Indiana RadioWatch: May 1, 2017

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I'm writing this from the western shores of Washington state, as I wrap up a mini vacation after a busy NAB convention. Here's a Pacific Ocean photo to momentarily distract you.

And, here's a brief look at what's going on in Indiana.

From the Reading Pile: Conventiongoers in Las Vegas get glimpse of TV of the future.

Eastcentral

A tip of the IRW cap to Dr. Joe Misiewicz, retired Chair of Telecommunications at Ball State University, as the Broadcast Education Association awards their Distinguished Education Service Award to Dr. Misiewicz. You can read more about Dr. Misciewicz's distinguished career.

Central

After five years with "Hank" and 44 years in radio, MD/Midday host JD Cannon retired from the 1pm until 8pm shift at Emmis' Country/WLHK (97.1fm, Shelbyville). Before joining "Hank," Mr. Cannon worked for 32 years at Cumulus' Country/WFMS (95.5fm, Fishers). A Country Radio Hall of Fame inductee, Mr. Cannon will continue emceeing some "Hank" events and sometimes pull an airshift.

After a year, Jason Fechner exits as news anchor at E.W. Scripps' ABC affiliate WRTV-TV (Channel 6, Indianapolis). Mr. Fechner joined "RTV6" as evening co-anchor and "Indianapolis This Week" (Sunday morning) anchor. Before arriving at North Meridian Street, Mr. Fechner anchored, reported and produced at WQAD-TV in the Quad Cities of Illinois and Iowa.

Also, an update: Former WRTV-TV anchor Candice Aviles joined WTSP-TV (Tampa, Florida) as a reporter and weekend evening anchor.

This week in Indiana Radio History

Sign-on dates seem to be a prickly matter, subject to great debate, and mostly impossible to confirm. If there's something we need to add to the "calendar," please let us know. Please e-mail us if you have updated information.

April 30: In 2011, Mary Beth Johnson ("Beth Merrell") dies. Ms. Johnson worked in Bloomington (WGCL/WTTS) and Kokomo (WWKI, WIOU, WZWZ).

May 1: In 1970, 89.7fm in Howe signs on as WHWE. It signed off in 2010. In 1982, WSTO (96.1fm, Owensboro, Kentucky) flipped format from beautiful music to CHR. John Trout ("Paul Gregory") did mornings, while Greg Strassell ("Fast Eddie") did nights. In 1985, both WOWO/WGL Chief Engineer Bruce Ratts and legendary radio station owner Don Burden die. In 1988, Rex Schepp dies. He was the former GM of then-WIRE(AM). In 2007, 94.1fm, Roanoke became Classical WBNI, after the closing of a $1.75 million sale between Northeast Indiana Public Radio (purchaser) and Summit City Radio Group (seller).

May 5: In 2010, 90.5fm in Crown Point signs on as WRTW and remains so today.

May 6: In 1976, 103.9fm in Fort Wayne signs on as WXKE. Today, it's WWFW.

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.