Rangers baseball team, but could not afford a few thousand extra for Colavito.Another former major leaguer, Nelson Briles, is also out of the picture, having signed recently to do Seattle Mariners games.A station spokesman said the search has now turned to “a former Cleveland star” not previously in the running.
Newspaper Details
The Chronicle Telegram
Elyria, Ohio, US
Sat, Feb 23, 1985
Page 4
Full Page
Clipped by
Nathan O.
OH, USA 12 Oct 2021
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