Indiana RadioWatch: January 19, 2017
Northeast
Next week, the WBCL Radio Network will do their annual "Share 2017" fundraiser to raise the majority of their annual operating budget for their listener-supported network.
Where Are They Now? Former WPTA-TV general assignment reporter Kelsey Kushner now has the same role with WINK-TV in Fort Myers, Florida.
Eastcentral
On Tuesday, Al Rent passed away after a battle with cancer. Mr. Rent was Executive Director and GM of Ball State University's PBS affiliate WIPB-TV (Channel 49, Muncie) and the Indiana Public Radio network of radio stations, headed by primary WBST (92.1fm, Muncie) and four additional FM stations. In the 1960s, Mr. Rent worked with WBST and was part of the WIPB-TV founding members, when it debuted in 1971. Al Rent and Garfield creator Jim Davis co-owned WXFN(AM)/WLBC-FM for over a decade. Calling will be 3pm until 7pm Friday January 20 at High Street Methodist Church, 219 S. High St., Muncie, with a Celebration of Life at 11am on Saturday January 21 also at the church.
Broadcaster Stephen (Steve) Miller passes away from a heart attack at age 50. Mr. Miller worked at Cashdollar, Inc. (at the time, they owned WWWO 93.5fm and WWHC 104.9fm). He also worked in Marion for WBAT and WCJC, and possibly WMRI. Lately, he worked with Woof Boom Radio, helping Director of Technical Operations Sean Mattingly, and he also spent time behind the microphone at Portland's WPGW radio, where he had his own Sunday morning religious program. Calling will be today from Noon until 2pm at Walker and Glancy Funeral Home, 109 W. Windsor St., Montpelier, with a service to follow.
Central
LeSea Broadcasting's WHMB-TV (Channel 40) added a sub channel (40.3) as "All Sports." In cooperation with American Sports Network, "All Sports" includes college (Big Ten, MAC, and Horizon League) along with high school sports, local sports, and outdoor programming.
With the Media General and Nexstar deal now closed, Nexstar welcomes Randy Ingram as VP/GM for CW affiliate WISH-TV (Channel 8, Indianapolis) and MyNetworkTV affiliate WNDY-TV (Channel 23, Indianapolis). Mr. Ingram brings over 35 years' experience, most recently in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, where he was VP/GM of WBTW-TV and Regional Manager, overseeing WCBD-TV in Charleston, South Carolina and WSAV-TV in Savannah, Georgia. No stranger to Indianapolis, Mr. Ingram began his sales career at WNDY-TV.
Enduring Communications signs on their WEPB-LP (106.3fm, Noblesville). Their tower site is along Allisonville Road, south of Noblesville.
Where Are They Now? Former Indianapolis PD and DJ "Marco" joins WQYK in Tampa, Florida in mornings (as Marc Jason). He fills the vacancy created by the death of another former Indiana DJ: Dave McKay.
That's all for this issue. Thank you for your continued support.
Blaine Thompson
Indiana RadioWatch
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