Indiana RadioWatch: April 21, 2010
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Now, onto the news...
Northeast
An update to last week's story about the $225,000 acquisition of Classical/WCKZ (91.3fm, Orland) and translator W204BF (88.7fm, Fort Wayne) by Star Educational Media Network, Inc. (the owners of WLAB in Fort Wayne): Religious WLAB
(88.3fm, Fort Wayne) will also appear on both the 91.3fm and the 88.7fm frequencies. This will increase "Star 88.3's" reach into northeastern Indiana and southern lower Michigan.
Where Are They Now? Former WMEE and WKUZ morning hosts Craig and Sam are now handling mornings at WLVY in Elmira, New York. Also, Craig (Morrison) is the new VP of Programming for owner Pembrook Pines Media, while Sam (Samantha Adams)
is the new Pembrook Pines' website developer.
Northcentral
There's more on the South Bend radio format changes that are planned for early May. Al Peterson's NTS MediaOnlinesays that "reportedly" (their word) the syndicated Rush Limbaugh and Glenn Beck shows will move from Schurz's N-T/WSBT
(960am) to the new Federated Media N-T station on 95.3fm (Niles, Michigan). Also moving from WSBT to the new 95.3fm will be the affiliation of FOX News. The new 95.3fm will become "Michiana's News Channel FM News Talk 95.3" with new
call letters (WTRC-FM, as both 95.3fm and 1340am WTRC will simulcast.) Here's what we know of the new WSBT lineup: "America in the Morning" and the locally hosted "JT in the Morning" (Jon Thompson; no relation) appear unchanged. The
syndicated Mike Gallagher adds an hour (9:00AM until 12:00PM). Dave Ramsey moves to 12:00PM until 3:00PM. A local talk show will premiere, and air between 3:00PM and 5:00PM. The locally hosted "Weekday Sportsbeat" will add an hour,
and air between 5:00PM and 7:00PM. The rest of the evening (syndicated hosts Ramsey, Bohannon, Noory) appear unchanged. When the new 95.3fm releases a schedule, we will have it here. All we have thus far is that Gary Sieber will host
a local morning show on the new 95.3fm.
Federated Media's Country/WBYT (100.7fm, Elkhart) welcomes Jesse Garcia as PD. Garcia arrives from Wausau and Stevens Point, Wisconsin, where he was OM for the NRG Media, LLC group there. Garcia begins at "B100" on May 5.
At Gray Television's NBC affiliate WNDU-TV (Channel 16/DT42, South Bend), news anchor and reporter Erin Logan exits. Logan was arrested early Thursday (15 April) after police were called, on the report of a domestic dispute. Logan was
arrested, and accused of public intoxication, disorderly conduct, and resisting arrest. This incident caused WNDU-TV management to release Logan from her responsibilities at WNDU-TV. However, Logan has not been formally charged, as a
result of the arrest.
Eastcentral
Vox Radio's Southern Gospel/WMRI (860am, Marion) changed format on 1 March to sports, using ESPN Radio, as "860 ESPN." WMRI also airs the Chicago White Sox, along with local high school and college sporting events.
Westcentral
On Saturday 17 April, the tower fell at Brothers Broadcasting Corp's Oldies/WIBN (98.1fm, Earl Park). The tower, west-northwest of Lafayette (west of US-41) fell, after a piece of farm equipment hit the tower. The 8:00AM incident
also destroyed the transmitter, as the tower was crumpled and lying across the building. While off the air, the station continues streaming via their http://www.981wibn.com/website. No word on when the station will return to the
terrestrial airwaves.
Job Opportunities
Indy's new interactive music destination, MY 1079 (http://www.my1079online.com) is casting for an Assistant Program Director. The APD will assist our Chief Listener Advocate in the day-to-day operation of MY 1079 including generating
the first draft of the daily music log, "production" of non "live" day parts, daily listener interaction, social networking oversight, and daily 4 hour air shift. The successful candidate will be a partner in accountability with our
Chief Listener Advocate insuring that every listener feels confident they belong to the brand and the brand belongs to them. Think Jack, Bob, and Charlie-that kind of variety-but with real people-an interactive brand that is 100%
LISTENER operated. If you have an ear for compelling relevant content - not just compelling radio - then we need you now! Our expectations are HIGH. If work intensity means staying until the work is done right, your positivity is not
just avoiding the word no, but always offering a solution, and promotional creativity is measured by how well you can serve both masters-the listener and advertiser then we need you now! Must have working knowledge of RCS and RCS
Linker, thorough knowledge of pop music 1964-2010, minimum 5 years commercial radio...minimum three years managerial experience-music director, assistant program director preferred. No telephone calls. Email your work history and
contact information to: my1079apdjob at entercom dot com. Entercom Indianapolis is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
WMGI Radio 100.7 Mix-FM/Terre Haute is looking for a talented morning show personality to team up with our existing co-host, and understands that the job doesn't end with the air shift. We are looking for a great attitude, someone
who is willing to be responsible for our street presence, do top-quality production, and great remotes. Imaging abilities are a plus! You will be working for a top-notch company, offering a very competitive salary, and benefits. If
you are looking for a rewarding opportunity, please send your tape and resume package to Natalie Randall, Brand Manager, Midwest Communications, Inc., 824 South Third Street, Terre Haute, IN 47807 or email diva.natalie at mwcradio dot
com. Midwest Communications is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Brothers Broadcasting Corporation, a private, family owned, regional broadcasting company, is looking for a morning show host for WRIN-AM in Rensselaer. The right candidate should be able to relate to their audience, be a positive part
of the community, while having superior production skills. Interested individuals should send their materials to 977production at gmail dot com, or may mail their materials to: Morning Show Host Opening, PO Box D, Rensselaer, IN 47978.
Brothers Broadcasting Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Radio Spotlight
This week, we sit down with Dave Crooks, whose DLC Media, Inc. owns several Washington, Indiana area radio stations (WAMW-AM, WAMW-FM, a pair of FM translators, and an LMA of WFML-FM in Vincennes).
Who were your early DJ or radio station influences? (Perhaps what lead you to "catch the radio bug."?)
Jimmy "Mad Dog" Matis. When I first worked in Radio, he worked a ten hour shift at WNDI and also broadcast high school sports. I was a Junior in High School. I would take over after school and spin records until sign-off. Also, during
the 70's, the entire line-up on 890 WLS was fun to listen to and made an impression on me.
If you had such a thing as a "typical day," please tell us about yours?
I'm usually at the radio stations by 7:30am. I spend much of my day in the office supporting the sales and programming staff. I do all the accounts payable for my company. I carry a small account list. I broadcast several high school
basketball and baseball games and other remotes. I also prepare for my weekly political talk show which airs on the weekends. I sometimes fill-in for a vacationing announcer or news person. I handle most of the community relations.
I occasionally take out the trash, or pull the weeds around the building. In short: Whatever needs done.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I've worked in small, medium and large market radio stations. However, owning and operating small market stations is where the action is. Not only are my stations a vital part of the community, as a broadcaster, you get to do
everything. That's fun for me.
On your "Dave Crooks Show," who has been the most memorable guest?
I've had the pleasure to interview several top news makers in our state including Governors, Congressmen, Senators, State Legislators and members of the media. However, National radio talk-show host Ed Schultz of the "Ed Schultz Show"
and host of "The Ed Show" on MSNBC has been the most entertaining guest. My first interview with Ed was live under the dome of the West Baden Hotel at the Indiana Democrat Editorial Association Annual Meeting. I think he woke-up half
the Hotel guests. Many came to the center of the dome to hear him.
What has been your biggest radio ownership career accomplishment?
I enjoy turning around stations that were struggling. My current Washington and Vincennes Stations have been a great career accomplishment. When I took over WAMW AM & FM in Washington on September 1st of 2001, the stations had only
$1,800 of business on the books and they sounded terrible. We now have 3 great sounding stations that have lots of listeners and each station made a profit last year despite the recession. We are on track to grow 12-15% this year.
What makes your market unique?
For a small market, there is a lot of competition for media dollars. I believe all the stations in my area sound above average compared to many small markets across the country.
What's your biggest pet peeve in radio?
Radio professionals throwing other radio professionals or radio stations "under the bus." When radio stations trash other professionals and/or stations, it only confuses the advertiser and encourages them to utilize other media.
Radio needs to promote radio, not just their group of stations. If every radio station did this, our share of the advertising pie would grow for all of us.
What's the most important issue in radio today?
The need for localism in every market. It's fine to be on a network as long as you super-serve your community during the local breaks.
What's the best advice you'd give to those wanting to get into radio?
Learn as much as you can about the Internet. Take IT classes. Learn how to build a good looking website. Take some sales classes or try sales. Learn how everything at a radio station works. The radio professional who can multi-task
will not only survive, they are in demand.
Who's your favorite air personality that isn't working with you?
Ed Schultz. Actually, I'm Ed's only Indiana affiliate so I guess he is working for me. I also respect Rush Limbaugh. I don't agree with Rush most of the time, but I believe he's a great entertainer.
Where do you see the radio industry five years from now?
I believe stations that focus their programming on serving the communities will survive. Stations that focus on music sweeps and not much else will struggle.
Who are your mentor(s)?
That's a tough one. I've worked with several very good radio professionals. I've learned a lot from many of them. However, since the late Art Stanley of WNDI in Sullivan gave me my first job, I will mention him.
That's all for this issue. Thank you for your continued support.
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