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WCBM still strong in Baltimore ratings
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It's not a fluke after all, WCBM continues a strong showing in the latest ratings, see the breakdown in comparison to other local stations: http://www.radioandrecords.com/RRRatings/
Sadly the radio station's long time owner and biggest Talk Show fan, Nicholas Mangione, didn't see the new numbers. But hopefully he was aware of the trend when he passed away two weeks ago. The Sun painted an accurate picture of the man who embodies the American Dream here.
Nick Sr. was among the last of a dying breed. Men (for the most part) who started out in life with little or nothing, or in some cases, less than nothing, and through determination, or need, or a combination of both, found their path to success in life. He was not only a devoted father and grandfather, but a veteran, a businessman, and a generous station owner. Although some co-workers scoffed at the annual Christmas bonus, I was elated and surprised to find a brand new one hundred dollar bill inside of the Christmas card signed by Nick Sr. and his wife Mary every year.
That $100, coming in the second week of December, stretched farther than Nick would ever know: Raising 3 teenagers, buying Christmas gifts, and paying bills at the "most wonderful time" of the year meant the wallet was usually running on empty. The cash gift was appreciated by everyone in my home. It meant a few more presents, a couple more grocery items, paying part of an outstanding balance on a bill. The first year working at the station, I was simply shocked at the cash gift. Other stations had been cutting back, where they once gave entire food baskets including turkeys, hams, and all the trimmings, many resorted to Gift Certificates which were probably part of a trade-out deal with an advertiser. Some gave no gifts at all. But hundred dollar bills to employees every year, that came from Nicks' generosity....no ad agency was tied in with that give away'. No commercial tie-in, no promotional consideration, just the crisp Benjamin Franklin peering out from in a hand signed card.
This year WCBM will still have its holiday party, but without our long time owner. Would it be wrong to refer to him as Saint Nick this year? Because to many of us who worked for the man, thats what he became at this time every year. We will miss you Nick.
I feel blessed to have worked for a man like this, one of a dying breed, a rare generosity, in the world where every day brings grim financial news. Hope his tradition lives on.
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