Indiana RadioWatch: June 1, 2016
Northeast
In a story you'll first read about here, Don Osika, VP/GM of ABC affiliate WPTA-TV (Channel 21, Fort Wayne) and NBC affiliate WISE-TV (Channel 33, Fort Wayne) exits. Hoosier born, Mr. Osika once worked at Terre Haute's WTWO-TV.
In the VP/GM role at both "21 Alive" and "NBC 33" will be Merry Ewing, who currently manages Quincy Broadcasting's FOX affiliate WSJV-TV (Channel 28, Elkhart). On June 6, Barb Richards will join "NBC 33" as station manager. Before making the leap to TV, Ms. Richards programmed Hot AC/WAJI (95.1fm, Fort Wayne) for many years.
Broadcast veteran and "Classic Fort Wayne Media" group organizer Jim "Rooster" Cassell passed away over the weekend, age 61. Through several conversations with friends, I've figured out he worked in weekends at WLYV (during their country format). He also worked briefly in weekends at then-WQTZ (92.7fm, Decatur). He donated broadcast items to various historical organizations, and the Allen County Public Library. No word on arrangements.
Northwest
Kaspar Broadcasting sells its CP for translator W290CM (105.9fm, Lafayette) for $45,000 to Purdue University. Of note, Purdue has NPR-News-Jazz/WBAA (920am) to complement their NPR-Classical-News/WBAA-FM (101.3fm; both West Lafayette).
Central
Wilkins' Religious/WBRI (1500am, Indianapolis) purchases a $25,000 translator from Friends of Christian Radio. There's already a new CP in for W248BR (97.5fm, Crawfordsville), which answers the question "Where will Wilkins put the translator?" The CP Modification changes the call letters to W244DN (96.7fm, Indianapolis) with 250 watts. Wilkins' broker is Jon Yinger with Broadcast Properties, LLC.
Sad news from Indianapolis: veteran broadcast engineer Mike Goode passed away at age 68. For forty years, Mr. Goode worked as transmitter supervisor at WFYI, retiring in 2015. He continued consulting and assisting WFYI after he retired. He will be missed.
After four years, Dispatch Broadcasting's NBC affiliate WTHR-TV (Channel 13, Indianapolis) dayside executive producer Perry Pace exits, and becomes the Assistant News Director at Hearst's WVTM-TV in Birmingham, Alabama.
Southeast
Bill Gentry becomes SVP/GM at the Alpha Media stations in Louisville, Kentucky, which include Urban/WGZB (96.5fm, Lanesville). For over two decades, Mr. Gentry worked across town for what's now the iHeartMedia cluster, becoming market president and adding oversight of other iHeartMedia markets. Mr. Gentry succeeds Dale Schaefer.
In February, we reported that Indiana Community Radio Corp. worked out a long term re-transmission agreement with WJCP's owners: Tom and Diana Taylor. Now, Classic Hits/WJCP (1460am, North Vernon) has a new FM translator: 250 watt W249DG (97.7fm, North Vernon). ICRC moved the former W297AU (107.3fm, Arcadia) from Arcadia to North Vernon. As W297AU, the antenna was on the WNDY-TV antenna, near Noblesville. The new translator antenna is on a tower, south of US-50 in North Vernon.
Southcentral
John Foster retires as Station Manager (3 years) and Director of Programming (12 years) at the White River Broadcasting cluster in Columbus: N-T/WCSI (1010am, Columbus), Hot AC/WINN (104.9fm, Columbus), Country/WKKG (101.5fm, Columbus) and Classic Hits/WWWY (106.1fm, North Vernon). Listeners will still hear Mr. Foster helm the morning show at "News/Talk 1010 WCSI" (he's a 22 year veteran). White River/Columbus Sales Manager Bob Morrison succeeds Mr. Foster as station manager. Kevin Kelley becomes PD of "News/Talk 1010 WCSI." Let's also do a quick recap of Mr. Foster's career: In 1969, he worked at Religious/WCOL-FM (part time/overnights) in Columbus, Ohio. After serving in the USAF, Mr. Foster began in May 1973 in sales at WLKR(AM)/WLKR-FM (Norwalk, Ohio), eventually adding on news and high school play by play. In 1976, Mr. Foster moved to WMAN(AM) in his hometown: Mansfield, Ohio. He worked his way up to Sports Director and then became PD and morning show co-host of WMAN's brand new sister station: WYHT-FM. In 1994, he moved to Columbus and joined White River.
Indiana University closes its $110,000 translator sale to Kelly Wallingford's Kentucky River Broadcasting. Included in the sale: W225BQ (92.9fm, French Lick), W233BU (94.5fm, Seymour), and W251BS (98.1fm, Greensburg). Broker on this deal: Bob Heymann of Media Services Group.
Southwest
Raycom Media's NBC affiliate WFIE-TV (Channel 14, Evansville) Assistant News Director Lisa Shubel remains within Raycom, becoming the new night executive producer at WXIX-TV in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Where Are They Now? Former WSTO morning host Atom Smasher now hosts mornings at KDGE in Dallas, Texas.
Late May in Indiana Radio History
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 22: In 1964, 1550am, Corydon signs on as WPDF.
May 23: In 1958, 1300am, Terre Haute signs on as WMFT. In 2014, WXXR (X95.9) Terre Haute flips format and becomes Classic Country WDKE ("95.9 Duke FM")
May 24: In 1989 102.9fm, Delphi signs on as WNJY. In 2006, 89.9fm, Wakarusa signs on as WYBV, and still is.
May 25: In 1957, 1300am, Huntington signs on as WHLT.
May 26: In 2003, WKJG (Channel 33, Fort Wayne) changed call letters to WISE-TV.
May 28: In 1967, 100.9fm, Lebanon (then-WNON) signed on the air. Today, it's WNOU, and licensed to Speedway.
May 29: In 2003, 93.1fm, Clarksville (then WYBL) flips format from country to jazz.
Employment Opportunities
Multimedia News Director
WVUT-TV & WVUB-FM
SUMMARY
A full-time support staff position with benefits. Typical schedule is Monday-Friday 8am-4:30pm, subject to change.
The News Director (ND) leads and manages the planning, production and presentation of news. The ND supervises the news department staff. The ND reports to the General Manager/Director of Operations and works in cooperation with station leadership and staff to support the stations' missions.
The ND has responsibility and understanding of news planning, reporting, editing and production. The ND helps define and maintain ethical, editorial, artistic and technical standards for broadcast news programs. The ND assists with news programming decisions and news operations. The ND, as the station's top news authority, is responsible for the journalistic integrity of all station platforms, including social media.
DUTIES
Editorial Planning, Scheduling, Editing (50%)
The ND directs the activities of the news staff to develop story ideas, track issues and events, select reporters for coverage, schedule stories for air, and schedule time for interviewing, writing and editing.
The ND serves as a primary editor to insure news reports are produced in an effective, timely and responsible manner.
The ND acts as a proactive liaison to various internal and external constituencies to advance the stations' news programming. These may include the station programming and operations staffs.
The ND will represent the stations in regard to the Regional Journalism Center with Indiana Public Broadcasting Stations, of which WVUT and WVUB are active members. The ND will make sure that news is being both utilized from the RJC and contributed to by our news staff.
In an effort to remain ahead of the curve with the changing media landscape, the ND will be charged in adapting the practices of the newsroom to take on updated technology and reporting methods.
Reporting and Anchoring (30%)
The ND is part of the news team and contributes content on a regular basis. The ND may need to anchor radio and TV newscasts, cover meetings and events, host talk/public affairs programs, appear as a program guest, and produce various spots, features or special programs.
Community Relations and Support (20%)
The ND seeks opportunities to promote public contact to help ascertain public needs and bolster station success. The ND participates in station events and fundraising activities as appropriate.
OTHER
The ND adheres to deadlines and makes timely and effective decisions in situations requiring prompt attention. The ND is the primary content manager during times of breaking news or local crisis.
QUALIFICATIONS
· A four-year degree in broadcast journalism - or equivalent - preferred
· Minimum three years full-time professional experience in broadcast journalism - preferably in a multi-platform (TV + Radio + Web) news environment
· Familiarity with public media news programming standards and values
· Successful candidate will possess broad knowledge of local and regional issues
· Must have ability to work within a live program environment
· Must have experience in broadcast production, news writing and editing
· Must possess effective communication and interpersonal skills
· Must have excellent memory for details, be able to meet daily deadlines under stressful conditions and deal effectively multiple tasks simultaneously
· Preferred technical skills include: television news producing and reporting, shooting video, nonlinear editing, proficient in advanced news writing software (which includes creating graphics), posting to (WordPress) website, anchoring radio newscasts, proficient knowledge of social media posting and best practices.
Interested applicants should submit a cover letter, resume and contact information for three references to Vincennes University, Human Resources, 1002 North First Street, Vincennes, IN 47591 or email to jobs at vinu dot edu.
Vincennes University is committed to diversity in the college community. AA/EOE
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.
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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