Indiana RadioWatch: February 1, 2016

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Northeast

Media General's CBS affiliate WANE-TV (Channel 15, Fort Wayne) promotes Director of Sales Tom Antisdel to President/GM. In 2010, Mr. Antidsdel earned the promotion to Director of Sales. Mr. Antisdel succeeds now-retired President/GM Alan Riebe.

Where Are They Now (Part 1)? Former Then-WEJE (96.3fm, later at 102.3fm) PD Kyle Guderian earns a promotion from KSHE PD (St. Louis, Missouri) to Director of Marketing for the Emmis/St. Louis cluster.

Where Are They Now (Part 2)? Former Fort Wayne DJ "Ice" earns a promotion to Music Director at KBFF in Portland, Oregon. "Ice" (Amanda Habrowski) once worked at WJFX and then-WVBB, under prior ownership.

Northcentral

LeSEA Broadcasting Network President and CEO, and longtime broadcaster Peter Sumrall passed away from a heart attack. The 62 year old Sumrall became president in 1996, when his father Dr. Lester Sumrall passed away. Sumrall became CEO in 2005. Sumrall is survived by four adult children and two brothers.

Michiana Public Broadcasting's PBS affiliate WNIT-TV (Channel 34, South Bend) welcomes Duilio Mariola as Executive Producer and Production Manager, succeeding Angel Hernandez. Mr. Mariola last worked as Production Manager and Director of Local Programming for Western Reserve PBS Public Media in the Cleveland, Ohio area.

Northwest

Northwest Indiana Public Broadcasting's PBS affiliate WYIN-TV (Channel 56, Gary) moves its "Lakeshore Report" local news show to hiatus. This show debuted as "Indiana Nightly Report" in the fall of 1990. It later became "The 56 Nightly News" in 1998 and "Lakeshore News Tonight" in 2006. In 2013, the show expanded from 9pm each evening, to 6pm and 10pm each evening. Two years ago, the nightly newscast became a weekly newscast; the result of decreased funding.

LaPorte County Broadcasting's Country/WCOE (96.7fm, La Porte) and Standards/WLOI (1540am, La Porte) Production Director Jim O'Day exits. Jeff Wugazzer ("Wugi") succeeds Mr. O'Day. Mr. O'Day also handled afternoons on WCOE-FM.

Eastcentral

Rodgers Broadcasting's Hot AC/WFMG (101.3fm, Richmond) midday host Scott Epic exits. Mr. Epic succeeded Dave Snow, who became Mayor of Richmond in January.

Central

Cumulus Media welcomes Tom Stemlar as VP/Market Manager for their Country/WFMS (95.5fm, Fishers), Classic Hits/WJJK (104.5fm, Noblesville) and Classic Hip Hop/WRWM (93.9fm, Lawrence). Mr. Stemlar last worked as SVP/Sales for Bonten Media Group. Before that, Mr. Stemlar worked at Emmis Television (SVP/Sales) and Katz Continental Television (VP/Director of Sales).

When Rob Cressman resigned earlier this year from iHeartMedia, IRW didn't know where he would surface. We've since learned that he's headed up I-65 North (and a few other roads) to Chicago, where he takes over programming Hubbard's WDRV (97.1fm).

Let's add more to the airstaff list at Radio One's CHR/WNOW-FM-HD2 (100.9fm, Speedway) also heard on translator W275BD (102.9fm, Greenfield): Kenny Kixx now handles middays and Jay Rio handles afternoons, while remaining on-air (and handling production) at KROI in Houston, Texas.

Had you asked me for a photo of the Creative Data Management's Talk/WXLW (950am, Indianapolis), I would have dug into my photo archive, and showed you this picture. These towers were built for the August 1948 signon of 950am. (Side note: Do we know when in August?) Fast forward to late last year: Tower crews removed three of the four towers. This means the station went from 5000 watts, directional to 1000 watts non-directional from a single tower. Tower crews replaced two of the three towers with cellular towers. Back to 1948 for a moment: Bethlehem Steel built the original towers.

The University of Indianapolis' Classical-Jazz/WICR (88.7fm, Indianapolis) names broadcaster Henri Pensis Director of Programming Mr. Pensis last had the GM chair at WMOT-FM in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Before that, Mr. Pensis worked at WUFT-FM in Gainesville, Florida, and WWNO-FM in New Orleans, Louisiana. Mr. Pensis succeeds Russ Maloney, who programmed WICR for eight years.

After 32 years with Media General's CW affiliate WISH-TV (Channel 8, Indianapolis), longtime evening and late night news anchor Eric Halvorson exits. A Butler University graduate, Mr. Halvorson joined WISH in 1983 as a reporter.

Tribune Broadcasting's FOX affiliate WXIN-TV (Channel 59, Indianapolis) anchor Dan Spehler adds "10pm" to his weeknight "5pm, 6pm and 7pm" duties.

A former 13 WIFE Good Guy passed away over the weekend. Bob Schuman was only 65, when he passed away from congestive heart failure. Mr. Schuman began his radio career at 1310am WIFE. Mr. Schuman spent the last 25 years inside various Detroit radio newsrooms (including WJR, WOMC and WYCD). In between Indianapolis and Detroit, he worked in New Orleans (WNOE), Cincinnati (WSAI and WKRQ), Dallas (KLIF), Atlanta (WZGC) and Boston (WROR). Radio's Best Friend Art Vuolo has a touching tribute video.

Where Are They Now? Former Indy DJ (and Evansville PD) John Trout takes over the syndicated America in the Morning program. Mr. Trout succeeds Jim Bohannon, who hosted the show since its 1984 inception.

Southcentral

Bloomington DJ Lisa Morrison recently passed away. Ms. Morrison was the original host of "Over Easy" on Sarkes Tarzian's AAA/WTTS (92.3fm, Bloomington), and hosted "Roots Diner" on Bloomington Community Radio's Variety/WFHB (91.3fm, Bloomington). There was a Celebration of Life over the weekend. She had just turned 47 on December 30.

Indiana University will sell three translator CPs to Kentucky River Broadcasting Co., Inc. for $110,000: W225BQ (92.9fm, French Lick), W233BU (94.5fm, Seymour), and W251BS (98.1fm, Greensburg). Bob Heymann of Media Services Group was the broker for Indiana University.

Reising Radio Partners' Oldies/WXCH (102.9fm, Columbus) airs the Westwood One Classic Hits format, and we didn't realize that the format includes morning host Mark Elliott. Mr. Elliott programmed Evansville's WIKY for years and now programs for Cumulus in Toledo, Ohio.

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!

January 31: In 2001, Crawfordsville's WCVL/WIMC GM Dick Munro retires as GM, but remains in mornings. In 2006, WYNG 94.9FM changed formats from Sports to Adult Contemporary at 6:00PM. In 2010, Joseph P. ("Joe") Sweeney passes away. Mr. Sweeney started stations in Kokomo, Rochester (WROI), and Columbia City (WFDT), among others.

February 1: In 1948, 1230AM/Tell City (where it's still WTCJ) signs on. In 1982, 88.3fm/Evansville (today it's WUEV) signs on.

February 2: In 2001, former Federated Media "South" WQHK(AM) and WMEE/Fort Wayne GM Robert Elliott dies.

February 3: In 2006, former WLBC/Muncie PD Lee Allerton dies.

February 4: In 2005, two different formats on opposite ends of the state. First up, WLRX (95.7fm, Nappanee) flips format from Hot AC ("Magic") to Rhythmic CHR ("Power"). Second, WLFW (95.3fm, Chandler) flips format from Oldies to Country.

February 5: In 1965, 97.3FM/Fort Wayne (today it's WMEE) signs on.

February 6: In 2006, WUBU (106.3fm, South Bend) changes format from Smooth Jazz to Urban AC.

Employment Opportunities

G101-3, the world's most interactive radio station, is seeking its next Midday host. You'll do live middays on The G (Adult Top 40) and voicetrack evenings on our A/C sister station. Can you do a great show with phones, remotes and appearances, plus keep yourself plugged into our historic community? We need someone that can hit the ground running! If you think you can handle local, creative radio in a non-corporate environment and blend in with our talented yet dysfunctional staff you can E-mail your info to rickduncan at g1013 dot com ("Midday/Promotions" in the subject line)

Whitewater Broadcasting is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Federated Media is currently accepting applications for the position of Promotions and Events Coordinator for our South Bend Radio Group.

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. Problem Solving Skills required.

As Promotions and Events coordinator you will be responsible for, but not limited to:

Working hand in hand with Program Directors and General Sales Managers to plan, schedule and execute contests, promotions, and events.

Hiring and scheduling of part time employees for live broadcasts and events

Implementing Interactive elements of marketing campaigns and events. (mobile, email, online, 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 where no two days are alike and will be a job that is always evolving to meet the demands of each station's needs. Requires working on evenings and weekends as needed. Two to three years' experience and/or marketing degree preferred.

Interested? Contact Stephanie Michel at smichel at federatedmedia dot com.

Confidentiality assured. Federated Media is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

WPTA-TV (ABC) Fort Wayne, Indiana is a highly successful, legacy station that has a truly rare opportunity for an energetic, main co-anchor to help lead us into the digital future.

We're seeking out an experienced digital journalist, one who has credentials at breaking news and reporting important investigative stories that make a difference. The person we hire will have a record of aggressively using social media to engage and respond to our community and one who uses that engagement on multiple broadcast platforms, through social media and online.

Candidates have to have a proven track record of anchoring, producing and reporting. Clear and strong interpersonal communication skills with leadership qualities are required. Applicants must have 5 years of experience. We're looking for more than strong on-air skills, we are looking for a leader ready to engage with the region and be involved on multiple levels with the communities we serve.

Responsibilities

Anchor newscasts and special reports
Contribute, write and proofread stories
Produce regularly scheduled franchise stories
Post text, pictures and videos to digital / social media platforms
Produce newscasts when necessary
Participate in station community related partnerships

Requires / Qualifications

College degree in journalism or political science preferred
Strong on air presentation - credible delivery and personable style
Excellent oral and written communication skills
Great attitude, team player, newsroom and community leader
Rich with ideas for coverage

Never considered NE Indiana? Well, you've been missing out! Low cost of living, affordable homes, beautiful lakes, great sports and accolades galore from some of the nation's leading publications. Centrally located from Chicago, Indianapolis, Detroit and Cincinnati, everyone loves NE Indiana as a contender in a land full of kings. You can make your mark here, and you will. Visit http://www.yourstorymadehere.com and you'll learn our story.

Submit your cover letter and resume with references, plus online links to your work to Alan Wagmeister, News Director at: alanw at 21alive dot com, Job #131 and indicate in your cover letter how you learned of the job.

Even more, here: http://www.careersatquincy.com/story/30531761/wpta-main-anchor

Looking for that one of a kind GSM who has a great work ethic, loves live local radio, enjoys coaching, training, and recruiting. Loves being on the street not behind a desk, working alongside account executives in the field. This GSM will maintain a small account list. Must be a creative thinker out of the box ideas. Strives to meet and exceeding goals, needs promotions and creative writing skills. Must enjoy being a part of the community. We are a private radio group, decisions made onsite not by corporate. Great work environment, long standing employees, small town atmosphere. Great pay and incentives. If this is you and you are looking to make a change in 2016 please call me personally and we can move forward after a conversation. Please send resume to cam.pflum at star1069fm dot com. Hoosier AM/FM Radio is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

WPTA-TV (ABC) Fort Wayne, Indiana is a highly successful, legacy station that has a truly rare opportunity for an energetic, main sports anchor, who will also help lead us into the digital future.

We're seeking out an experienced sportscaster, one who has the ability to network with local sports team to enterprise and break sports stories. The person we hire will have a record of aggressively using social media to engage and respond to our community and one who uses that engagement on multiple broadcast platforms, through social media and online.

Candidates have to have a proven track record of sports anchoring, producing and reporting. Clear and strong interpersonal communication skills with leadership qualities are required. Applicants must have 3 years of experience. We're looking for more than strong on-air skills, we are looking for a leader ready to engage with the region and be involved on multiple levels with the sports communities we serve.

Responsibilities

Anchor newscasts and special reports
Contribute, write and proofread stories
Produce regularly scheduled sports stories and specials
Post text, pictures and videos to digital / social media platforms
Participate in station community related partnerships

Requires / Qualifications

College degree in journalism or communications preferably with a sports emphasis
Strong on air presentation - credible delivery and personable style
Excellent oral and written communication skills
Great attitude, team player, newsroom and community leader
Rich with ideas for coverage

Never considered NE Indiana? Well, you've been missing out! Low cost of living, affordable homes, beautiful lakes, great sports and accolades galore from some of the nation's leading publications. Centrally located from Chicago, Indianapolis, Detroit and Cincinnati, everyone loves NE Indiana as a contender in a land full of kings. You can make your mark here, and you will. Visit http://www.yourstorymadehere.com and you'll learn our story.

Submit your cover letter and resume with references, plus online links to your work at http://www.careersatquincy.com or send email to Alan Wagmeister, News Director at: alanw at 21alive dot com, and indicate in your cover letter how you learned of the job. Even more, here: http://www.careersatquincy.com/story/30848255/sports-director-wpta

Indiana Country - WKKG - South Central Indiana's #1 country heritage station, is looking for our next morning show superstar. If you can deliver an upbeat, LOCALLY relatable, music-driven show then send me your best stuff. Local is how we win, so you'll be expected to seek out ways to get involved in the community. We offer a competitive salary, great benefits including 401(k), excellent work environment and an exceptional community. E-mail your resume and demo to John Foster, Station Manager at jfoster at wkkg dot com. White River Broadcasting is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Local Sales Manager - Bayou City Broadcasting WEVV (CBS/FOX), Evansville, IN

Bayou City Broadcasting of Evansville (BCBE) is recruiting a Local Sales Manager to manager its local sales team at the CBS and FOX combo in market 103 Evansville, Indiana. We are looking for a leader who thrives on teaching, coaching and developing all revenue opportunities. A person who thrives on selling sports, a brand new news product and has a history of meeting and exceeding revenue goals.

If chosen, you will manage a highly successful sales team which operates as a well-aligned, high-functioning organization, and is comprised of seasoned media sales professionals. If you are a current Sales Manager looking for your next opportunity or an experienced Account Executive looking to make your mark as an LSM, please send your resume and credentials to jobs at bayoucitybroadcasting dot com.

Please include Local Sales Manager position in the subject line.

Bayou City Broadcasting of Evansville is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

That's it for this issue. See you in a week!

Blaine Thompson
Indiana RadioWatch
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