Indiana RadioWatch: September 11, 2013

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Northeast

Sad news to report, as a northeast Indiana radio station founder and broadcaster passes away. 76 year old Wayne Paradise died Monday. In the mid-1960s, Mr. Paradise wanted to start a radio station and picked Auburn. What was then WIFF-FM started in the WINT-TV building. Today, WINT-TV is WANE-TV. Auburn residents found something new on their radio dial when WIFF-FM (105.5fm) went live on April 10, 1967 broadcasting religious music and programming. Mr. Paradise supported this format with phonographs from his personal collection. On September 3, 1968, WIFF(AM) at 1570am began broadcasting with 500 watts and a Country music format. WIFF(AM) and FM both used records, reel to reel and a Shaffer automation system. Mr. Paradise ran both the AM and FM through format and call letter changes (WDKB-FM, anyone? WGTB-FM, anyone?) The Auburn 105.5fm allocation moved to 102.3fm, so 105.5fm could become a LaGrange radio station (WTHD). 1570am is now WGLL(AM), broadcasting a religious (Three Angels Broadcasting) format, while what's now 102.3fm broadcasts a Regional Mexican music format, as WGBJ. In the 1990s, Mr. Paradise was the GM WINM-TV (Channel 63, Angola), continued running the radio stations, and sold 1570am, 105.5fm and W07CL (Channel 7, Auburn) to Frank Kovas in 1995.

WANE-TV morning and noon news anchor Pat Hoffman worked at WIFF and "TV7" in the late 1980s and 1990s and tells IRW about Wayne:

"Wayne was an incredible man. He gave me my start in the business and was so supportive in every way. He had such an influence on my life and career and taught me so much. Wayne was all about local, local, local. He did so much for Auburn and DeKalb County, I just hope people realize the service and value he had to the community as a true local broadcaster. Wayne's passing is a huge loss. He will be dearly missed."

Tim Murray, News Director at WTHD shares this with IRW:

"Wayne Paradise was a giver. He worked very hard to give Auburn and DeKalb County radio stations that were local.

He was a part of that generation of "mom and pop" broadcasters where nearly the entire family was involved in the operation, and when you were hired in, you became a part of the family. That's why so many of us returned a couple of years ago for a wonderful reunion in Auburn.

I will always remember Wayne behind the microphone hosting the morning Trading Post program everyday. Imagine, if you can, an owner today having that kind of interaction with his listeners. That was pretty special."


(You should also check out the informative "Remembering WIFF Radio" website.)

Memorial visitation will be Friday, from 2pm until 4pm and 6pm until 8pm at Pinnington-McComb Funeral Home, 502 N. Main St. in Auburn. A memorial service will be held this Saturday at 11am, with visitation one hour before, at Lakewood Park Baptist Church, 5555 County Road 29 in Auburn.

If you have a remembrance of Mr. Paradise, please drop me an e-mail. I may print some of those e-mails in Monday's Indiana RadioWatch.

Northcentral

Talking Stick Communications' Classic Rock/WRSW-FM (107.3fm, Warsaw) drops the Envision Network syndicated show "The Rockin' 80's."

Northwest

Let's update you on what's new at Brothers Broadcasting Corp. and their three radio stations: Country/WRIN (1560am, Rensselaer), Classic Rock/WLQI (97.7fm, Rensselaer) and Oldies/WIBN (98.1fm, Earl Park). All three radio stations have "Listen Live" links on their respective Facebook pages. Also, "The Big Bargain Show" now is "The Real Big Deal Show" and it moves from Friday afternoons back to Saturday mornings (10am, Eastern).

Central

Entercom's AC/WNTR (107.9fm, Indianapolis) adds Slacker and Steve in afternoons (3pm until 7pm). The syndicated duo originates from Entercom sister KALC-FM in Denver, Colorado.

LIN Media's CBS affiliate WISH-TV (Channel 8, Indianapolis) expands its weekday morning newscast "Daybreak" to 4:30am (until 7am), citing increased viewer demand for early local news. Behind the anchor desk at "Daybreak" are Scott Sander, Lauren Lowrey, meteorologist Randy Ollis traffic reporter (and veteran Indianapolis radio DJ) Julie Patterson. "Daybreak" also airs from 7am until 8am on LIN sister MyNetworkTV affiliate WNDY-TV (Channel 23, Indianapolis).

Employment Opportunities

Radio One Communications, a four station cluster located in Northwest Indiana is looking for a full time Marketing Consultant to join their sales staff. Position requires an ambitious advertising sales person that will build strong professional relationships with area businesses, but our standards are high. You must have a history of competitive victories, and the ability to juggle many projects at once. Must have knowledge of sales practices, be able to handle deadlines and obtain monthly goals and budgets. It is a very demanding career and you will be rewarded for your hard work with a compensation program that gives you instant rewards as you succeed and help your clients succeed. Self-starters could really increase their income fast. Please send resume to jobs at radiooneindiana dot com. Radio One Communications is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Federated Media is looking for an Assistant Program Director for Active Rock/WBYR in Fort Wayne, IN. The ideal candidate will be able to come in and hit the ground running. We will provide you with all of the tools to succeed. We are looking for someone who is a great talent coach, not afraid to lead by example, creative yet detail oriented, and understands the importance of multi-platform branding-without losing focus on what's coming out of the speakers. 3 years minimum experience required for consideration. Fort Wayne is a great place to call home and Federated Media is a great company to work for. Potential PD stripes for the right person. If this sounds like you, email: Resume, Air-Check, and Programming Philosophy to: stiller at 989thebear dot com. Check out the station at www.989thebear.com. Federated Media is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Federated Media Fort Wayne is welcoming applications for a GSM opening at WBYR, 98.9 The Bear, Fort Wayne's Rock Station. WBYR consistently ranks among Fort Wayne's ratings and revenue leaders. This is not a fixer upper; we have a great sales team in place! Federated Media Fort Wayne provides a unique growth oriented environment focused on excellence, backing our sales teams with comprehensive resources and capabilities including the Center for Sales Strategy (CSS) Customer Focused Selling and Talent Focused Management. Federated Media is a family owned, Indiana based, privately held company primarily serving the Fort Wayne and South Bend metropolitan areas. Other advantages include: No corporate bureaucracy or hierarchy. Our company culture empowers people. We are a medium market group with large market resources. Our Fort Wayne cluster includes six stations. The market's best radio brands! Send resume to Jim Allgeier at jallgeier at federatedmedia dot com. Confidentiality assured. Federated Media is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Federated Media is currently accepting applications for the position of Promotions Director for our Fort Wayne Cluster. The position encompasses all facets of the radio business on-air, on-line and in person. It requires multi-tasking along with managing people and your own personal time. As Promotions Director you will be responsible for, but not limited to: Working hand in hand with Program Directors to plan, schedule and execute contests and promotions. Hiring & scheduling. Maintaining and scheduling all aspects of Social Media. Making sure the listener experience at live broadcasts & events is a memorable one. This is a very enjoyable job but requires you to bring your best to the office every day. It is a job that no two days are alike and will be a job that is always evolving to meet the demands of each station's needs. Interested? Contact Jim Allgeier at jallgeier at federatedmedia dot com. Confidentiality assured. Federated Media is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

The Cromwell Radio Group Inc. of Illinois is looking for an Operations Manager to manage the programming, positioning, local involvement, legal operation, and talent of our three radio stations in Effingham, Illinois. We are waiting on approval of our application for a construction permit for a new station to bring our total to four. The person I'm looking for will have great management and organizational skills, and have a passion for winning radio. Qualified applicants will also have a strong desire and ability to be involved in the local community, motivate staff to be involved, and be able to effectively present that involvement to our listeners. The person I hire will also be able to do a live airshift, production, remotes, and appearances. Previous experience is absolutely essential. Knowledge of Cool Edit and Skylla are all very helpful. We offer health insurance including dental and vision, and a 401k savings plan. If you love the business of radio, and you want to work with a fantastic group of professional broadcasters, please send your Materials to: Marv Phillips, General Manager, WCRC-WCRA-WHQQ, 405 South Banker St., Suite 201, Effingham, IL 62401-2591, or via e-mail: mphillips at cromwellradio dot com. Minorities and Women are encouraged to apply. No Phone Calls, Please. EOE.

WZZY Winchester, Indiana is looking for our next Morning Show host. Not only will you be the morning "voice" of our A/C station but through your work and interaction within the community you'll also be the "face" of the station as well. Plus you'll VT evenings on our winning Adult Top 40 sister FM and do plenty of remotes and appearances on both stations. Even if you've never done Mornings before send along your best. Our former host has been with us for 13 years so we believe in longevity and loyalty. Send along an on-air sample (please keep it short) and resume to rickduncan at g1013 dot com. Or you can mail it to 2301 W. Main St. Richmond, IN 47374. Whitewater Broadcasting is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.

WBCL Radio Network is looking for an energetic, organized and creative person to join the ministry team as Promotions Director. This position will be responsible for supervising and overseeing promotional efforts, contests, interns and volunteers. Person will: work closely with the Development Director to implement strategic promotions that can increase revenue and listenership to WBCL; needs a proven track record in promotions and community involvement; passion for and experience with social media; on-air experience a plus! Details on responsibilities and qualifications listed at wbcl.org. Send resume to Personnel Director, WBCL Radio Network, 1115 W. Rudisill Blvd. Fort Wayne, IN 46807 or email to employment at wbcl dot org No phone calls, please. Taylor University Broadcasting, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

WISH-TV is seeking an aggressive investigative reporter to join our growing I-Team.

We are searching for someone who has experience uncovering and telling compelling investigative stories that affect people's lives.

The ideal candidate will: Be smart, have at least three years' experience as an investigative reporter, generate strong story ideas, possess a strong work ethic, be an excellent team player, cultivate great sources, ask tough questions, have a working knowledge of CAR techniques, familiarity with public records laws and requests, and most importantly....tell compelling stories.

You must be able to turn investigative stories on a regular basis and not just during a ratings period. We are looking for someone who works hard to get to the bottom of an issue and tells it in a creative way. We will make sure you have the tools you need to be successful.

Send resume and recent tape to Steve Bray, News Director, WISH TV, 1950 N. Meridian, Indianapolis, IN 46202. No Phone calls. No phone calls. EEO/M-F

Hoosier AM/FM is seeking an experienced media Account Executive to join the sales team of our four-station cluster in Muncie-Marion, IN. This person will be responsible for prospecting and developing new business as well as growing and maintaining existing accounts. A positive attitude and excellent verbal and written communications skills are a must. This is a full time position. Hoosier AM/FM offers a competitive compensation package including Medical, Dental, Paid Vacations. Minimum education level is High School diploma or equivalent. Resume and letter of introduction are to be sent to indianaradiojobs at yahoo dot com. Hoosier AM/FM is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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

Blaine Thompson
Indiana RadioWatch

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