Indiana RadioWatch: May 27, 1998
Northeast
The FCC threatens to revoke station licenses in South Bend and Elkhart with Hicks Broadcasting (WRBR in South Bend) and Pathfinder Communications (WBYT in Elkhart). David Hicks is the owner of Hicks, and John Dille is the owner of
Pathfinder. Here's how the original scenario played out: Back when two stations per owner per market, in the early 90's was the rule, WRBR was sold by Booth American. WRBR had entered into a JSA with Pathfinder's WBYT. Enter Hicks
Broadcasting, comprised of David Hicks, along with several of John Dille's children (who provided financial backing as "Non-Minority Investors.) The FCC alleges John Dille actually had control of the station, thereby violating FCC
rules, as Dille owns the Elkhart Truth newspaper, and this would violate radio-newspaper cross-ownership rules, along with the initial misrepresentation of ownership to the FCC, when Hicks/Pathfinder applied for approval on the
original sale to Hicks. More on this developing story in our next issue.
Modern AC/WYSR (94.1fm, Roanoke) is now being simulcast on sister WGL-FM (102.3fm, Auburn). WGL-FM formerly simulcast Talk/WGL(AM) (1250am, Fort Wayne). Of worthy note is the fact that 94.1fm, before acquiring "WYSR" was known as
"WGL-FM". Also at WYSR, PD/MD Natalee Parrish exits. Finally, when we were out driving Sunday afternoon, we noticed 94.1fm was off the air, while 102.3fm had an open carrier.
Country/WQHK (105.1fm, Decatur) MD Jeff Moore adds APD duties.
Hot AC/WMEE (97.3fm, Fort Wayne) night guy Coyote exits.
Alternative/WEJE (96.3fm, Churubusco) rolls out a new moniker as "Extreme 96.3"
Northcentral
Religious/WQKO (91.9fm, Howe) adds translator W300AL (107.9fm, Mishawaka).
Northwest
On the heels of the recent call letter & format change, Talk/WAZY(AM) (1410am, Lafayette) is sold by the First Assembly of God to Art Angotti's Artistic Media Partners.
Broadcasting for the Challenged applies for two new CP's: 88.5fm in Michigan City and 91.1fm in Chesterton.
CSN International files for a CP on 91.1fm in Valparaiso.
Central
An interesting story developing near Indianapolis. Hoosier Broadcasting just received their license to cover on WWRE (91.1fm, Lebanon). According to various e-mails we've received, WWRE interfered with Warren Township schools station
WEDM (91.1fm, Indianapolis), during their on-air testing. Upon further investigation, we discovered that the FCC conducted a technical inspection of WWRE in late April, based on not only complaints of interference, but a tower that
was taller than was specified on the CP. The FCC continues to investigate...
WKLO (92.9fm, Veedersburg) is close to signing on the air. Our Veedersburg correspondent (Yes, there is one!) reported static as of Wednesday 27 May.
Southwest
Gavin reports that Chris Claire exits Hot AC/WCBH (104.3fm, Casey, Illinois). Claire is off to WZYP in Huntsville, Alabama.
Southeast
Indiana University adds another translator to its WFIU (103.7fm, Bloomington) as W264AL signs on at 100.7fm in Columbus. Some of our downstate correspondents report listener complaints at CHR/WMGI (100.7fm, Terre Haute) as they're no
longer able to hear the station.
Good Shepherd Radio applies for a CP on 91.1fm in Columbus.
Edinburgh Radio continues its CP for station WYGB (102.9fm, Edinburgh).
That's it for this issue! See you in two weeks...
Blaine Thompson
Indiana RadioWatch
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