Indiana RadioWatch: February 24, 2016
Northeast
Quincy Broadcasting's ABC affiliate WPTA-TV (Channel 21, Fort Wayne) welcomes new sports anchor Zach Groth. Mr. Groth spent 2015 as an MMJ with the sports department of Charlotte, North Carolina FOX affiliate WJZY-TV.
Northwest
Yesterday morning, we heard that veteran broadcaster Ric Lippincott passed away on Monday from pancreatic cancer. Mr. Lippincott did afternoons in the late 1970s at WAZY (96.5fm, Lafayette) before becoming a PD in Chicago and later, in San Francisco. While at "Z96," Mr. Lippincott used the air name "Charlie B. Tiger."
Central
Where Are They Now? Former Indianapolis PD and DJ "Marco" joins KXTE in Las Vegas, Nevada in mornings ("Marco and Jeetz").
Westcentral
Midwest Communications welcomes Dave Wisniewski as GSM for their Terre Haute cluster. Mr. Wisniewski last worked as LSM for Emmis Communications in St. Louis, and spent many years as VP/Sales for Zimmer Radio. In the Hoosier state, Mr. Wisnewski worked for Artistic Media Partners in South Bend, and what was then the Summit City Radio Group in Fort Wayne. With Midwest adding the former South Central/Evansville cluster, Evansville GM Tim Huelsing adds Terre Haute GM responsibilities, and Evansville DOS Paul Brayfield adds Terre Haute DOS responsibilities.
Southeast
The FCC approved Midnight Hour Broadcasting's AC/WZZB (1390am, Seymour) $40,000 purchase of translator CP W277CG (103.3fm, Fort Branch) from Indiana Community Radio Corp. It's now 250 watt translator CP W257DO (99.3fm, Seymour).
Southcentral
The FCC approved Diamond Shores Broadcasting's Oldies/WSEZ (1560am, Paoli) $40,000 purchase of translator CP W273CG (102.5fm, New Harmony) from Indiana Community Radio Corp. It's now 250 watt translator CP W254CO (98.7fm, Paoli).
Radio Spotlight
We're going to do a multi-part interview with several broadcasters that worked at WTHI(AM) in Terre Haute. Today, we interview retired broadcaster Randall Dickerson, who went by "Dick Randall" when he worked there.
Who were your early DJ or radio station influences? (Perhaps what lead you to "catch the radio bug."?)
Grew up 180 miles from Chicago. Dick Biondi, of course. But really caught the bug when I was a Cub Scout and went on a Lad and Dad swim at the YMCA. One of the kids' dads was the chief engineer at WBOW, which was a half-block down the street. He took us to the station and I was mesmerized. I got my first gig when I was 17 on WTHI-FM. Later, did the all-night show on WBOW while I was a senior in high school. If the wage and hour division has ever found out......
Tell me about WTHI(AM). I know it was on 1480am. Format? Who owned it at the time? Where were the studios? Back then, were the towers where they now (in Terre Haute, along 18th Street)?
'THI was part of an AM-FM-TV combo owned by a local company called Wabash Valley Broadcasting. It was, in turn, part of Tony Hulman's holdings (along with the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and a lot of other things.) All of the studios were at 918 Ohio Street in a building that had been an overall manufacturing plant and, later, a Simplicity Pattern factory. The building has been razed.
WTHI-AM was 1,000 watts, directional at night, on 1480 kc. It later was upgraded to 5,000 watts during daytime hours. The antenna array for the AM was (and is) on the north side of Terre Haute. The tower still on Ohio was the original TV tower for Channel 10 and the tower for WTHI-FM (99.9). We were a "chicken rocker" during the day and became rock n roll at 4 p.m.
What airshifts did you each do? Did any of you hold additional responsibilities? (i.e. News Director, PD, MD, etc.)
Under the name "Dick Randall," I was the midday personality (9a-2p) and the production director. Having previously done news, I also did a Sunday late TV newscast on 10.
Tell me about a memorable moment on the air?
Too many to recall. I guess the first show I did from the new showcase studio the station built in in 1967, working all-new equipment is a standout. I was in heaven. Gates Diplomat console, new Gates tables, ATC cart gear, Shure 666 mic. Production studio with former AM board (RCA) rebuilt.
What lead each of you to WTHI?
All of were students at Indiana State University and got a new toy to play with.
What made WTHI unique and successful?
The station was the perfect fusion of young, raw talent and we were left largely alone by management that was paying far more attention to its TV property. We were able to experiment and we all put in ungodly hours to "invent radio" in the market. Ronn Mott, who was our Tribal Elder, understood radio very well and was careful about reining us in. Among standouts in my memory was Go Fly a Kite Day. We found a plant in Decatur, Ill., that made kites, got the TV station artist to do the graphics, distributed thousands and had a massive kite fly-in at a general aviation airfield. Prizes for first to fly, best decorated, etc. A bit by night jock Loren Owens (yes, that L.O.) was about Harold the Nighttime Janitor. The FM jock who did Harold's voice did theater at Indiana State. Harold got fired for sleeping on the job (to kill off the character after a long run) and the calls began, then the petitions. One was signed by the district congressman (I recognized the signature from his press releases). On a summer night, L.O. did his show live on the street in front of the studio and we brought Harold back, in costume. Police had to close the street. I looked and saw this little girl, about 10 years old, waving at Harold as tears ran down her face and she said, "Welcome back, Harold. I love you." Wow.
What made each of you unique on the air?
Imagination brought to life as radio. Ronn Mott in the morning was Mr. Topicality. He was, and is, very human on the air. I was midday and have a good set of pipes. I wasn't flashy, but the flow was very smooth and it was all about 18-49 female listeners. Andy Bickel was the afternoon jock and he was alternately insightful and just plain nuts. You were going to be entertained; you just didn't know which Andy was going to show up each mic break at "Andy's Place." He never used his last name. Loren Owens? What can I say. Theater of the mind. Thrived on playing with the audience. Phones rang off the hook. Great voice and us working in a showcase studio and him looking like a male model didn't hurt the effort. Bryan T. Hayden (later Bryan Thomas) was a college student who worked weekends and was always at the station. Looked like Howdy Doody. We called him "Howdy" internally. Pure energy. July White was the promotion director, copywriter, gal Friday and cheerleader. She didn't do an airshift, but we used her voice a lot on promotions and spots. Jules has a facile mind and she quickly learned how to make great radio through promotions. Mike Ventura signed on and did weekends. Good promotions guy, later a fine salesman. Runs an Internet company now in Atlanta. Mike Ambrosini replaced me when I left for Columbus, Ohio, in 1968. Smooth baritone, had the same chops I did. Retired recently from KNX on the coast. Gene Rump did FM, was Harold the Nighttime Janitor, helped write and voice promotions, spent a looong time at KAKE-TV in Wichita. Is now living off his wife's considerable earnings as a TV GM on the coast.
(Stay tuned for Part 2, next week!)
Employment Opportunities
Lake City Media Group (an Equal Opportunity Employer) is searching for a News & Content Director for our local News & Information Station, "News Now Warsaw" (1480-AM & 99.7-FM). The ideal candidate has a clear understanding of fair, balanced and non-sensationalized news radio. Applicant should have a general understanding of news, government and law and the ability to build a successful newscast from start to finish. The perfect candidate will lead our news department and be willing to do what it takes to get the accurate story first. Duties include writing and generating news for on-air and web, interviewing news makers, producing local news casts, attending press conferences and/or meetings, monitoring local scanner traffic for lead generation and will take ownership in our acclaimed news department. Minimum of 1-2 years of small market on-air news experience preferred. Send resume, salary requirements, audio and writing samples to Program Director Kris Lake at klake at lakecitymediagroup dot com. No phone calls, please. Lake City Media Group is part of Federated Media.
Are you a weekender in a bigger market? Night jock in a smaller market looking to move up? Just looking for a change? We're looking for a fresh, up-and-coming talent that relates to the CHR night audience.
We're HOT 107.9 in Fort Wayne, a Mainstream CHR that believes in personality radio and great content between our listeners' favorite songs. Former HOT jocks are on-air in Los Angeles, Seattle, Minneapolis, San Antonio, Dallas, Memphis, and Portland.
We want someone witty, interesting and passionate. Hard-working who will do what it takes to win and create must-hear radio every night. Your life should play out on social media when you're not in the studio (and of course when you are as well). Basic video editing/graphics skills are a great asset!
Aircheck
Resume
All social media links
A few examples of digital work (video, graphics, posts that got good interaction, etc.)
Anything else that makes you stand out.
Put "Hot 107.9 Nights" in the subject line and send it to: jobathot at gmail dot com
No calls please. If you sent your stuff to us recently, no need to resend. We will begin contacting candidates this week, so don't delay. Adams Radio Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
89.1 WBOI (NPR News and Diverse Music), and Classical 94.1 WBNI seek a Chief Engineer for the two public radio stations serving Fort Wayne and Northeast Indiana. We are a growing organization in the process of relocating to a new facility in two-to-three years, which will include substantial investments in new equipment, new studios and production facilities. You will be an important part of our team while enjoying considerable autonomy and responsibility as our Chief Engineer.
The Chief Engineer is responsible for all technical and building operations and maintenance. Position reports directly to General Manager, and works closely with the Program Director and other staff. Occasional night and weekend work is necessary, with availability to respond 24/7 as needed. You must have the technical knowledge to operate and maintain two radio stations and all associated operations, be able to climb ladders, work in small spaces and have the ability to lift 50 pounds. Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate technical issues to non-technical personnel are important. The ability to solve problems, think creatively, work independently, and troubleshoot is highly valued.
Requirements:
AASEET Degree or similar
5 or more years of radio broadcast engineering experience
Knowledge of FM broadcast and STL transmission systems including combiners
Ability to troubleshoot and repair FM and HD transmitters and associated equipment
Minimum 3 years of experience with Broadcast Electronics AudioVault Delivery Systems for both time-based and control-based satellite automation
New construction involving studio and transmitter sites
Familiarity with FCC rules and regulations
Network administration and IT support for Microsoft Windows Server and Windows 7 & 8 operating systems
PBX management
Drafting budgets for expenses, capital expenditures, and projects
Valid driver's license and means of transportation
The following experience will be particularly beneficial:
� Work with AudioVault FLeX
� Experience with Axia Livewire or Wheatstone Wheat-Net audio over IP solutions
� Knowledge of IP based phone systems
� Familiarity with Microsoft Exchange
� Traffic and music software automation integration
� Engineering remote broadcasts and live performances
� Experience with FTP delivery systems
Please include resume and narrative/cover letter detailing how your experience relates to the job duties and qualifications of this position.
Position is open until filled.
E-mail resume and cover letter to: Peter Dominowski, President and General Manager, at: pdominowski at nipr dot fm.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, and do not discriminate with regard to race, gender, ethnicity, religion, or sexual orientation.
WFNI and WIBC-HD2 is looking for an experienced sports talk pro in both the on-air and administrative realms to join the staff as an Executive Producer. This person must be able to perform a variety of tasks on a daily basis, primarily from a behind-the-scenes standpoint, but also might be needed to fill-in when necessary in a show-host role and/or a sports anchor standpoint.
This position would be working on a daily basis with the Program Director of both The Fan and 107.5 ESPN. This person would also be interacting on a daily basis with all aspects of the Fan staff including producers, talk-show hosts, and part-time board-ops.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
* Write, produce, edit and update content for on air, website and social media on a daily basis.
* Curating sound, video and text from wire services, TV partners, and other news sources
* Writing and/or recording sports updates for The Fan, 107.5 ESPN, and Network Indiana
* Development of producers
* Fill-in duties for talk show hosts when necessary
* Administrative duties like affidavits, Tag Station responsibilities, working with Triton digital
* Scheduling part-timers for evening and weekend shifts on the Fan and 107.5 ESPN
* Other duties as assigned
Considered, candidates should meet the following requirements:
* Thrive in high pressure situations to meet extremely tight deadlines
* Possess a firm knowledge of digital audio editing software
* Pay close attention to detail
* Must be highly organized
* Be available and flexible with work hours/duties
* Can be a positive member of a tight-knit team
* Able to work independently with little supervision
* Working knowledge of Wide Orbit on-air operating system preferred
* Working knowledge of Windows, Outlook, Word, Excel
Education/Experience:
* 2-5 years overall radio experience, sports talk radio experience preferred
* High school diploma or general education degree (GED)
To Apply: Please apply online at www.emmis.com and send resume with any pertinent on-air, news demos and writing samples to grakestraw at indy dot emmis dot com.
No phone calls please. Emmis Communications is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
WIBC/Network Indiana is looking for a multi-media platform news talent who can gather and interpret content on multiple platforms, including digital (web, social media) and on-air. The position requires the production and gathering of text, images, audio/video, etc. The ideal candidate will have strong delivery, a versatile mindset for varying tasks, and be a natural storyteller.
Please apply online at http://www.emmis.com
Please send your resume' and air check materials to cedavis at indy dot emmis dot com.
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.
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.
That's all for this issue. Thank you for your continued support.
Blaine Thompson
Indiana RadioWatch
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