Indiana RadioWatch: April 8, 2011

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Three important notes from the administrative desk:

April brings IRW's first visit to the NAB Show in Las Vegas. Will you or your colleagues be there? Please reply, if so.

What did your radio station do for April Fools? Tell us about it, and IRW will publish the responses in our next issue.

Shortly after our last issue, a colleague e-mailed with his radio station's current on-air lineup. This gave IRW the idea: "Let's write the on-air lineups of radio stations around the state." Instead of IRW perusing radio station websites (...and perhaps finding outdated information...), let's make this reader generated. E-mail your lineup to us (even if it is a pointer to a URL), and we will publish some in our next issue.

Onto the news...

Northeast

Which radio station will soon have new ownership? We'll tell you soon.

After the death last year of owner Chris Larko, one of his two radio stations is now silent. Hot AC/WMYQ (101.1fm, South Whitley) fell silent at 3:00PM on Tuesday 29 March. When we asked WMYQ about the latest development, they told IRW: "WMYQ/MyQ101 is currently exploring a number of different opportunities, and we invite everyone to continue checking back from time to time. We owe a debt of gratitude to all of our fabulously loyal listeners. If not for their amazing support, we could not have lived this dream." Mr. Larko's other station Oldies/WBZQ (1300am, Huntington) remains on the air.

Independence Media's Talk/WNUY (100.1fm, Bluffton) retools on Monday 28 March, with a new programming lineup. WNUY replaces Laura Ingraham with Dennis Miller (9am until 12pm) and replaces Dave Ramsey with "The Loose Cannons" (Pat O'Brian, et al.) (3pm until 6pm). WNUY OM/PD Pete LaFaucia tells IRW that WNUY remains in a talk format after the 1 May 2011 closing of WNUY's $350,000 sale by Dallas, Texas-based Independence Media to Fort Wayne-owned Godwin-Starks Property Management LLC. But what about the fates of syndicated talkers Ms. Ingraham and Mr. Ramsey?

Both syndicated talkers move to Summit City Radio Group's WGL (1250am, Fort Wayne). Dave Ramsey is now on WGL from Noon until 3:00PM each day, while Laura Ingraham will soon appear on WGL.

Andy Beckman joins Federated Media's Hot AC/WMEE (97.3fm, Fort Wayne) in mornings, alongside Nichole Roberts. Former morning co-host Zack Skyler moves to middays. Boomer remains in afternoons and the syndicated Billy Bush in nights, all under OM Jimmy Knight.

Charlie Adams returns to PD and mornings at Upper Wabash Broadcasting's AC/WKUZ (95.9fm, Wabash). Mr. Adams once owned WKUZ, which is now LMA'ed by Brothers Broadcasting Corp.

At Northeast Indiana Public Radio's Talk-Jazz/WBOI (89.1fm, Fort Wayne), Sean Bueter is the new local morning host, during NPR's "Morning Edition." While an undergrad at Ball State University, Mr. Bueter had a brief internship on NPR's "Morning Edition."

Oasis Radio Group's Rhythmic CHR/WJFX (107.9fm, New Haven) changes imaging voices from Kelly Kelly Kelly (Kelly Doherty) to Jude Corbett.

Former Federated Media Hot AC/WMEE (97.3fm, Fort Wayne) morning host Steve Kerrigan passed away on Monday 14 March. The 51-year-old Kerrigan handled mornings at WMEE for about 9 months in late 2005 and 2006.

Where are they now (Part 1)? Updates on a pair of former WBTU staffers: Wild Bill McKubby just left mornings at KYSM in Mankato, Minnesota, and Crash Davis exits Gainesville, Florida's WNDD to focus on voiceover work. Mr. Davis also did stadium P.A. duties for the Detroit Tigers, during their spring training time in Lakeland, Florida.

Where are they now (Part 2)? Former WJFX DJ Mia Amini is now PD at Cumulus' KKCT in Bismarck, South Dakota.

Northcentral

100000watts.com reports that Artistic Media Partners' Rock/WZOW (97.7fm, Goshen) flips to a simulcast of sister Oldies/WSMM (102.3fm, New Carlisle) "The Stream," and flips call letters to WSSM.

Schurz/South Bend radio GSM Jim Roberts gains a promotion to VP/Station Manager under radio and WSBT-TV President/GM Sally Brown. Last year, Mr. Roberts moved from the programming side (OM) to the sales side.

Kankakee Valley Broadcasting's Country/WKVI and Hot AC/WKVI-FM (1520am, 99.3fm, both Knox) move Anita Gooden (News) and Nathan Welter (Sports) to Tom Berg's morning show. Also, Mr. Berg recently appeared in an Indiana Statehouse scene during the NBC sitcom "Parks and Recreation." Finally, WKVI adds the syndicated "Weekly Pop 20" countdown, hosted by Ann Duran.

After nearly a year away from full-time radio, Tommie Lee resurfaces where he last left full-time radio: 237 W. Edison Road, Mishawaka. Mr. Lee is the new Production Manager for Federated Media's WAOR, WBYT, WRBR, and WTRC(AM) and FM. At Federated, he replaces Melanie Myers who exits the group after 8 years.

A big tip of the IRW cap to GM Jason Samuels and the staff of Goshen College's Americana/WGCS (91.1fm, Goshen), as WGCS won the "Member Station of the Year" award at the 2011 Intercollegiate Broadcasting System (IBS) Golden Microphone Trophy Awards during the 71st Annual IBS International College Radio Conference.

Northwest

Chicago Public Radio's Variety/WBEW (89.5fm, Chesterton) changes programming direction, adding more local music, and focusing less on a podcast-style format. Also, Crain's Chicago Business mentions that WBEW adds Chicago club DJ Jesse De La Pena as a contractor to create the new music content. The new format targets people aged 25 to 34, which in turn should generate sponsorships for funding. Foundation grants and the CPB primarily fund WBEW. In addition to the Portage, La Porte, and Michigan City areas, WBEW's signal extends into the south and west side Chicago neighborhoods.

Gerard Media's Talk/WIMS (1420am, Michigan City) makes some programming changes. First, Nancy Goerske joins Ric Federighi in morning drive, replacing Paula Griffin. Second, John Records Landecker and Paula Griffin move their 9am until Noon show to afternoons (3pm until 6pm). Finally, Brian Brophy moves from afternoons (3pm until 6pm) to evenings (8pm until 9pm, with an additional Tuesday 6pm until 8pm shift).

Eastcentral

Let's try this story again: Hoosier AM/FM's News-Talk/WBAT (1400am, Marion) adds the Dial Global syndicated program "Your Next Job."

After three and a half years, Bruce Law exits as Market Manager for the Backyard Broadcasting stations in Anderson/Muncie: WERK, WHBU, WMQX/WMXQ, WLBC, and WXFN. His last day will be 8 April. Mr. Law says, "It's been an absolute pleasure to be part of Backyard and this great community. I'm going to miss the spirit and pride of the business community here, and the dedication of the Indiana radio staff." Mr. Law is leaving for Grand Rapids, Michigan, where he will work for Clear Channel. If you're interested in this job, please see our Employment Opportunities section below.

Backyard Broadcasting promotes part timer Zach Johnson to full time, as midday host (10am until 2pm) on Oldies/WERK (104.9fm, Muncie) and afternoon host (3pm until 7pm, as "Zack Attack") on Classic Rock simulcast WMQX/WMXQ (96.7fm, Alexandria/93.5fm, Hartford City). Steve Lindell, VP/OM for Backyard says: "This is another example of "local guy done good" with the hiring of another Madison County native to our airstaff. He's been a loyal, hard working part time employee for quite some time, and after a national search, its' cool to be able to reward someone on the staff with a promotion to a dream job."

Also, after ten years as an ESPN Radio affiliate, Backyard Broadcasting's Sports/WXFN (1340am, Muncie) will soon transition to FOX Sports Radio. In a press release, WXFN OM Steve Lindell "FOX Sports Radio offers us the flexibility to provide Muncie and Delaware County with play-by-play and sports talk shows of local interest." No word on when the sports affiliation will happen or about the new WXFN programming lineup.

Central

Cumulus' CHR/WRWM (93.9fm, Lawrence) will soon add "The Bert Show" in morning drive (6am until 10am). Hosted by Bert Weiss, et al., the show originates from Cumulus sister station WWWQ in Atlanta, Georgia. One interesting result from this move: The Bert Show once competed with WRWM afternoon host Marco, when Marco was part of "The Morning Mess" at competing Atlanta radio station WSTR.

A pair of new hires at McGraw-Hill Broadcasting's ABC affiliate WRTV (Channel 6, Indianapolis): First, Kevin Finch becomes News Director. Mr. Finch was News Director at cross-town LIN Television CBS affiliate WISH-TV (Channel 8, Indianapolis) until June 2009. Mr. Finch is WRTV's fifth News Director in the last 8 years. Second, Guyanne Taylor becomes Director of Sales. Before WRTV, Ms. Taylor was VP/GM of WGBA-TV in Green Bay, Wisconsin. She joined WRTV on Thursday 31 March. Finally, John Emmert retires from WRTV. Mr. Emmert has been a Managing Editor since 2009, but was also a former News Director at several Florida TV stations.

Entercom/Indianapolis GSM Erika Will exits.

Westcentral

After years in Terre Haute radio, Mike Petersen exits as president (nearly 6 years) of Crossroads Communications' board, and as an employee of its five radio stations. Mr. Petersen was GM at Crossroads from June 1990 through the end of April 2005. Among his accomplishments, he gained investors for the original 1990 purchase of WSDM(AM)/FM, oversaw two studio moves (1997 and 2000), purchased WBOW(AM) in 1996, WAXI in 1998, and what's now WBOW-FM in 2003. Before Crossroads, Mr. Petersen was GM in Crawfordsville (WCVL/WIM) and partially owned WEWZ (what's now WIKL-FM 101.7fm, Elwood) in the Anderson/Muncie market.

Ronn Mott has been with Word Power's Religious/WPFR (1480am, Terre Haute) since May 2010, but he left on Thursday 31 March. Mr. Mott will soon host a Saturday morning talk show on Midwest Communications' News-Talk/WIBQ (98.5fm, Paris, Illinois). This will be the first live/local talk show for WIBQ. Mr. Mott's show will displace one hour of Glenn Beck Weekend and will move the Wall Street Journal show to 5AM until 6AM on Saturday (replacing the last hour of "Coast to Coast").

A pair of Terre Haute radio stations and a TV station will all soon have a new home. Emmis' Country/WTHI-FM (99.9fm, Terre Haute) and Classic Rock/WWVR (105.5fm, West Terre Haute) along with LIN Television CBS affiliate WISH-TV (Channel 10, Terre Haute) will all move out of their respective studios at 918 Ohio Street, as the building will then be torn down and replaced with a parking lot for a new office building next door. Built in 1906, the WTHI/WWVR building started as a garment factory. Other garment makers used the building before WTHI-TV (then a new product) and WTHI-FM (which was 6 years old) moved into the facility in July 1954. WWVR moved to 918 Ohio Street after Emmis purchased both radio stations and WTHI-TV for $90 million in 1998. No new locations announced, but we expect that the Emmis radio stations will land in a separate facility from their LIN/WISH-TV colleagues.

Where Are They Now? After a brief radio hiatus, former WMGI PD Beau Richards rejoins KQID in Alexandria, Louisiana for afternoon drive and marketing/promotions.

Where Are They Now? Former WTWO-TV reporter Cathie Batbie is now News Director at KVOA-TV in Tucson, Arizona.

Southeast

Cumulus' Christian/WLCL (93.9fm, Sellersburg) flips call letters to WAYI.

The CP for 89.9fm, Greensburg now belongs to Hoosier Public Radio Corp., and has call letters WHOZ.

Southcentral

The FCC grants a CP for Calvary Radio Network's Religious/WOJC (89.7fm, Crothersville) to improve its signal from 300 watts (omnidirectional) to 38,000 watts (directional). The improved signal will give them coverage into Louisville. The expected population coverage (60dBu) increases from 13,000 to 150,000.

We just received this reader e-mail: After nearly a year under a Time Brokerage Agreement with Destination Radio, LLC, Blair Trask's Oldies/WSEZ (1560am, Paoli) returns to an oldies format. The former programming targeted visitors to nearby French Lick and West Baden Springs.

As part of a 73 translator, $275,000 deal, Horizon Christian Fellowship sells W270BH (101.9fm, Bloomington) to Ron Unkefer's First Ventures Capital Partners.

Southwest

On 11 March, DLC Media's Standards/WAMW (1580am, Washington) and translator W240CE (95.9fm, Washington) flip formats to country, as "The General."

The Original Company proposes a few changes to two of their stations: Classic Rock/WBTO-FM (102.3fm, Petersburg) and C&W WWBL (106.5fm, Washington). Under the proposal, WWBL would move City of License to Petersburg, which would then allow WBTO-FM to move frequencies (102.5fm), City of License (Haubstadt), and transmitter sites, which would give more coverage into the Evansville market.

Henson Media's C&W/WMSK (1550am, Morganfield, Kentucky) flips format to Sports.

Jennifer Cox-Hensley's Indiana Community Radio Corp. sells both Religious/WENS (90.1fm, Wadesville) and translator W295AW (106.9fm, Fort Branch) for $60,000 to Mark Lange's The Innovation Center. Mr. Lange is also active in commercial radio ownership, through his partial ownership of The Original Company and Old Northwest Broadcasting. Radio Business Report says the $60,000 sale breaks down as $25,000 at signing, $10,000 after the FCC filing and $25,000 after FCC approval. Of the total cost, $45,000 is for the FM and $15,000 is for the translator.

Where Are They Now? Former WFIE-TV GM Steve Langford recently retired from the GM chair at Raycom sister station WAVE-TV in Louisville, Kentucky.

After the FCC recently canceled the license, IRW bids a fond adieu to Trinity Broadcasting Network's W38BK (Channel 38, Evansville) which fell silent in November 2009.

This week in Indiana Radio History

If there's something we need to add to the "calendar," please let us know. As this information strictly from our archives, and because we are human and errors do sometimes occur, please e-mail us if this information is not correct!

April 9: In 2001, Mark DePrez becomes GM at WKJG/WMEE/WOWO/WQHK.

April 10: In 1967, 105.5FM/then-Auburn signs on (now it's WTHD, licensed to LaGrange).

April 11: In 2003, WKRY (88.1fm, Versailles) signs on with a Southern Gospel format after a brief silence.

April 12: In 1968, 95.3fm, Carrollton, Kentucky signs on.

April 13: In 1983, 100.1fm, French Lick signs on.

April 14: In 2003, WGLL (1570am, Auburn) signs on after six months of silence.

April 16: In 1967, 95.3fm/then-Monticello signs on (now it's WBPE, licensed to Brookston).

Employment Opportunities

Are you a casualty of recent cutbacks in radio news operations? South Central Media's Evansville, Indiana market leader WIKY values talented news people and we want to talk to you if: you have at least two years news experience, you are a news junkie, you want to be part of a highly successful team that works hard and has high expectations, you have strong writing and on-air presence, and you understand and embrace that digital is an important part of our future. We are a nationally recognized news operation in a great quality of life market. Family owned and operated for over 65 years - But this is no Mom and Pop operation: We offer excellent benefits, a great place to live, work and raise a family. If you are interested in working at a place where talent can thrive and grow email us today. Resume and air check to: newsroomjobs at wiky dot com. South Central Media is an Equal Opportunity Employer. No phone calls please.

Backyard Broadcasting Indiana has a need for two part time staff members. Past radio experience is needed for these gigs, along with the ability to work mostly weekends and evenings. Please contact Steve Lindell, VP/OM, 800 E. 29th St., Muncie, IN 47302 or via e-mail: steve.lindell at bybradio dot com (Please reference Indiana RadioWatch). Backyard Broadcasting is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Backyard Broadcasting Indiana has an immediate opening for a Market Manager for our six radio stations in Muncie-Marion, Indiana. Strong sales background and four years station or sales management preferred. We are a private independent operator and you will report directly to me. Please email current resume to Barry Drake, bdrake at bybradio dot com (please reference Indiana RadioWatch). Backyard Broadcasting is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Brothers Broadcasting, a family owned regional broadcasting company in Rensselaer Indiana, half way between Chicago and Indianapolis is looking for a part-time production assistant. The ideal candidate should have some on-air experience and be familiar with Adobe Audition and Simian. Interested candidates should email their demos to Chris Locken at 977production at gmail dot com. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply. Brothers Broadcasting is and Equal Opportunity Employer.

Heritage Classic Rock Station 107.5 WABX is looking for its next Midday Star. This person must also serve as the Full-Time Promotions Director for CHR Giant Hot 96 WSTO and WABX. This requires an organized, dedicated Team-Player that loves radio and has respect for our listeners and our clients. Send your resume and aircheck to Rusty James at rjames at southcentralmedia dot com. South Central Media is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Make babies in Fort Wayne! Come to Fort Wayne, Indiana, make a baby and program the legendary WOWO brand. Not necessarily in that order. Parent Magazine ranks Fort Wayne second in the Best Places to Raise a Baby. Forbes.com ranks Fort Wayne high among Best Places to Work and Live. Fort Wayne placed 13th in "Cost of Doing business" and 10th in "Cost of Living." Additionally, according to Consultant, Dave Gifford, Federated Media is one of the few companies in the radio business "worth working for" (Radio Ink magazine, May 9, 2005). Do you understand the role news, weather and traffic play in the building and maintenance of a news talk brand? Can you identify and recruit talented people from all walks of life regardless of their experience? In a crowded market place can you produce and nurture a morning show that gets noticed? Do you have examples of really good branding, marketing, imaging, promotion and community involvement projects that you conceived and executed? Can you take the results of research, develop a strategic plan and implement it? Do you understand the value and the role of profit and what it takes to produce a healthy bottom line? Do you understand the relationship between social marketing and ratings? Recent Program Directors have used WOWO as a launching pad to gigs in Phoenix and most recently Denver. Federated Media is a product driven company and is looking for the next Operations Manager of legendary News Talk 1190 WOWO and sister station 1380 ESPN radio and their digital brands. This is not a "fixer upper". According to Eastlan ratings with an A12+ 14 share and 100,000+ cume WOWO is tops in the market. WOWO also has the highest cume audience and double digit AQH share among Adults 25-54 in all of the prime dayparts. You will have all of the tools you need to achieve anticipated growth including a promotional budget and the consulting services of Greg Moceri. Preferred candidates will know how to host a talk show on short notice, anchor a newscast, know Next Gen and have a sense of humor. This is a great opportunity for an APD or News Director who wants a shot at the PD chair. Regardless of experience if you feel you have the talent and can prove it to us we want to hear from you. Federated Media is an equal opportunity employer. Please e-mail your resume and a brief note describing what Content is King means to you to: Mark DePrez, General Manager, WMEE/WOWO/ESPN 1380/K-105, makebabies at federatedmedia dot com. If you want to be really ambitious air check the station and send me your thoughts.

South-Central Indiana's heritage country station, WKKG, is looking for an experienced sales associate to join our professional marketing team. Ideal candidates will be motivated to create and build strong relationships with clients from a seasoned account list. Only self starters seeking to be the very best need apply. You'll receive a competitive compensation package including salary, plus commission, health and life insurance benefits and 401(k). Send resume and cover letter to Personnel, White River Broadcasting Company; P.O. Box 1789; Columbus, IN 47202-1789 or jobs at wkkg dot com. EOE.

The Flagship Stations for Purdue Sports in Lafayette, Indiana are looking for a General Sales Manager who exceeds in local direct sales. Responsibilities include overall sales management, setting and obtaining sales goals, marketing, promotions, hiring, training and long term planning. If you have three or more years of sales management experience and would enjoy working closely with the Purdue University, this position might be right for you! Qualified candidates should send resume to: Arthur A. Angotti III, 3824 South 18th Street, Lafayette, IN 47909 Email: arthur at artisticradio dot com. Artistic Media Partners is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Top Spanish stations in Top-40 Market, looking for a high-power seller to take the role of our Senior Account Executive. 107.1FM WEDJ-Radio Latina and 810AM-La Joya are Indiana's top performing Spanish language radio stations. As the Hispanic population continues to grow, so does the value of Spanish radio advertising! Come sell a product that's increasing in value every day! Great income potential with this position, High Commission Rates, Bonuses paid when realistic goals are exceeded, guaranteed income while you build your billing, and access to the highest billing accounts in the market! This is a great opportunity for the right sales person. If you're a winner with a successful history in Radio Sales, please forward your resume and cover letter to: jobs at wedjfm dot com. Continental Broadcast Group, LLC is an EOE.

Traffic Reporters Wanted - Indianapolis and Fort Wayne. Part time & fill-in traffic reporters, for Indianapolis & Fort Wayne. Must be available for early morning and afternoon/early evening. Prior experience a plus. EOE M/F E-mail MP3 Aircheck & Resume to: chicago_jobs at westwoodone dot com or Metro Networks, 161 N. Clark St. Suite 1300, Chicago, IL 60601

White River Broadcasting seeks a 'news junkie' to head up its award-winning 4-station news department. Stations include a news/talk AM and 3 music-intensive FM's. You'll help us craft a contemporary sound built on coverage of the top local news stories on-air and on-line. You must be Internet-savvy. Duties include handling morning news, covering key meetings and supervise news staff. The selected individual will enjoy a competitive salary and a great benefit package including 401(k). Previous news experience is required. Send your news philosophy, resume and demo to John Foster, Director of Programming, P.O. Box 1789, Columbus, IN 47202-1789 or e-mail jfoster at wcsiradio dot com. White River Broadcasting is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.

That's all for this issue. Thank you for your continued support.

=============== Indiana RadioWatch ===============

(c) 2011, Blaine E. Thompson

Indiana RadioWatch may not be reproduced, transmitted, or distributed in any way, shape, or form without the permission of the copyright holder (Thompson, above)

Indiana RadioWatch is produced weekly. Subscriptions are free. To subscribe, send an e-mail to irw@well.com asking to be added. Indiana RadioWatch is archived after publication on the Indiana Radio Archive at http://www.indianaradio.net. Submissions of any nature are welcomed by e-mail, FAX, or postal mail. Employment opportunities are posted as is, so please proofread. Employment opportunities are only posted when received from a credible source (usually the owner, GM, or PD of a station).

Finally, we thank you for your continued support.

=============== Indiana RadioWatch ===============


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