Indiana RadioWatch: May 16, 2016
Broadcaster Scott Fybush is based in Rochester, New York, but with in-laws in Fort Wayne, he's a frequent visitor to Indiana. A recent "Tower Site of the Week" column features our trip to Warsaw.
Mr. Fybush also writes "NorthEast Radio Watch," the weekly column that was the inspiration for IRW many years ago.
Northeast
When I say the name Paul Schafer, you might respond by telling me about Schafer Electronics, or how he developed remote transmitter control, or the first radio automation system. Before all of that, Mr. Schafer came to Fort Wayne as an 18 year old. After a three year tour in the Army, Mr. Schafer returned to WOWO and became an engineer. Before leaving Fort Wayne, Mr. Schafer worked at WANE(AM) on 1450am, and he also launched W49FW for Westinghouse: The radio station aired classical music, and was Fort Wayne's first FM radio station. Sad to report that Paul Schafer died at age 90.
Dream Weaver Marketing's Soft AC/WARU-FM (101.9fm, Roann) flips format to full service ("Sports, Talk, News, and a Variety of Music") as "The Official 101.9." Here's their new website.
Adams Radio Group's R&B/WJFX-HD3 (107.9fm, New Haven) also heard on translator W245CA (96.9fm, Fort Wayne) drops the Doug Banks Show and moves weekender Angel Suttle to middays. PD Big Kess takes afternoons. Coincidentally, "B96.9" made this move shortly before Mr. Banks' death. (As an aside, this Saturday, iHeartMedia Chicago will host a memorial service. Veteran Chicago media columnist Robert Feder has the details.)
Where Are They Now? Former Oasis Radio Group/Fort Wayne Production Director and on-air personality Chris Cruise moves to mornings at KSAS-FM ("Kiss 103.5") in Boise. Idaho.
Northcentral
The South Bend Tribune names Sally Brown as General Manager. Ms. Brown rejoins the Schurz-owned newspaper after a lengthy tenure as VP/GM of the WSBT Radio Group for over ten years, then President/GM of both WSBT Radio and TV for a bit over five years. Ms. Brown joined Schurz in 1989.
Weigel Broadcasting's ABC affiliate WBND-LD (Channel 57, South Bend) weekend meteorologist Jackie Layer exits. In August, Ms. Layer will join New England Cable News (NECN), headquartered in Newton, Massachusetts. Comcast owns NECN through its NBC Owned Television Stations division.
Where Are They Now? Former WNDV-FM PD/morning co-host Rob Sparks leaves PD/middays at KOSP in Springfield, Missouri ("92.9 The Beat") for afternoons at WLHT-FM in Grand Rapids, Michigan ("Channel 957").
Northwest
Hoosier Broadcasting Corp. sells its CP for translator W293CF (106.5fm, Lebanon) to Brothers Broadcasting Corp. for $30,000. As proposed, Brothers will move the translator to 104.5fm, as a 250 watt translator for its Country/WRIN (1560am, Rensselaer). Ed Roehling of Roehling Broadcast Services was the broker.
Eastcentral
Educational Media Foundation's Contemporary Christian/WIKL (101.7fm, Elwood) adds a brand new translator: W224CL (92.7fm, Anderson) with 19 watts, from a former AT&T long line tower on the west side of Anderson, south of IN-32.
Educational Media Foundation's Contemporary Christian/WKRT (89.3fm, Richmond) adds a brand new translator: W288CM (105.5fm, Connersville) with 27 watts at 180 feet. The translator antenna is on the former WIFE-FM tower, near IN-44 and IN-121 in Connersville.
The Power Foundation signs on its new translator W278BY (103.5fm, Muncie) broadcasting 13 watts (vertical only) from the WKMV (88.3fm, Muncie) tower on the southwest side of Muncie. As we understand it, the translator will soon change its primary station.
Central
Radio One's Gospel/WTLC (1310am, Indianapolis) syndicated morning (6am until 9am) offering The Yolanda Adams Show ends, as Ms. Adams' contract ends with Radio One.
Tribune Broadcasting's FOX affiliate WXIN-TV (Channel 59, Indianapolis) reporter Eric Levy exits and joins WDJT-TV in Milwaukee, Wisconsin as a weekend anchor.
Cumulus' Country/WFMS (95.5fm, Fishers) adds Michelle Rodriguez to middays, via voicetrack. Ms. Rodriguez handles middays at Cumulus sister KSCS in Dallas, Texas.
Southeast
After twenty years, Charlie Steele exits as PD of iHeartMedia's Classic Rock/WQMF (95.7fm, Jeffersonville) and Active Rock/WTFX (93.1fm, Clarksville). Mr. Steele also served as digital PD for the iHeartMedia/Louisville cluster.
Southwest
Nexstar ABC affiliate WEHT-TV (Channel 25, Evansville) noon and "Local Lifestyles" anchor Laura Kirtley exits after four years. Before joining WEHT, Ms. Kirtley anchored mornings at CBS affiliate/WLFI-TV (Channel 18, Lafayette). Here's her final day video.
Early May in Indiana Radio History
(In our Wednesday issue, we'll tackle this week.)
If there's something we need to add to the "calendar," please let us know. Also, errors do sometimes occur. Please e-mail us if this information is not correct!
May 1: In 1970, 89.7FM/Howe signs on as WHWE. It signed off in 2010. In 1982, WSTO 96.1fm flipped format from beautiful music to CHR. Greg Strassell ("Fast Eddie") becomes night jock at WSTO. In 1985, both WOWO/WGL Chief Engineer Bruce Ratts and legendary radio station owner Don Burden die. In 2007, 94.1fm, Roanoke became Classical WBNI, after the closing of a $1.75 million purchase by Northeast Indiana Public Radio from Summit City Radio Group.
May 5: In 2010, 90.5fm/Crown Point signs on as WRTW, and it's still WRTW.
May 6: In 1976, 103.9fm/Fort Wayne signs on as WXKE. Today, it's WWFW.
May 7: In 2014, former WTRC(AM) radio host Bill Darwin (William Vilmure) dies at age 80.
May 8: In 1953, Channel 49 in Muncie signed on as WLBC-TV. Today, it's WIPB-TV.
May 9: In 2006, the Susquehanna/Cumulus sale closes.
May 11: In 1955, 860AM/Marion signs on as WMRI. Later, 860am became WGOM before returning to the WMRI call letters in 2006. In 1965, 102.3fm/Logansport signed on as WSAL-FM. Today, it's WLHM-FM. In 1981, WIFE (1310am, Indianapolis) flipped formats from Soft AC ("W-I-F-E...The Station you grew up with is growing up with you.") to a simulcast of CNN Headline News. In 1993, 98.7fm, Battle Ground signs on as WIIZ-FM (Progressive Rock). Today, it's WASK-FM.
May 13: In 1987, 750am/Portage signs on as WNDZ, and it's still WNDZ.
May 14: In 1977, 103.9FM/Batesville signs on as WRBI, and it's still WRBI.
Employment Opportunities
Do you love waking up crazy early to have crazy fun on the radio? East Central Indiana's top cluster is looking for an up and coming superstar to add to our current Morning Show duo. You'll be expected to seek out ways to get involved in the community.
You should have at least two years radio experience, understand every aspect of social media and be able to hit the ground running on the air and online.
Send your best airchecks, resume and cover letter explaining your on air, promotional and social media background to steveb at kicks96 dot com, or Brewer Broadcasting, c/o Steve Baker, PO Box 1647, Richmond, IN 47375.
Swick Broadcasting Corporation, Angola, Indiana (an Equal Opportunity Employer) is searching for a News & Content Director for our flag ship station WLKI FM 100.3 Angola 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. The candidate duties include writing and generating news for on-air and web publishing, interviewing news makers, producing local news casts, attending public meetings. The ideal candidate will take pride in our Indiana award winning news department. Minimum of 2 years of small market on-air news experience preferred. A solid work performance is required as you will be considered to fill a news vacancy that has been held for over 14 years by the previous. Send resume, salary requirements, audio and writing samples to Operation Director Will Mashione. Will at wlki dot com. No phone calls please. Swick Broadcasting Corporation. Angola, Indiana 46703. A background check will be required for employment in this position.
WIMC/WCDQ/WCVL, Crawfordsville is looking to hire a full time outside sales person with prior sales experience or a marketing/broadcast education. This person will handle some existing accounts plus prospect new businesses in Montgomery and surrounding counties. Must be able to handle multiple projects, meet deadlines and monthly sales goals. Must have reliable transportation. Mail resume and references to dapeach at forchtbroadcasting dot com or mail to Dave Peach, GM, PO Box 603, Crawfordsville, IN 47933. Forcht Broadcasting is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
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.
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.
DLC Media's True Oldies 104.9 WAXI--FM needs a Marketing Consultant. Retail Sales and/or Marketing Sales background. Team Player, energetic, Problem solver. Good people skills and an effective multi-tasker. Must have good computer skills and can create customized presentations. We require a high school graduate with some college preferred. Retail background a plus. We provide basic training and daily support. We offer a monthly Salary/Draw of $2,500 with commission opportunities and bonus money. We pay 67% of your personal and family health insurance premiums. We offer a Simples IRA Retirement plan and will match your contribution up to 3% of your annual income. We provide monthly travel allowance as well as 2 weeks paid vacation plus paid holidays and paid sick days. We have a great team environment. DLC Media, Inc. owns and operates Radio Station True Oldies 104.9 WAXI-FM as well as Memories 107.9 WAMW-FM and The General 95.9 & 1580 WAMW. We have a LMA with Vincennes University's 96-7 Jack FM WFML. We are seeking a local direct sales professional. Candidate must display strong communication skills. The winning candidate will focus most of their time selling advertising on WAXI which serves the Terre Haute area market with our exclusive Oldies format, The Bob & Tom Show, Cubs Baseball, IU Sports, High School Sports and other local programming. While we do offer special sponsorship opportunities we are looking for a person who can probe and find ways to help local retailers with their marketing needs with customized solutions. You must understand retail and the challenges business owners face. If interested, please send a cover letter and resume today to; Dave Crooks, President & General Manager at dlcmediainc at gmail dot com. or mail to 800 West National Hwy Washington, IN 47501. DLC Media 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.
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 it for this issue. See you in a week!
Blaine Thompson
Indiana RadioWatch
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