Indiana RadioWatch: March 10, 2001
Northeast
Big changes at Kovas Communications; specifically their FM stations: Rhythmic Oldies/WYSR (94.1fm, Roanoke), Alternative/WEJE (96.3fm, Churubusco), and Rhythmic/WCKZ (102.3fm, Auburn).
First of all, VP/Programming for WCKZ & WEJE, Brian Michel exits. Michel also was PD at WYSR. Also, WCKZ APD/MD/night guy Mike Thomas exits. As a side note, Thomas is now doing weekends at CHR/WNOU (93.1fm, Indianapolis). Also,
WCKZ DJ's Aaron Bone (weekends) and "Big Maine" (weekends) exit.
Relacing Brian Michel is Bob Shannon - he'll be the Director of Operations for WCKZ & WEJE. Joining as production director for the entire Kovas group (WGL(AM), WCKZ-FM, WEJE-FM, WYSR-FM) is former WBYR midday lady Roxanne McVay.
Now let's handle the "Why?" - WYSR runs the satellite "Groovin' Oldies" format from Westwood One. WW1 ceased syndicating their 24 hour "Groovin' Oldies" format on February 27. WCKZ/WYSR owner Frank Kovas has decided to change both
the format of WYSR, along with sister Rhythmic CHR/WCKZ (102.3fm, Auburn). On Monday 2/26, he switched both stations to a simulcasted Urban AC format, as "The Wiz." Sources tell IRW that the stations are being programmed and
formatted after "The Wiz" in Cincinnati, Ohio (WIZF). Currently, the stations are running jockless.
Does this spell the end of changes at Kovas? Tune in next week to find out.
Northcentral
We discovered more information about a Petition to Deny in South Bend. The Petition to Deny for The Voice of the Fighting Irish, Inc.'s Low Power FM application for 105.5fm, licensed to Notre Dame) was filed by Bethel College, Inc.
Central
J.D. Redman, late nights at CHR/WNOU (93.1fm, Indianapolis) exits.
Country/WGRL (93.9fm, Noblesville) night guy Chris Clare exits for middays at KXPK in Denver, Colorado.
A note from the TV Side: Chris Schmidt, GM at WRTV (Channel 6, Indianapolis [ABC]), will exit in late March. According to reports in The Indianapolis Star, and in the TV publication "ShopTalk", Schmidt will become the chief of
staff for Richard Crotty, the new chairman of Orange County, Florida. "ShopTalk" explains that the Chairman in Orange County is "similar to that of a county mayor."
Southeast
The Calvary Chapel (Twin Falls, Idaho/KAWZ) translator application for 91.1fm in Hamburg has been granted. The Petition to Deny was denied. New calls are W216BW-CP.
Southwest
Cat Michaels returns from Clear Channel in Louisville, Ketucky to take nights at his former station in Evansville: CHR/WSTO (96.1fm, Owensboro, Kentucky)
Also at WSTO, Overight guy Brent "Romeo" Knight exits for weekends at Classic Rock/WABX (107.5fm, Evansville).
More info about the call letter change WFPC -> WBTO (102.3fm, Petersburg). On March 1, they flipped to Classic Rock, with The Bob & Tom Show in mornings.
That's it for this issue. See you in a week!
Blaine Thompson
Indiana RadioWatch
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