Archives Reprint

   Q: What happened to David Lee and Melissa from the morning show at WJJS?

    - A.T. Smith, Salem

   Patricia Love, Roanoke

    A: David Lee Michaels, a 17-year veteran of Roanoke radio, said that after the May 28 show, he, Melissa Morgan and producer Brian Woodward were told separately that they were losing their jobs and would not be going back on the air.

    "It was a shock," said Morgan, though she said she was well aware that she had had an unusually long streak on the "Morning Showgram" at "Jammin'" WJJS (106.1 FM).

    The reason for the shake-up was a decision to change formats, according to WJJS management. From our highly unscientific sampling on Thursday, that means it's gone from vapid Britney Spears tunes to potty-mouthed rap.

    The difference between the pop and rhythm formats may be negligible to an old fogey like myself, but apparently it means a lot to folks in the radio business. For one thing, it means that WJJS is no longer playing the same category of music as K92.

    "We needed to change the direction of the station overall," said Chris Clendenen, vice president and market manager for Clear Channel.

    Michaels' and Morgan's ratings had slipped, he said, and Clendenen didn't think their style would fit with the new music. He said WJJS' next morning show will be "very different."

    "Personally, I love them," Clendenen said. "They had a successful run and it was just time."

    Their run together had lasted six years - or about 1,566 weekday mornings.

    "It was fun," said Michaels, "for four hours we got to be ourselves. We invited a bunch of people to this party and they came. We got to know so many listeners on such a personal level."

    Having four hours of fun every morning is addictive, said Morgan. "Not having that laughter every day is one of the biggest things I've missed."

    Michaels said they considered taking their show to another market, but each ultimately decided to stay in Roanoke. ( Woodward, has taken a job in Richmond.)

    Unless another local radio station makes them an offer, Michaels plans to make his photography business a full-time venture and Morgan plans to sell real estate.

    Though they don't spend four hours chatting every morning, they still hang out together.

    "We're the best of friends," said Morgan.

    Q: Can you give us some background information on Maj. Gen. Galen Jackman, the military aide who accompanied Nancy Rea- gan during her husband's funeral? He was the epitome of military discipline, perfection and professionalism.

    - Georgie F. Brizendine,

    Roanoke

    A: Jackman is the commanding general of the Army's Military District of Washington.

    Not only did Jackman perform his own somber duties, but soldiers under his command also carried out much of the funeral - everything from firing cannons to shoeing horses.

    Originally from Lincoln, Neb., Jackman joined the ROTC in college and has since held many command positions, including a Special Forces unit, the 7th Infantry Division and the U.S. Southern Command.

    Got a question? Call Tom Angleberger at 381-1663 or send an e-mail to woym@roanoke.com. Don't forget to provide your full name, its proper spelling and your hometown.

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