Indiana RadioWatch: January 29, 2011

Due to a general lack of interest, the "year in review" idea fizzled like a tire running out of air. Sorry.

We are working on bringing back our "Radio Spotlight" interview section. If you'd like a chance on the hot seat, please drop us a line.

Northeast

After three years, Pete DeSimone exits Oasis Radio Group/Fort Wayne and returns to Orlando where he's now GM at WLOQ. Back at Oasis, OM/Director of Programming Phil Becker becomes GM. In addition, Chris Saglian becomes Director of Sales. Mr. Saglian arrives from Buffalo (Townsquare Media), but has experience at Cox/Greenville, South Carolina (GSM) and in sales at Cox/Orlando and Citadel/Buffalo. On the programming side, Mr. Becker promotes morning co-host "Austin" to APD of their Rhythmic CHR/WJFX (107.9fm, New Haven) and morning co-hostess "Alana" to Music Coordinator of WJFX. In addition, at Country/WBTU (93.3fm, Kendallville) Mr. Becker promotes morning host "A.J." to APD and afternoon host "Colin" to Music Coordinator. All four people retain their on air slots.

Federated Media welcomes Jimmy Knight as OM/PD at Hot AC/WMEE (97.3fm, Fort Wayne). Mr. Knight moves from Lafayette, where he was OM for Artistic Media Partners' stations there. Mr. Knight started at WMEE on Monday 24 January.

The FCC approves the $350,000 sale of Independence Media's Talk/WNUY (100.1fm, Bluffton) to Godwin-Starks Property Management, LLC. No word on what changes Godwin-Starks will make, as the sale has not yet closed.

After about two years on the air, Granite's NBC affiliate WISE-TV (Channel 33, Fort Wayne) drops its 24-hour news channel "INC Now" (seen on Channel 33.3), and moves their weather/radar channel from Channel 21.3 to Channel 33.3. The 21.3 channel is now gone. That means Channel 21, which Granite operates under a Shared Services Agreement with Malara Broadcasting, now has increased picture quality on its ABC affiliate WPTA 21.1 and CW affiliate WPTA 21.2.

At Northeast Indiana Public Radio's Talk-Jazz/WBOI (89.1fm, Fort Wayne), Leah Tourkow retires as the Wednesday evening "Jazz Classics" host at WBOI. The 87-year-old Ms. Tourkow is a veteran of Fort Wayne radio since 1948 in one form (on air host via a closed circuit/carrier current radio at the Fort Wayne V.A. Hospital) or another (When WBOI's predecessor WIPU was based at IPFW, Ms. Tourkow was one of several people who helped WIPU become today's Northeast Indiana Public Radio).

Redeemer Radio's Religious/WLYV (1450am, Fort Wayne) will launch a local morning show after raising nearly a million dollars in capital monies. In addition, WLYV may expand its programming reach via simulcasting itself on other radio stations around Fort Wayne and South Bend, but we don't have the details yet.

Northcentral

Artistic Media Partners' Oldies/WSMM (102.3fm, New Carlisle) ends its holiday music run and returns to its format.

Moving just down the dial, Federated Media promotes AC/WLEG (102.7fm, Ligonier) promotes Kevin Musselman from Station Manager to General Manager. Mr. Musselman has been with WLEG since 2007.

All charges dropped against Schurz's CBS affiliate WSBT (Channel 22, South Bend) Chief Meteorologist Rick Mecklenburg. South Bend Police arrested Mr. Mecklenburg on 30 November 2010, and prosecutors later charged him with two counts of false informing. In exchange for dismissal of the charges, Mr. Mecklenburg paid court costs, completed counseling, and agreed that he will not commit any criminal offenses for one year.

The three Weigel Broadcasting analog LPTV stations are now off the air. Those three stations are CW affiliate WCWW-LP (Channel 25, South Bend), ABC affiliate WBND-LP (Channel 57, South Bend), and MyNetworkTV affiliate WMYS-LP (Channel 69, South Bend). First, the power supply failed for WMYS, and WBND shut down due to spectrum auction arrangements. Finally, Weigel removed the tube from WCWW to use elsewhere within Weigel's group of TV stations. IRW hears that Weigel received telephone calls from viewers, once the over the air signals ceased.

Speaking of Weigel, the St. Joseph County Council granted a tax abatement to Weigel, as Weigel would invest over $2 million to build a new broadcast facility for its stations. The new property is on Generations Drive, near IN-23 and Douglas Road. Once finished, the new facility will house all Weigel's stations and the new news gathering operation. Part of the new facility will be a 50 foot tower on the property (that request was also approved by the Council.)

Speaking of WBND-LP, they add Krista Fogelsong as anchorperson for their new newscast. The station is still building a news department and will start nightly newscasts later this year. Ms. Fogelsong moves to Michiana from the main evening anchor chair at KNBN in Rapid City, South Dakota.

Ray Grossman moves from nights at Talking Stick's Country/WAWC (103.5fm, Syracuse) where he was "Todd Elliot" to weekends at sister Classic Rock/WAOR (95.7fm, Nappanee), where he's using his real name.

A former South Bend radio and TV News Director has passed away. Bob Young was news director of both WNDU radio and TV in the early 1960's. After leaving South Bend, he arrived at ABC News, where he reported on the Vietnam War, and later became evening news anchor on 1 January 1968 (Mr. Young's predecessor was a young Peter Jennings). The 87-year-old Mr. Young passed away in Ridgewood, New Jersey on 19 January. Three children and six grandchildren survive him.

Northwest

Artistic Media Partners' Classic Rock/WSHP (95.7fm, Attica) ends its holiday music run and returns with a rock format. However, in early January, the station flipped formats to Classic Rock.

Also at Artistic/Lafayette, Market Manager Ernie Caldemone exits (on 10 January), along with WSHP PD Bob Creighton, and as we mentioned above, OM Jimmy Knight segues to OM/PD duties at Fort Wayne's WMEE. Replacing Mr. Knight as Artistic/Lafayette OM is Mark Allen.

Brothers Broadcasting Corp's Oldies/WIBN (98.1fm, Earl Park) adds Brent Lee as PD and morning drive host.

Calvary Radio Network's Religious/WTMK (88.5fm, Lowell) closes its sale to Olivet Nazarene University. WTMK flipped formats to a simulcast of ONU's WONU, which has a Christian CHR/Rock format. WTMK is now "Shine FM."

LIN Television's CBS affiliate WLFI-TV (Channel 18, Lafayette) makes several changes: First, Marc Elliott is now GM, while former GM Tom Combs moves to Sales Manager. Mr. Elliott arrives from Indianapolis where he was GSM of LIN sister station WNDY-TV.

Former WLTH (1370am, Gary) morning talk host Ron Muhammad passed away in late December. Mr. Muhammad worked at WLTH from 2005 through November 2009. Born Ronnie Lee Jones, Sr., he was 62.

The $130,000 sale by Calvary Radio Network of its Religious/WTMK (88.5fm, Lowell) and translator W240BJ (95.9fm, Crown Point) to Bourbannais, Illinois-based Olivet Nazarene University has closed.

Eastcentral

Former WBAT (1400am, Marion) PD John Anderson passes away at age 83. Mr. Anderson was PD at WBAT in 1950. Mr. Anderson passed away on Wednesday 19 January. After leaving Marion, he worked in at various Michigan radio stations and later became a board member, then the president of the Michigan Association of Broadcasters in 1973.

Central

A veteran Indianapolis engineer passes away. Murray Smith was an engineer for WIFE radio and other Indianapolis radio stations for 31 years, retiring in 1987. The 88-year-old Mr. Smith passed away 23 December 2010.

Keith Conners is the new News Director at Dispatch Broadcasting's NBC affiliate WTHR (Channel 13, Indianapolis). Mr. Conners arrives in Indianapolis from Houston, Texas where he was Executive News Director at KHOU-TV since 2005. At WTHR, he replaces Carolyn Williams who returns to Assistant News Director, after over two years as News Director.

Emmis' N-T/WIBC (93.1fm, Indianapolis) adds Dana Loesch's "The Dana Show" weekdays from 3:00PM until 4:00PM. Ms. Loesch's show originates from Emmis sister station KFTK in St. Louis, Missouri. WIBC marks Ms. Loesch's first affiliate.

Also after three years, at WIBC, Don Riley exits as a reporter for Network Indiana and WIBC.

With the syndicated Fred Thompson Show ending (Friday 21 January), Entercom N-T/WXNT (1430am, Indianapolis) adds "Free Talk Live" starting Monday 24 January from 8:00PM until 10:00PM. Soon, they will add audio from NBC's Meet the Press to their Sunday morning schedule.

The Indianapolis Business Journal reports that Entercom/Indianapolis adds Denene Stewart as Director of Strategic Sales.

Tribune's WXIN-TV (Channel 59, Indianapolis) adds Antenna TV on their channel 59.2.

LIN Television's WIIH (Channel 8, Indianapolis) is now using a low power digital transmitter on RF Channel 8. They're using RF Channel 17 for a digital replacement translator for sister CBS affiliate WISH-TV (Channel 8, Indianapolis). WIIH also shuts down its analog transmitter and replaces with this new configuration because some viewers are having trouble receiving the VHF signal over the air.

Tribune's WXIN-TV (Channel 59, Indianapolis) takes some criticism from comedian/news anchor Jon Stewart for a news segment WXIN aired on a "Homeless Talent Show." More here.

Horizon Christian Fellowship of Indianapolis' Religious/WWDL (91.3fm, Plainfield) goes silent with transmitter control and monitoring woes. Horizon is working on correcting the woes. WWDL simulcasts sister WHZN (88.3fm, New Whiteland).

Where Are They Now? Former WXIN-TV ND Karen Rariden is now Assistant ND for WBBM-TV in Chicago, Illinois.

Westcentral

Nigel takes afternoons at Emmis' Classic Rock/WWVR (105.5fm, Terre Haute).

Southeast

Kitty Malone exits as GSM at Cox/Louisville. Recently, she began sharing cluster GSM duties with Todd Pitt. Ms. Malone is a six-year veteran at Cox, both in Louisville, and at their Greenville, South Carolina cluster. Mr. Pitt started earlier this month, and moves to Louisville from Cox Radio/Dayton, WHIO-TV and the Dayton Daily News newspaper. Todd Schumacher is the VP/Market Manager for Cox/Louisville.

Connersville Apostolic Lighthouse, Inc. donates its 89.9fm, Greensburg CP to Hoosier Public Radio Corp.

Southcentral

Rebecca White is the new GM at Country-Farm/WSLM (1220am, Salem) and Southern Gospel-Talk/WSLM-FM (97.9fm, Salem). Ms. White is Don Martin's daughter. Mr. Martin founded WSLM and WSLM-FM, and owned them until his death last year.

Dawn Andrews exits as GSM at Reising Radio Partners (WRZQ, WXCH, WYGB). Also, Reising Radio Partners welcomes Dave Wilson who joins Keith Maddox in mornings at Country/WYGB (100.3fm, Edinburgh).

White River Broadcasting's N-T/WCSI (1010am, Columbus) replaces the Dr. Dean Edell show (which ceased production recently) with "Duke and the Doctor" each weeknight from 6:00PM until 7:00PM.

Southwest

Jacob Newkirk at The Evansville Courier and Press has a few Evansville notes:

First, Gilmore Broadcasting's ABC affiliate WEHT (Channel 7, Evansville) Chief Engineer Darren Gibson exits.

Second, Withers' AC/WYNG (94.9fm, Mount Carmel, Illinois) News Director Galen Jones retires.

Third, Townsquare Media's N-T/WGBF (1280am, Evansville) adds Doug Stephan's "Good Day" from 5:00AM until 6:00AM.

Fourth, B.L.S. Entertainment's Urban AC/WEOA (1400am, Evansville) adds two Spanish language programs: a locally hosted "Viva La Familia" (Saturday's from 12:30PM until 1:00PM) and the syndicated program "Conexion Thalia Radio Show" (Sunday's from 12:00PM until 2:00PM).

Henson Media's Classic Hits/WSON (860am, Henderson, Kentucky) adds a website: http://www.wsonradio.com

This (nearly the whole) Month in Indiana Radio History

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! Thank you.

1 January: In 1950, both 91.9fm/Huntington (today it's WVSH) signs on and WWNI 97.5fm Wabash signs off after roughly a year on the air. In 1970, 92.7fm/Lafayette (today it's 93.5fm WKHY) signs on, and 93.1fm/Indianapolis (today it's WIBC) goes Stereo. In 1977, Evansville's WEVC becomes today's WUEV. Finally, in 1996, 94.7fm/New Albany (today it's WFIA-FM) signs on.

6 January: In 1948, 1480am/Terre Haute (today it's WPFR) signs on.

7 January: In 1960, 92.3fm/Bloomington (today it's WTTS) signs on.

8 January: In 1955, 1460am/North Vernon (today it's WJCP) signs on. In 1976, 90.3fm/Fort Wayne (WBCL) signs on with a partial programming schedule.

9 January: In 1998, legendary Fort Wayne broadcaster Tom Williams passes away. While just last year, former WOWO News Director Gary Froseth passed away.

10 January: In 1975, 107.1fm/Danville (today it's WEDJ) signs on.

11 January: In 1989, WBYR (98.9fm, then-Van Wert, Ohio) signs on with a classic hits format. In 2003, veteran Fort Wayne DJ and production wizard "Tuna" Jon Rose passes away.

14 January: In 1951, 1440am/Portland (today it's WPGW) signs on. In 1961, 1520am/Shelbyville (today it's WSVX) signs on.

16 January: In 1986, 104.9fm/Muncie (today it's WERK) signs on.

17 January: In 1977, 97.7fm/Goshen (today it's WZOW) signs on.

20 January: In 1967, 105.5fm/West Terre Haute (today it's WWVR) signs on.

21 January: In 1983, 90.3fm/Owensboro, Kentucky (today it's WKWC) signs on.

22 January: In 1968, 105.7fm/Indianapolis (today it's WYXB) signs on. In 1999, Fort Wayne's WJFX reimages as "Hot 107.9."

23 January: In 1964, 96.7fm/LaPorte (today it's WCOE) signs on.

24 January: In 1924, 1370am/Fort Wayne (today it's WGL on 1250am) signs on.

25 January: In 2002, 106.7fm/Hicksville, Ohio (today it's WFGA) signs on.

26 January: In 1993, former WOWO DJ "Pete Matthews" (Manthis Manchikes) passes away.

27 January: In 2004, former Fort Wayne DJ "Charlie Franklin" (Charlie Willer) passes away.

28 January: In 2008, Lafayette's WLFF became WBPE.

29 January: In 2005, veteran Chicago and Fort Wayne station owner Frank Kovas passes away.

Employment Opportunities

Artistic Media Partners/South Bend is looking for a Director of Sales for their four-station cluster. Candidates must be able to build and train a professional management team, set and achieve reasonable sales goals, manage local and national sales, hire and train sales people, identify and execute promotional plans and devise and implement short and long term strategic sales planning. Qualified candidates must have a successful track record of sales management. Email your resume to Arthur at artisticradio dot com.

Artistic Media Partners in Lafayette is looking for a PD/on air personality for its CHR heritage WAZY. Selector experience is required. If interested, please send programming philosophy, resume and on-air demo to karen at u93 dot com.

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 over three 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

News Director - WIBC FM
great media.great people.great service.
WIBC FM is part of Emmis Communications, the ninth-largest radio broadcaster in the United States based on the number of listeners. The Emmis culture carries at its heart the belief that, in order to succeed, a company must take risks, treat its people well and give them the tools they need to win. Emmis has earned this valued reputation by setting high standards for excellence while creating a fun, exciting and innovative workplace, where every individual is a part of the team.

WIBC features the largest, most experienced news team in the state, located in downtown Indianapolis, providing news on the hour, morning, noon and night, along with traffic every ten minutes. WIBC is also the Official Weather Station of Indianapolis and the surrounding metro area, serving as Central Indiana's authority on regional conditions, forecasts, and severe weather information. Over 1,500 Indianapolis area schools and businesses rely on the WIBC Storm Team for weather-related closings and delays.

In addition to full-service news, weather and traffic, WIBC provides top-quality talk programming from national hosts such as Rush Limbaugh and Clark Howard, along with local legendary personalities Greg Garrison, Ed Wenck and Denny Smith.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

* Confers with executives, programming and production staff members regarding budget, station policy, news coverage of special events, and production problems.
* Originates or approves feature ideas and sends ideas to personnel of assignment department for implementation.
* Monitors news developments by listening to scanners, watching TV and reading the newspaper.
* Assigns appropriate news reporters and/or anchors to cover stories and anchor newscasts.
* Confers with Program Director and approves program content or issues directions for changes or modification.
* Coordinates news staff activities with programming and traffic departments.
* Develops and maintains relations with newsmakers and community.
* Directly supervises employees in the News Department.

Experience/Skills/Qualifications:

* Bachelor's Degree (B.A.) from a four-year college or university.
* Three to four years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Must be knowledgeable in local community and national events.
* Must posses strong oral and written communication skills, and operate a digital editor and other broadcast equipment.
* High PR skills for frequent interaction with the local community and employees.
* Occasional local travel required and must be able to work long hours during newsbreaks and events.
* Ability to deal with high levels of stress due to deadlines.
* Must have a valid driver's license and state mandated automobile insurance required.

Check us out online at www.wibc.com

Application Process:

If you are a qualified candidate and are interested in this position, we encourage you to apply. Please submit a resume and application online at www.emmis.com and refer to posting.

Deadline for Application Submission is: March 1, 2011

No phone calls please!

Emmis Communications (NASDAQ: EMMS) is a diversified media corporation with award-winning radio broadcasting, and magazine publishing operations in markets across the country. Emmis is as well known for its creative culture as for its operations. Our people are aggressive, knowledgeable and deeply committed to each of the communities in which we operate. Because employees are the key to our success, Emmis offers strong benefits and incentives, including health, dental and life insurance and a 401(k) contribution plan. For more information about Emmis, visit our website at www.emmis.com.

EMMIS COMMUNICATIONS IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Assistant Chief Engineer
Indianapolis Radio
great media. great people. great service.
Fun! Excitement! Rewards!

Emmis Indianapolis Radio is part of Emmis Communications, the ninth-largest radio broadcaster in the U.S., based on number of listeners. The Emmis culture carries at its heart the belief that, in order to succeed, a company must take risks, treat its people well and give them the tools they need to win. It has earned Emmis a reputation as a fun, exciting and innovative workplace where every individual is a vital part of the team. We've used that attitude to create new formats and new selling techniques. Emmis created the first hip hop radio format at KPWR-FM in Los Angeles and the first all-sports format at New York's WFAN.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

Successful candidate is responsible for the installation, maintenance, operation and support of RF, studio and IT technologies for the Indy Radio/Network Indiana studio and transmitter facilities. Stations include WFNI, WIBC, WLHK, and WYXB. This position reports to the Director of Engineering and IT.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

A qualified candidate will have a minimum of five years experience with the following:
* High power AM and FM transmitters
* AM directional antenna systems
* T1, 950, Microwave STL systems
* ISDN, POTS, IP, Marti/RPU equipment
* Telos talkshow systems including 1A2 equipment
* SAS Digital Audio Routers
* Pacific/BMX Digital consoles
* Analog, Digital, IP audio systems
* Digital Automation systems
* Satellite uplink/downlink operations

SKILLS REQUIREMENTS:

* Must understand FCC regulations and keep stations technically compliant
* Knowledge of AudioVault, WireReady preferred
* Minimum 3 years computer experience
* SBE certifications a plus

Check us out online at www.1070thefan.com, www.971hankfm.com, www.wibc.com, and www.b1057.com.

Emmis Communications (NASDAQ: EMMS) is a diversified media corporation with award-winning radio broadcasting, and magazine publishing operations in markets across the country. Emmis is as well known for its creative culture as for its operations. Our people are aggressive, knowledgeable and deeply committed to each of the communities in which we operate. Because employees are the key to our success, Emmis offers strong benefits and incentives, including health, dental and life insurance, and a 401(k) contribution plan. For more information about Emmis, see our website at www.emmis.com.

TO APPLY:

If you are interested in applying and meet the above requirements, submit your resume, cover letter, and salary requirements via one of the following ways:

Online at www.emmis.com No phone calls please.

Emmis Communications is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

RadioNOW 100.9, WNOU-FM, Indianapolis' only top-rated Top 40 Hit Music Station, has an immediate opening for part-time on air weekend / swing personality. We are a Mainstream/Top 40 that's on the pulse of everything Indianapolis. We have the tools, you bring the skills. Our past part-time talent has moved on into full time positions in larger markets.

On Air Requirements:

* PERSONALITY is #1 priority. Some on-air experiences is preferred, but more importantly, you need to be able to have fun, interact with callers and know how to talk about your lifestyle!
* All weekend shifts are open. We'll place you where you'll fit, but it's all up for grabs. However, part of the job requires you to obviously work weekends and holidays, especially Thanksgiving and Christmas. Schedule must be somewhat flexible to accommodate fill-in hours.
* A broad understanding of 360 degree brand marketing. Your show must reach farther than just on that on the 100.9FM frequency. Text messaging, web content, video, events, on-demand audio. Do you have enough content to use these tools?
* Must currently live within driving distance of Indianapolis Metro. If you work full-time in one of Indianapolis' surrounding radio communities and want a chance to break into Indianapolis, send your stuff.
* If you're in a college radio program, (Butler, IU, IUPUI, Ball State, Purdue, and Indiana State) I want to hear your stuff too!

We're looking to fill this position very quickly.

Send resume, "Best of" audio and headshot to: wnou.onair at gmail dot com. (5MB limit please). Please include the phrase: "PT Weekends" in the subject line.

Or snail mail to:
Tim Rainey, PD
WNOU Weekends
21 East St. Joseph Street
Indianapolis, IN 46204
317.266.9600

Email inquires and questions are cool, only after you send your stuff. Radio-One Inc. is an EOE. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.

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

Blaine Thompson
Indiana RadioWatch

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All pages Copyright Blaine Thompson. Articles, photos, corrections, and other contributions should be e-mailed to the editors.