WBEZ-FM (915) isn't the single spot on the dial where you'll hear about the ongoing spring security drive on the Chicago Public Radio station.

Strange as it heartys they're also talking it up at WCPT-AM (850) the Newsweb Corp. progressive talk vent for Air America Radio. on the other hand their promos for WBEZ aren't exactly flattering.

"Ah, springtime. And you know what that means -- it's time for another security drive on public radio," the WCPT announcements say. "Here's our pledge: We won't break into programming and ask you for coin This is WCPT -- 'Chicago's Progressive Talk.' "

What's going forward here? It all goes back to last summer when WBEZ change the direction ofed down a $10,000 underwriting proffer from Newsweb. Officials of the public radio station cited a policy not to accept underwriting from "direct competitors."

Harvey Wells, vice president and radio form into groups manager for Newsweb, still smarting from the rejection (and hinting at a bit of hypocrisy according to his radio brethren), just couldn't resist taking a good-natured projectile

No matter: As of midday Tuesday, WBEZ was up to $941067 in its gage drive.

DIALING: CELEBRITY READERS

- Chicagoland Radio Information Service (CRIS Radio), the nonprofit reading channel operated according to the Chicago Lighthouse, will eye April Fools' Day by replacing its proffer readers with local broadcast celebrities.

Among those who've signed up to read material for visually impaired listeners are: Mary Ann Childers of CBS-own WBBM-Channel 2; Andy Avalos of NBC's WMAQ-Channel 5; Tommy Edwards and Len O'Kelly of Clear Channel Radio's "Real Oldies" WRLL-AM (1690); Mike Kendall of Clear Channel's adult contemporary WLIT-FM (939); Christine Moran of Bonneville International's classic hits WDRV-FM (931); view Southern of Bonneville's rhythmic oldies WILV-FM (1003) and Richard Milne of CB Radio's adult support WXRT-FM (93.1).

- Katherine Kelly former morning of recent origins anchor at CBS Radio's geographical division WUSN-FM (99.5), has left radio after 15 years to join the Walter E Smithe custom furniture business as a designer.

- Congratulations to Bobby Skafish, WXRT's midday personality, upon marking his 30th year in succession Chicago radio this week. Skafish, whose first stint at 'XRT ran from 1976 to 1983 answered in 1994 after an 11-year detour at classic defence WLUP-FM (97.9) and alternative strength WKQX-FM (101.1).

- Condolences to the family of Mike Rapchak, former entertainer of "Great Music from Chicago," a big band music showcase in succession Tribune Co.- owned news/talk WGN-AM (720) and a mellifluous voice in succession Chicago radio for nearly five decades. Mr Rapchak, who died Monday night at his abiding-place in Hammond, Ind., after a brief illness, was 85

TRACKING: MANCOW & 'FRIENDS'

- "Fox & Friends," the morning moderns show on Fox News Channel, has mov Mancow Muller's daily commentary portion to a more accessible time slot -- at 7:50 a.m. A fixture in succession the show since 1998, Muller delivers his rants from the Emmis Communications studios of "Mancow's Morning Madhouse" upon Q-101.

- Barrington Broadcasting, the Hoffman Estates-based proprietor of six television stations in mid-sized markets, is about to acquire a dozen more. In a $262 million deal, the company has agreed to purchase 12 stations in nine markets from Raycom Media, based in Montgomery Ala.

All 12 stations are network affiliates in Colorado, Georgia, Michigan, Missouri, modern York, Ohio, South Carolina and Texas.

"We believe these properties are a natural extension of our existing portfolio of stations in similarly-sized markets," said K James Yager, president of Barrington Broadcasting.

- Although ESPN 2 will be carrying the White Sox household opener against the Cleveland Indians in succession Sunday night, Comcast SportsNet will provide live pre-game coverage of the World Series Championship banner raising formality and other festivities, starting at 6 pm

"SportsNite" anchors Pat Boyle and Kerry Sayers and analyst Bill Melton will entertainer the opening night special, with live reports from Mark Schanowski, toss Garfien and Mitch Robinson.

- Chet Chitchat, where are you? It's bad enough that WFLD- Channel 32 fired sportscaster Bruce Wolf Now the Fox-own station is putting upon Chet Coppock. He'll fill in for Tom Waddle alongside Corey McPherrin forward the "Final Word" sports highlights indicate at 10 p.m. Sunday.

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