Updated
Haverhill
Radio Listening Overtakes Television for the First Time; Studies Cite Cable Cord Cutting
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Radio has overtaken television for the first time in history among persons 18-49 in average audience and weekly reach. According to the watched Nielsen Total Audience Report, live and time-shifted television’s dominance has been consistently shrinking over the last few years. In 2022, the long-predicted resurgence of radio in the face of cable cord cutting came to pass. Media trade publications, citing other confirming studies, this week reacted to the seismic shift in Americans’ preferences. “The MRI Simmons January 2023 ‘How Americans Watch TV’ report reveals 51% have cut the cord.
Haverhill
Podcast: Former Fiorentini Rivals Turn His Refusal to Seek Re-Election Into Roast, of Sorts
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Part 2 of 2
On Monday, WHAV reported on Haverhill Mayor James J. Fiorentini’s decision not to seek re-election and his overview of the past 20 years. This report focuses on the reaction of former mayors, current elected officials and others reflecting on the mayor’s legacy. Haverhill Mayor James J. Fiorentini’s remarks last weekend that he will not seek another term came as little surprise to those that attended his breakfast, but did bring out an impromptu and good-natured roast by those who have worked for, or competed against, the man. Former Mayor James A. Rurak observed the presence of many of Fiorentini’s past political rivals, including himself, former Mayor William H. Ryan and retired Sen. James P. Jajuga. “First time we competed, I beat him.
Haverhill
Podcast: Tzitzon Details Little-Known Story of the Former Job of Registry of Motor Vehicle Inspector
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Those Massachusetts residents securing driver’s licenses prior to 1992 may remember having a state Registry of Motor Vehicles inspector as a passenger. Haverhill native James Tzitzon, who started his career as an inspector before becoming a state police trooper, tells the little-known story of how and why that position was eliminated in a consolidation with the Massachusetts State Police. His new book, “The History of The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicle Inspector,” details the inside story. “We had different regulatory duties, responsibilities to the Registrar of Motor Vehicles, with licensing, investigations, assisting the public, public relations, all those aspects. Investigating serious fatal accidents,” he says.
Haverhill
Podcast: Bergeron Returns to WHAV Studio Where Career Began; Reflects on Meeting His Idols
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(Additional photographs below.)
Transcript: WHAV’s recent move back to its original building in downtown Haverhill has brought back pleasant memories for many people, including Tom Bergeron, who made his way back to the very studio where he began his broadcasting career in 1972, while still attending Haverhill High School. Bergeron, who in the meantime has hosted “Hollywood Squares,” “America’s Funniest Home Videos” and “Dancing with the Stars,” among other shows, sat down with me and his former WHAV co-worker Tim Coco. He was asked if his move to Hollywood was, in part, a way to meet some of his childhood idols that included William Shatner, Dick Van Dyke and Carl Reiner. “You know it worked out that way. It really did.
Haverhill
Podcast: Couple Quietly Saves the Haverhill Southwick Clothing Legacy and Creates New Jobs
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The high-profile shuttering of Haverhill-based Southwick Clothing in 2020 was well known, but not so the story of how the company’s legacy was rescued and put people back to work—some as owners. Closing the maker of Brooks Brothers clothing meant not only the loss of 400 jobs, but an end to the only job some workers ever had since moving to the United States. May Tan, Southwick’s then-chief financial officer tasked with closing the factory, and her husband Ed Pap, told the story during a live interview during WHAV’s morning show. During the final days of the plant, she said she found an older Vietnamese woman in tears. Tan said the woman came to Haverhill after years in a refugee camp and her worst fear was being unable to support her family.
Community Spotlight
Podcast: Hobbs-Everett to Receive Special Drum Major for Justice Award at Rev. King Celebration
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Katrina Hobbs-Everett will be presented the “Special Drum Major for Justice Award” this Saturday when Haverhill’s Calvary Baptist Church hosts its first Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. celebration. Calvary Baptist Church, the oldest African-American Church in the Merrimack Valley, celebrates King’s life and legacy with a program called “Lifting as We Climb,” presented through song, dance and speech. During a recent appearance on WHAV’s morning program, Calvary Baptist Church Rev. Kenneth M. Young said the event begins Saturday, Jan. 14, at 2 p.m., with an art gallery featuring the works of youth artists and the MLK Quilt.
“There’s going to be pictures of the civil rights movement. We have an artist in our church, Steven Perry, with some of his art seen at the Buttonwoods Museum, is going to unveil his special MLK portrait, and we will be doing a silent auction for those who would like to take that home with them,” he said.
Education
Podcast: Whittier Tech to Spend the Next Year Deciding Between Renovation or Building New
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Cities and towns making up the membership of Whittier Regional Vocational Technical High School won’t be asked for at least a year to sign off on whatever plans emerge for a renovated or replacement school. During 2023, the School Building Committee will review what approach is most feasible, while following the process set down by the Massachusetts School Building Authority. Whittier Tech Superintendent Maureen Lynch, a recent guest on WHAV’s morning program, said there are three options—renovate the current building, renovate and expand to allow for more students or construct a new school altogether. “Over the next year or so, we are really going to be looking at what our best option is going to be. Then next year, next spring, we will be going to our communities, the spring of 2024, wow!
Haverhill
WHAV Presents An Old-Time Radio Christmas Eve; Also, Special Play by Massasoit Radio Players
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It’s An Old-Time Radio Christmas Eve Saturday on 97.9 WHAV. Holiday music begins after the 6 p.m. news, followed by the second annual presentation of “A Christmas Carol” at 7 by the Massasoit Radio Players of Massasoit Community College. At 8, it’s Superman’s Christmas Adventure as the man of steel fights to stop Dr. Grouch and Mr. Meaney who set out to destroy Santa’s workshop and steal the reindeer. Next up is Fibber McGee and Molly with Fibber putting up Christmas lights and decorations with hilarious results. Jimmy Stewart returns at 9 as George Bailey in the radio adaptation of the 1948 movie, “It’s a Wonderful Life.” When Stewart regrets ever being born, his guardian angel grants his wish on Christmas Eve.