The rumors had been swirling since December, but today WETA-FM officially announced that it will abandon its two-year old foray into news and talk radio in favor of returning to a classical music format. The move is unusual, though, in that the decision by the public station was made in conjunction with commercial WGMS-FM. The latter station, known as “Washington’s Classical Station,” will give up its format in favor of news and talk, effectively creating…

On the day following the D.C. Council’s second and final endorsement of a smoking ban in bars and restaurants, we can expect plenty of media coverage of the public’s reaction. Are residents pleased to be smoke-free, or nervous at what consequences may lay ahead for the hospitality industry? According to a WJLA headline, which really scooped the competition, “Patrons Have Mixed Opinions On D.C. Smoking Ban.” Hell, we could have told you that. Just read…

Back in January, when WHFS morphed suddenly and without ado into El Zol, it seemed rock radio in the Washington area was all but dead. Such old media rock listeners as still existed were forced to take in the corporatized nu-metal of DC 101 or static-y bursts of college radio, while the rest of us bought XM receivers and loaded our iPods with downloaded tracks, ‘casts, and mashups. Conventional wisdom has become that, in a…

“We aren’t looking to cry in our beers. No one is moving to Canada,” says Cory Smith, who helped found the D.C. chapter of Drinking Liberally, an “informal, inclusive weekly Democratic drinking club” that has chapters across the nation. While they drink, they talk politics and hope to build the network of people they feel is needed to fortify the health and refuel the spirit of the Democratic Party, which you may have heard has…

Just under two hours ago, venerable alternative radio flagship station WHFS, 99.1 on your FM dial, was taken off the air and replaced by “El Sol” which will play “a mixture of Salsa, Merengue and Bachata, targeting adults 25-54.” Ack! The move took many area radio listeners by surprise. Billboard Radio Monitor called the format change “a shocking move.” “We have made clear our desire to expand into this burgeoning market and believe this move…

DCist has been hearing some disturbing rumors again. Is Nightline host and news vetern Ted Koppel on his way out? While taking the Metro in to work this morning, we noticed an article in the Express via the LA Times, mentioning the resignation of Nightline executive producer Leroy Sievers. The LA Times quoted the departing producers resignation letter, which hints at some uncertainty surrounding the show’s future:The company has made it clear that it is…