Indiana RadioWatch: May 23, 2010

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If you read nothing else in this column (and by gosh, we hope you read everything), please take a few moments to read the Radio Spotlight.

Northeast

A Friday 7 May 2010 thunderstorm (featuring golf ball sized hail and 60+MPH winds) briefly silenced most of the Hillegas Road tower farm in Fort Wayne. This included WAJI (95.1fm), WMEE (97.3fm), WFWA-TV (Channel 39), WFWI (92.3fm), WNHT (96.3fm), WLAB (88.3fm), WBOI (89.1fm), WXKE (103.9fm), W204BF (88.7fm), and W277AK (103.3fm). Before IRW Central lost power, we found WANE-TV (Channel 15), WPTA-TV (Channel 21), and WISE-TV (Channel 33) still on the air, presumably via generators.

Ken Allen exits (next Friday 28 May) as GM at Independence Media's Talk/WNUY (100.1fm, Bluffton). Mr. Allen is headed to WIXC, in the Melbourne/Titusville, Florida market, where he will be Station Manager.

Among the coterie of Republicans looking to fill the now vacant Indiana Third District seat in the United States House of Representatives is Ryan Elijah, who now takes a leave of absence from his early morning anchoring and reporting duties at Indiana's NewsCenter (WPTA-TV and WISE-TV).

Since 2006, Rod Tanner had hosted mornings at Summit City Radio Group's Standards/WGL (1250am, Fort Wayne). Mr. Tanner exits the station on Friday 7 May, and is replaced by Jeff Rollins, who is the morning host for Dial Global's "Adult Standards" format, which WGL uses the remainder of the day. Also exiting WGL is their farm programming, which was handled by the Hoosier Ag Today network.

Redeemer Radio Group's Religious/WLYV (1450am, Fort Wayne) moves studio locations from a small (875 square foot) suite at 4705 Illinois Road to a roomy 2690 square foot office at 4618 East State Boulevard. WLYV also plans on expanding its local programming (currently a reported five percent of the station programming schedule).

Rick Farrant at the Greater Fort Wayne Business Weekly has been busy covering Fort Wayne media. Read the piece on Jim Blue, and the news crew over at Nexstar's FOX affiliate WFFT (Channel 55, Fort Wayne), and the piece on the crew at Columbia City High School's WJHS. The WJHS story involves the possible demise of the station, as financial reductions may cause GM Kristi Walker-Zoltek's job to become part time; part of a reported $977,000 budget shortfall for the Whitley County Consolidated Schools.

We have sad news from a former Fort Wayne morning show radio host. Steve Kerrigan hosted mornings at WMEE for about eight months in late 2005 and 2006. After WMEE, Mr. Kerrigan relocated to Dayton, Ohio, and mornings at WHKO. Recently, he has been fighting a second bout of blood cancer (multiple myeloma), and is taking some time away from radio, while he battles this cancer.

Where Are They Now? (Part 1) Former WJFX midday lady Mia Amini is now handling middays at KHTC in the Minneapolis, Minnesota market.

Where Are They Now? (Part 2) Former then-WKJG-TV news anchor Shawn Yancy is now an evening news anchor at WTTG-TV in Washington, DC.

Northcentral

As we discussed, the changes have taken place with several South Bend radio stations. Let us move through the changes, by frequency:

960am: At Schurz's N-T/WSBT (960am, South Bend), the new program lineup under PD/ND Bob Montgomery includes JT in the Morning (local), Mike Gallagher, Dave Ramsey, Denis Prior (local), Weekday Sportsbeat (local), Dennis Miller, Jim Bohannon, and "Red Eye Radio." This lineup debuted on Monday 10 May.

1340am/95.3fm: At Federated Media's newly formatted N-T/WTRC-FM and simulcast WTRC (95.3fm, Niles, Michigan; 1340am, Elkhart), the new "Michiana's News Channel" rolls out its format at Midnight, on Monday 10 May, under PD/News Director Jon Zimney. The new lineup includes the locally hosted Michiana's Morning News (Gary Sieber), Craig Williams (mornings/sports, and dropping "The Bartender"), Glenn Beck, Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, Jason Lewis, Lars Larson, and "Coast to Coast." Also, the new website is here. One final interesting note: WTRC-FM is broadcasting in mono.

95.7fm: Classic Rock/WAOR (95.7fm, Nappanee), shifts from 95.3fm, Niles, Michigan, under PD "Ragz." The "Tommie and The Bartender" show ends, as of Friday 7 May. Tommie Lee exits the station, while Craig "The Bartender" Williams joins the new N-T/WTRC and WTRC-FM. In an exclusive, Mr. Lee told IRW: "Federated Media has always treated me with a great deal of respect in the last 9 years, and I will miss being a part of the company. I wish Ragz and the WAOR Team the very best, and I look forward to hearing Gary, Annette, and Craig in the morning on Michiana's News Channel."

103.9fm: At Talking Stick Communications' Rock/WRBR-FM (103.9fm, South Bend), under PD Tommy Carroll, the Indianapolis-based Bob and Tom morning show moves to WAOR. Replacing Mr. Kevoian and Mr. Griswold on WRBR-FM are the "Jason Lee and Kluck show," inbound from mornings at WIRX in St. Joseph, Michigan (Benton Harbor).

An update on the 17 April tower fall at Brothers Broadcasting Corp's Oldies/WIBN (98.1fm, Earl Park): We are told by WIBN that a new transmitter and tower will be installed soon, at the same location. Also, in an unrelated move, Brothers Broadcasting OM (and WIBN PD) Dan McKay exits on 5 May, after eight years with the company.

Proof that "asking first avoids problems later": The Lincoln (Michigan) Township Planning Commission received and rejected a request by Midwest Family Broadcasting's Country/WYTZ (97.5fm, Bridgman, Michigan) to change lights on its tower from a red light, with paint, to a white strobe light. Midwest says the new light would be less expensive, but nearby residents complained about the new light. Planning Commission Chairman Mike Freehling said that Midwest Family should have first asked to change the tower light style, and that failure to ask might mean a violation of Midwest Family's Special Use Permit. No resolution yet on this matter.

On Tuesday 11 May, the Master Control equipment for Michiana Public Broadcasting's PBS affiliate WNIT-TV (Channel 34, South Bend) moved from the Elkhart Area Career Center to their new location: The former WSBT-TV studios, at 300 West Jefferson Boulevard in South Bend. This move resulted in downtime for some of the WNIT channels that day.

Where Are They Now? Former WNDV night host Pat Clark is now teaming up with his wife (Jenn "AJ" O'Dell) in mornings at WYTE in the Wausau-Stevens Point, Wisconsin market.

Northwest

Hyles-Anderson College's Religious/WRTW (90.5fm, Crown Point) signs on at 5:30PM on 5 May, after a lengthy (15+ years) FCC application process, and after testing the on air signal with construction noises. Their new website is here. Also, the call letters stand for "We're Reaching The World."

Rod Douglas retires after 44 years in radio, most recently with La Porte County Broadcasting's Standards/WLOI and Country/WCOE (1540am, 96.7fm; both La Porte). Mr. Douglas had also once worked in Ohio, at WFOB-AM.

Monticello Community Radio files an application with the FCC detailing an ownership change for its AC/WMRS (107.7fm, Monticello), but the ownership change keeps control of the station all in the family. With FCC approval, Gerald Quinn and his son Bruce will sell their ownership interest (one third of the station, for each of the Mr. Quinn's) to Laura Page (who is Gerald's daughter and Bruce's sister). Also, Kevin Page will retain his one third ownership interest in WMRS.

An LPTV window opened for stations far enough away from a Top 100 market. Several more applications were received for Lafayette. New York City-based Landover 2, LLC has filed for a LPTV station on Channels 18 and 38, both licensed to nearby Delphi. If one of the current filings is accepted, the station would transmit 5000 watts, from an American Towers tower on US-421 (south of the WXXB tower) in Delphi.

Eastcentral

An application has been filed by Educational Media Foundation's Christian CHR-Rock/WQRA (90.5fm, Greencastle) to change power from 15,000 watts at 436 feet (Vertical Only) to 8100 watts at 446 feet, and the application also proposes removing the directional protection and adding horizontal power (both are now allowed, since audio from WRTV-TV on 87.7fm is no longer a factor). The application also proposes a transmitter site change from their current site (east of Greencastle) to a new site just south of I-70, and northwest of the sprawling metropolis of Monrovia.

Central

Dispatch Broadcast Group's NBC affiliate WTHR (Channel 13, Indianapolis) and WALV-CA (Channel 50, Indianapolis) names John Cardenas as VP/GM. Mr. Cardenas moves to Indianapolis from Dispatch sister station WBNS-TV in Columbus, Ohio, where he was News Director. Mr. Cardenas begins his duties in Indianapolis on 1 June.

After Bob Kravitz exited the show in February, Eddie White exits as afternoon host (3:00PM until 6:00PM) at Emmis' Sports/WFNI (1070am, Indianapolis). Mr. White will continue contributing to the show, while concentrating on different work, outside of radio. Will there be a new afternoon host announcement tomorrow? The WFNI website says "New Frequency. SAME BAD ATTITUDE! Afternoons are getting LOUDER starting Monday on 1070 The Fan." We believe the non-compete of a former competing sports talk radio host expires tonight, but there is just no sense spreading rumors.

At Radio One Indianapolis, we noticed both Regional VP Rick Porter and Cincinnati, Ohio VP/GM Lisa Thal exit. Mr. Porter oversaw the Radio One Indianapolis stations (over local GM Chuck Williams), while Ms. Thal oversaw the Cincinnati, Ohio stations, which included supervising the move of then-WIFE-FM in Connersville, after Radio One purchased the station and moved it from Connersville to Norwood, Ohio (near Cincinnati).

Recently, Emmis/Indianapolis added two DJ's to their roster: Fritz Moser and Steve O'Brien. Mr. Moser is the Executive Producer of the syndicated John Tesh morning show on Soft AC/WYXB (105.7fm, Indianapolis), along with handling nights on Country/WLHK (97.1fm, Shelbyville). Mr. O'Brien does middays on "97.1 Hank FM" and does station imaging production.

Cumulus' Classic Hits/WJJK (104.5fm, Noblesville) welcomes Greg Browning to mornings. Mr. Browning started 10 May, and arrives from mornings at crosstown Entercom's Adult Hits/WNTR (107.9fm, Indianapolis).

Tribune FOX affiliate WXIN-TV (Channel 59, Indianapolis) makes a weekend change; adding meteorologist Ron Smiley. Mr. Smiley arrives from New Orleans, Louisiana, where he was a weekend meteorologist with WDSU-TV.

Westcentral

The Ernie Pyle State Historic Site in Dana (near the Indiana and Illinois border, west of Rockville, and north of US-36 on IN-71) is slated for possible sale by the State of Indiana. The Indiana Natural Resources Commission voted on Tuesday 18 May to table (until their 16 November meeting) the decision on selling or auctioning off the property. The decision has stunned locals and various groups (among them "The Friends of Ernie Pyle" and the local Dana town government). The decision even prompted an editorial commentary by Mike Leonard in the Sunday 16 May issue of the Bloomington Herald-Times newspaper. Accusations over operating costs, operating hours (the site was not open very often), and building repair costs, are flying between the various groups and Indiana state government.

Word Power, Inc.'s WPFR (1480am, Terre Haute) adds morning host Ronn Mott to their schedule. "RM in the AM" spins oldies, and that format continues through the day (Monday through Saturday), with Christian religious format going all evening and every Sunday. Mr. Mott is a 50 year radio veteran and has both owned and managed radio stations. Mr. Mott also employs a 3000 CD personal collection of music.

Also at Word Power's Religious/WKZI (800am, Casey, Illinois), owner Paul Ford and his wife Eleanor are on live between 6:00AM and 9:00AM each weekday morning, and again during "The Road Home" each afternoon from 4:00PM until 6:00PM. We did not know this, but WKZI is also simulcast on WLHW (91.5fm, Casey, Illinois) and WPFR-FM (93.9fm, Clinton).

Southeast

Clear Channel CHR/WZKF (98.9fm, Salem) completes its tower site move across the Ohio River to the 790AM site of Clear Channel sister station Louisville, Kentucky's WKRD. The purpose of the move was to eliminate shadowing received from the bluffs along the Ohio River, between the former site (near Greenville, Indiana, south of US-150) and Louisville, Kentucky. Those bluffs shadowed Louisville's downtown business district. The new WZKF is a Class C2 station, licensed to Prospect, Kentucky, running 50,000 watts at 492 feet (an equivalent to the former 42,500 watts at 515 feet). We are told that the new signal is "loud and clear in places where it was just a rumor before."

Southcentral

"The Pirate" leaves the ship at Reising Radio's WXCH (102.9fm, Hope), as the station drops its five-and-a-half-month-old Classic Rock format, with that moniker. On Friday 14 May at 10:48AM, the station played Nirvanna's 1991 hit "Smells Like Teen Spirit" and then began airing a loop of The Irish Rovers' 1967 popular Irish pub song "The Unicorn." IRW also heard the line: "There'll be a new radio station right here; it might be "102.9 The Bird," so no flippin." On Friday 21 May at 7:00PM, WXCH flipped formats to Classic Hits, under GM Mike King, using the Dial Global "Good Time Oldies" format, and featuring Tom Kent in the evening.

Mary's Children, Inc.'s WOMB-CP (89.9fm, Ellettsville) files an application with the FCC, proposing to increase their power, lower their transmitter height, and move transmitter sites. The new proposal calls for 4000 watts (up from the CP's 1250 watts) at 213 feet (down from the CP's 447.5 feet) from a different transmitter site (from the CP's WHCC tower, to another tower west of Bloomington, near IN-48, east of IN-43).

At Reising Radio's Country/WYGB (100.3fm, Edinburgh), Keith Maddox is the new PD, while at Reising Radio's AC/WRZQ (107.3fm, Greensburg), Brittany Gray is the new PD. Both Mr. Maddox and Ms. Gray will retain their morning positions on their respective stations ("Korn Country 100.3" and "QMIX 107.3"), and Ms. Gray adds PD duties to her News Director duties.

Southwest

While "As the World Turns" signs off in September, 2010, we found another interesting "soap opera" (that is the term another broadcasting publication used) going on in Mount Carmel, Illinois. We have written sparingly about Wabash Communications' Standards/WVMC (1360am, Mount Carmel, Illinois), but the latest developments are most interesting. WVMC's Chief Operator sent a two page letter to the FCC. In the letter, he returned the license to the FCC, saying "There are numerous unpaid bills and the IRS and 2 different banks...foreclosed on the facilities," and the letter was signed by Marty Hensley. In the letter, Mr. Hensley also told the FCC that the studios were sold at auction, and have been converted to an apartment, the tower sight was foreclosed upon and padlocked, the tower lights were off, the tower was unfenced, and the IRS was collecting back taxes from Wabash Communications and another company (Wabash Broadcasting). The letter also mentions that the license to WVMC was transferred without FCC notification, and also claims that WVMC has been silent since May, 2008. Last week, the FCC deleted the call sign and canceled the license.

You would think that is the end of the story. Last week, when the FCC issued the Public Notice (please see page 14) about WVMC's deletion, they quickly heard from Kevin Williams, president of Wabash Communications. Mr. Williams filed for an STA to keep the station on the air. In the application, Mr. Williams stated that:

"Hensley was not and is not the Chief Operator of WVMC. Further, he was not and is not an officer, director or shareholder of Wabash Communications, Inc., and he was not and is not an employee, attorney, or agent for Wabash Communications, Inc."

Mr. Williams continues concludes by saying that "WVMC is on the air from its authorized transmitter site."

On 18 May, the FCC responded, saying: "In this case, we believe that the public interest in continuing DWVMC(AM)'s service to the residents of Mount Carmel, Illinois, warrants continued operation of the Station pending further investigation and disposition of the matters raised in the STA Request." The FCC also said that DWVMC (the "D" stands for "Deleted") may "continue operation of the Station ... with the facilities authorized..."

What's next for this story? IRW will have more, as it becomes available.

After over ten years in Chicago's Moody Radio (Manager of the Chicago Operations Team), John Hayden exits for the Music Ministries, Inc. stations in Evansville (WBGW, WBHW, WBJW, W293AT). In Evansville, Mr. Hayden hosts the afternoon show (3:00PM until 7:00PM, Central Time), works with the station programming, and will continue hosting Moody Radio's national "Sunday Praise" program which is carried from 6:00AM until 9:00AM, Central Time on the Moody Radio Network, of which WBGW, WBHW, WBJW, and W293AT are all affiliates of that show.

A belated tip of the IRW cap to South Central Communications' Soft AC/WIKY-FM (104.1fm, Evansville), GM Tim Huelsing, and PD Mark Elliott on their NAB Crystal Radio Award, recognizing WIKY's annual community service commitment.

On 15 May, South Central Communications' Country/WLFW (93.5fm, Chandler) added the SupeRadio syndicated (and recently launched) show "Music City Saturday Night."

A footnote to our Regent (now Townsquare) story from last issue. New Townsquare Media CEO Steven Price is the son of Bob Price, owner of Price Communications, which owned Fort Wayne's WOWO and WOWO-FM radio stations, in the 1980's and 1990's.

Employment Opportunities

Entercom Indianapolis is looking for an experienced Marketing Director to lead the cluster marketing department. The position is responsible for marketing the radio stations, developing and executing integrated marketing campaign and serving in the public interest. Primary responsibilities include collaborating with programming and sales management to achieve goals and objectives; recruit, hire and develop department personnel, strategic planning and execution; meet listener, advertiser and community expectations. The position reports to the VP/Market Manager. Candidate must have a successful track record of 5 year's marketing and event/sales promotion experience; excellent communication skills and strong public relations.

Please send resumes to: Entercom Communications, ATTN: Human Resources, 9245 N. Meridian Street, Suite 300, Indianapolis, IN 46260. Entercom Indianapolis is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Promotions Coordinator - Radio Disney, Indianapolis

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

· Assisting Promotion Manager in the planning, staffing, coordination and execution of local Radio Disney events from concept through to completion.
· Supervise and act as on site, on-mic host of events when necessary, leading crowds in high energy performance environment with games, dances and other family targeted activities
· Create recaps for sales promotions, handle listener prize fulfillment and organize, maintain and inventory prize closet.
· Write and mail monthly client newsletter
· Assist with local production as needed, including assistance in the scheduling and production of weekly Public Affairs show

QUALIFICATIONS

Work Experience

Required

· Prior radio/on site promotion experience
· Prior experience hosting or performing at family oriented events; must be comfortable performing in front of large crowds

Preferred

· Experience working with mobile DJ equipment and other sound equipment preferred
· Radio production experience preferred

Skills & Abilities

Required

· Excellent time management and organizational skills
· Ability to lead and direct large staff of part time employees
· Excellent communication skills, verbal and written
· Computer: Email, Word, Power Point, Excel
· Valid driver's license and access to automobile
· Weekend event work required

Education

Required

· Bachelors degree or equivalent work experience

Job Location: Indianapolis, IN

Please send your resume to Laura Sanchez, Promotions Manager, Radio Disney Indianapolis, via e-mail at laura dot a dot sanchez at Disney dot com.

Radio Disney is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Entercom Indianapolis WZPL, WNTR and WXNT radio stations are accepting applications for openings in our media sales department. If you are a self-starter, motivated, creative and goal drive, why not consider joining our team! We've got the brands, tools, training and market heritage to put you on the road to success. Candidates must possess exceptional communication, presentation and negotiation skills. One year previous broadcast experience preferred. FAX resume/cover letter to Erica Will at 317.816.4030, or mail to 9245 North Meridian Street, Suite 300, Indianapolis, IN 46260. No telephone calls please. 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, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Brothers Broadcasting Corporation, a private, family owned, regional broadcasting company, is looking for a morning show host for 25kW WIBN-FM in Oxford. 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.

WXXC-FM and WMRI-AM currently have a full time opening for an experienced Advertising Sales Representative. The candidate will be expected to call on businesses to help create a marketing plan. Duties include selling, servicing, and collecting accounts daily. Local travel is required, and salary is based on commission sales. Extensive training and tools for success are provided. Qualified and interested candidates should send resume and application material to Gloria Millspaugh, Sales Manager, PO Box 839, Marion, IN 46952, or via e-mail: radiojobs at comteck dot com.

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.

South Bend, Indiana's most successful radio sales team has an opening on our staff of commissioned professionals. An established client base is available for the right person with sales experience. If you are willing to work hard, selling a product that is easy to believe in, please submit your cover letter and resume to Jim Roberts, General Sales Manager, NewsTalk 960 WSBT/Sunny 101.5/Oldies 94.3/Cat Country 99.9 WSBT, Inc.: roberts at wsbt dot com. WSBT, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Some people like predictable jobs. Doing the same thing every day... at the same place and with the same people. And every month, they get the same boring paycheck. If this sounds like you... you can stop reading.

But, if your personality is better suited to variety... if you enjoy meeting new people and tackling new challenges each day... and, if you'd like to influence your own paycheck... you might be perfectly suited for a career in radio marketing.

White River Broadcasting Company is searching for a radio sales professional. You'll represent South-Central Indiana's leading group of radio stations... including WKKG, WCSI, Y106 and 104.9 The River. Radio sales experience is not required but enthusiasm is.

If you have the skills and the desire to succeed, White River Broadcasting Company will provide the training and tools to make it happen. Send your resume to jobs at wkkg dot com. White River Broadcasting is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.

Entercom Indianapolis has a full-time job opportunity as an Overnight Producer-News Coordinator. WZPL, WNTR and WXNT need a special person to insure that all three brands are airing and streaming properly and that all production is complete and imaging is uploaded. The successful candidate will also produce and deliver the weekly morning newscast for WXNT, coordinate news and road show events, update and generate WNTR morning briefings as well as are on call to report live and on location covering any breaking news. They will also produce and record daily on-line entertainment, sports and newscasts for all three brands streaming products. Experience with AudioVAULT automation, VoxPro and Adobe Audition is preferred. To apply for this position, please go to http://www.entercom.com, and click on "Careers". No telephone calls please. Entercom Indianapolis is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Radio Spotlight
Name: Todd Richmond
Job Title: Midday DJ
Station(s): WMPI-FM, Scottsburg, IN
Owner: DR Rice Media

1. Who were your early DJ or radio station influences? (Perhaps what lead you to "catch the radio bug."?)

Well, my first exposure to a radio station was at WORX in Madison, IN when we helped one of the local DJs haul equipment back from a dance. Once I caught "the bug", I began hanging out at WQMF in Jeffersonville where I learned a lot about production and air work and they eventually got tired of me hanging around for free, so...

2. What makes your station unique?

Oddly, what makes us unique is what should make us like any other station...we are very dedicated to the community, which seems to be disappearing in radio, especially in the bigger markets. Everything about us is local...no network programming of any kind. The owner not only lives in the town...he lives in the building...so decisions from the top get made quickly...and literally...here.

3. What makes your market unique?

Not a lot. Scottsburg has a courthouse square, interstate access, antique stores, a weekly paper, a Wal-Mart, a hometown bank, a passion for their local high school basketball teams, a couple or three odd characters, a gathering place for the older folks to sit and chat...and everyone seems to know everyone here. Throw in a town drunk and a sheriff with a little boy and...well; you gotta love this town, that's all I can say.

4. Who are your mentor(s)?

My friend Kevin O'Neil taught me the basics of radio, despite his best efforts to dissuade me...and I learned a lot from working with Ron Clay at WQMF. I picked up a great deal of creative/production knowledge from Scott Stanley, now Creative Services chief at WLW/Cincinnati and these days I get a lot of brow beating from my current PD, John Ross.

5. What's the best advice you'd give to those wanting to get into radio?

If you get your foot in the door, do everything they ask you to do (legally, of course). Almost everyone begins their radio life as the Dub Monkey/God Squad person. Do it well and show them they can't possibly live without you in that building (but remember, as the saying goes, "Be careful what you wish for...").

6. Where do you see the radio industry five years from now?

I'm not sure how to answer that, actually. I could go on about hoping for improvements in the economy and more ad revenues in the future, etc, etc...but I should answer that in DJ speak, huh? When I started in radio...just last week, wasn't it...I had turntables on my left, cart decks to my right, the only "PC" we had in the studio was the "Playboy collection" we had on the floor and I was told by the "old-timers" that back in their day, they didn't have such amazing technologies. Since then, terms like "cue burn", "sec tones" and "bulk a cart" have been replaced by "voice tracking", "scrub mode" and "button bar". I wonder if the terms we're using in just five short years might all start with the word, "virtual"?

7. What's the most important issue in radio today?

I think our biggest issue is just keeping up. Radio has endured so many changes and so many new technologies, but so had the newspaper until the internet...and now print media is disappearing. I do see radio embracing the internet as a secondary marketing tool, but I feel like some places are giving less consideration to their broadcast content and quality and more to their websites. I wonder if that's radio's attempt at avoiding the same fate as the paper...if you can't beat 'em...etc...

8. What's your favorite out-of-market radio station, and why?

I don't think I have one favorite, per se. I do tell people that my favorite Starbucks is in the Golden Nugget in Las Vegas, NV and when they ask why that particular Starbucks is my favorite, I say, "Because if I'm sitting in it drinking coffee, I must be in Las Vegas!" So, I suppose my favorite out of market station is in Las Vegas because...

9. Who's your favorite air personality that isn't working for you?

I have always said Jim Scott of WLW is just the best radio personality...I was always told to do radio as if you're just talking to one person...and make that one person the focus. Jim Scott makes me think he's sitting in the passenger seat of the car. I'm working on that...so far, I sound like I'm in everybody's trunk...

10. What book have you read that has taught you the most about the radio business?

Just recently, I read "Clear Vision" by Reed Bunzel and "Right Of The Dial" by Alec Foege. Both books tell two very different perspectives of Clear Channel Inc. and its rise to radio's biggest company. They both taught me a lot about the "business", but I determined the truth is probably somewhere in the middle of the two books.

That's all for this issue. Thank you for your continued support.

Blaine Thompson
Indiana RadioWatch
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