Indiana RadioWatch: June 13, 2010
A message landed on the IRW desk this week, asking, "Is there any information on the web, regarding a 1950s program called Livewire Clubhouse?" This may have aired on 1380AM WKJG in Fort Wayne. If you know of anything about this,
please send us an e-mail.
Now, onto the news:
Northeast
Here is a follow-up from our last issue, where we discussed the Friday 7 May thunderstorm that temporarily silenced several Fort Wayne radio stations. You may strike Star Educational Media Network station WLAB (88.3fm) off the list,
as they remained on the air, via a generator.
Speaking of WLAB, Star Educational Media Network, Inc. closes on the $225,000 purchase of Classical/WCKZ (91.3fm, Orland) and translator W204BF (88.7fm, Fort Wayne). Both WCKZ and W204BF are now a simulcast of WLAB.
Janice Furtner exits on Friday 11 June, as MD and Classical Music host of both "Con Brio" and "In the Spotlight" at Northeast Indiana Public Radio's Classical/WBNI (94.1fm, Roanoke). Ms. Furtner has been with NIPR and WBNI for 26
years.
Pat White returns to the Fort Wayne airwaves on Monday 14 June, in mornings (6:00AM until 9:00AM) at Summit City Radio Group's Standards/WGL (1250am, Fort Wayne). Mr. White departed Federated Media's N-T/WOWO (1190am, Fort Wayne) in
April, after 13 years in afternoons. Mr. White's talk show will break WGL's music format for those three hours each day.
Dan Austin and Dude Walker add "Lori Mae" (Tevault) as morning show co-hostess at Federated Media's Country/WQHK (105.1fm, Decatur). Ms. Tevault moves to Fort Wayne from Evansville where she handled middays at South Central's
Country/WLFW (93.5fm, Chandler), and prior to that, she co-hosted mornings at Townsquare Media's Country/WKDQ (99.5fm, Henderson, Kentucky).
Mark down WRRF as the call letters of the CP owned by "601 Reed Road Corporation" for a Class B1 directional station on 91.3fm, licensed to Woodburn.
The FCC awards a quartet of Fort Wayne LPTV CP's. First, Cedar Hill, Texas-based CrossTalk International earns a CP for a LPTV station on Channel 20 (W20DG-D). The station will transmit 7500 watts from the WJFX tower, on Tillman Road
in southeast Fort Wayne. Second, Davie, Florida-based Luckland Corp. earns a trio of CP's for LPTV stations Channel 16 (W16CU-D), Channel 29 (W29DX-D), and Channel 41 (W41DS-D). The station will transmit 2000 watts, 2500 watts, and
3000 watts, respectively, all from the Monroeville tower of WQHK-FM. Finally, the FCC dismissed several Fort Wayne LPTV applications: Kings Park, New York-based Spirit of Prayer Ministries, Inc. (Channel 50)
Northcentral
The Tattler reports that Greg Bell exits as Sports Director at Vox's Talk-Sports/WIOU (1350am, Kokomo), AC/WZWZ (92.5fm, Kokomo), and Classic Hits/WMYK (98.5fm, Peru). Bell has been with WIOU and WZWZ for 27 years.
At Schurz's N-T/WSBT (960am, South Bend), they add ABC Radio News at the top and bottom of the hour.
A follow-up from our last issue: At Federated Media's N-T/WTRC-FM and simulcast WTRC (95.3fm, Niles, Michigan; 1340am, Elkhart), sportscaster Craig Williams remains "The Bartender" on the air. In addition, they pick up FOX News Radio
(previously aired on WSBT).
Northwest
After ten years, Dan Bindert departs as a news anchor for Chicago's WBEZ and arrives in the PD chair at Lakeshore Public Broadcasting's News-Talk-NPR/WLPR (89.1fm, Lowell).
Tom Joyner's morning show (5:00AM until 9:00AM, Central Time) adds clearance on 2 June at Crawford Broadcasting's Urban Contemporary/WPWX (92.3fm, Hammond). Mr. Joyner is also heard on Crawford sister station WSRB in Chicago. The
morning show means the WPWX jocks shift all over the clock: 9:00AM until Noon is "Trey Da Choklit Jok," Noon until 3:00PM is Shawn Knight, 3:00PM until 6:00PM is Sam Sylk, 6:00PM until 10:00PM are "the Hot Boyz," 10:00PM until 2:00AM
is "DJ Pharris" and "Ozman" works the overnight shift between 2:00PM and 5:00AM. The combination of WSRB and WPWX adds more listeners to the morning show, as WPWX enjoys a larger signal (50kW Class B, compared to WSRB's 4.1kW).
Eastcentral
After 36 years with WMRI, WXXC, WBAT and WCJC, Dave Poehler exits on 3 May as GM for the four-station Marion, Indiana combo. Race Ashlyn replaces Mr. Poehler as GM, and arrives at the Vox-owned stations from their Harrisonburg,
Virginia stations.
Multiple transmitter problems cause a significant power reduction at WKPW (90.7fm, Knightstown). The New Castle Area Career Programs' owned station is broadcasting at 4 percent power. They should be ordering a new transmitter soon.
Central
Arbitron PPM measurement in Indianapolis begins on Thursday 24 June.
As we foreshadowed in our last issue, JMV (John Michael Vincent) arrives at Emmis' Sports/WFNI (1070am, Indianapolis) for afternoons ("The Ride" from 3:00PM until 7:00PM), after being off the capital city radio airwaves since last
November, when he left crosstown Clear Channel's Sports/WNDE (1260am, Indianapolis).
Mel McMahon departs as morning co-hostess and producer at "The Marco Show" on Cumulus' CHR/WRWM (93.9fm, Fishers).
The Tattler reports that Bill Bokunic is the new GSM at the Entercom/Indianapolis radio stations, after moving up from Melbourne, Florida, where he was GSM at the Cumulus radio stations there.
On 27 May, Radio Disney's/WRDZ (98.3fm, Plainfield) promoted Jackie Knowles to Promotions Coordinator. Ms. Knowles is a Butler University graduate, and moves up the latter from Crew Team Leader and Lead Talent.
Tribune Broadcasting FOX affiliate WXIN-TV (Channel 59, Indianapolis) will add more newscasts to the daily and weekend lineups. Starting 21 August, they will add a Saturday and Sunday newscast between 6:00AM and 9:00AM. Starting on
13 September, they will add an hour-long 5:00PM newscast. In an online article on their website, WXIN News Director Lee Rosenthal says, "The viewers have spoken and clearly like having Fox59 News as a choice every morning, afternoon
and night. We are showing our commitment to our community and being the number one choice for viewers."
Where Are They Now? Former WXNT PD Andrew Lee will begin on 28 June, as the Director of Information Programming for Clear Channel's Minneapolis stations.
Westcentral
Midwest Communications' CHR/WMGI (100.7fm, Terre Haute) rolls out a new on air lineup: Jay Michaels shifts from afternoons to mornings (6:00AM until 10:00AM), and pairs up with Stacey. AJ (from WIXX in Green Bay, Wisconsin) takes
middays (10:00AM - 1:00PM). Diva Natalie (she is the Brand Manager) follows AJ from 1:00PM until 5:00PM. "Just Plain Joe" takes evenings, up from weekend work (5:00PM until 10:00PM). Finally, Kyle West takes the late night shift
from 10:00PM until 3:00AM.
The new programming lineup at WMGI leads Midwest sister station Adult Hits/WWSY (95.9fm, Seelyville) to also roll out a new lineup. The changes include Diva Natalie moves from afternoons to middays (10:00AM until 1:00PM) and swaps
shifts with "Louie Louie" (now 1:00PM until 4:00PM). Midwest/Terre Haute OM Bill Cain returns to the airwaves between 4:00PM until 7:00PM.
A follow-up from our last issue: It is only morning and afternoon drive time when WPFR-FM (93.9fm, Clinton), WKZI (800am, Casey, Illinois), and WLHW (91.5fm, Casey, Illinois) are simulcast (not 24 hours a day, as we wrote).
The FCC dismissed a Terre Haute LPTV application: Kings Park, New York-based Spirit of Prayer Ministries, Inc. (Channel 5).
Southcentral
A follow-up from our last issue: WXCH's city of license is Columbus, not Hope. In addition, they are using Dial Global's "Oldies Plus" format (not "Good Time Oldies"). Finally, the new moniker for WXCH is "Mojo 102.9."
Southwest
A new GM and a new sports anchor make the pair of changes at Raycom NBC affiliate WFIE-TV (Channel 14, Evansville). The new GM is Nick Ulmer, who replaces Debbie Bush. Mr. Ulmer moves to Evansville from Louisville, Kentucky, where he
was station manager at WAVE-TV for three years. The new sports anchor is Joe Danneman, who replaces Mike Blake on the 6:00PM news. Mr. Blake will continue to anchor "Midday with Mike" along with other on camera and off camera
responsibilities.
Our condolences to family, friends, and business associates of Linda Goebel, who recently passed away on 29 May at age 67. Ms. Goebel was the receptionist at South Central Media's Evansville radio stations, and worked there for 30
years.
The FCC awards an Evansville LPTV CP. Cedar Hill, Texas-based CrossTalk International earns a CP for a LPTV station on Channel 19 (W19DL-D). The station will transmit 15,000 watts from the WKOH-TV tower, on US-60 between Owensboro
and Henderson, Kentucky.
Employment Opportunities
Cox Radio Louisville is looking for p/t or contract traffic reporter(s) to cover weekday am and pm drive traffic reports on 4 stations. No phones calls, but please send your materials to don.nordin at coxmg dot com. Cox Media Group
is an equal opportunity employer.
Position: Morning Show Co-Host/Promotions (Full Time)
Company/Station: Star Educational Media Network, Inc./WLAB-FM
Hours: 5am - 1pm and appearances at events as needed.
Job Description: You are the person who loves mornings and loves to communicate a positive message to families and individuals with the Hope of Jesus in a relevant way. You are a team player that can easily accept encouragement and
necessary instruction in the growth process of being a part of the STAR team. You can embrace change as well as seek to find new ways to make the morning show more effective through relevant content. You realize that a great attitude
can make the work environment conducive to winning. You are a person who is self-motivated and lives to be successful so that you can touch more lives. You realize that flexibility is important in radio and the activities associated
with it. Your life exemplifies Christ in your words and actions and you realize that you represent the team and this outreach in all areas of your life. STAR 88.3 is looking for the right team player for the morning show who we prefer
has at least 3 years of on air experience. We request at least three references. As part of this position, there will also be responsibilities in Promotions. You will be working closely with the Executive VP of Development. You are
creative and organized and have ideas to bring to the table that would further enhance the outreach of STAR 88.3. You have solid people skills that allow you to interact with a variety of people in various organizations and can handle
any concerns with others in a professional, caring and Christian manner. You understand the need to represent STAR 88.3 in a positive light. Your positive attitude is very valuable for this role. Experience in promotions will be a
plus in consideration of this position. Your presence will be required at many of the STAR 88.3 functions. It is important to recognize your part of the team is getting to serve our community and the listeners.
Benefits include a health insurance package along with major medical/dental. We require a high school diploma, and prefer some college coursework. We prefer at least three years on-air experience. You must provide your own
transportation.
We are looking to hire now, so please send resume and demo Stephanie Broman via e-mail: jobs at star883 dot com (No phone calls please). Females and minorities are strongly encouraged to apply.
WLAB-FM/Star Educational Media Network, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to the creation of a workplace free from discrimination and harassment. We recruit, hire, train, promote, compensate, and provide benefits and
privileges to individuals in all job titles without regard to race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, sexual orientation, national origin, age, sex, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected status. Our company is
committed to a fair and equitable workplace where everyone is a respected and valued member of the team.
We are accepting on-air applications for afternoons on WZOW in South Bend. Please send rock demo and resume, with production samples to Karen at u93 dot com. Artistic Media Partners/WZOW is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
This Week in Indiana Radio History
Sunday 13 June: In 1960, 100.7fm/Terre Haute signs on (formerly WVTS, today it is WMGI).
Tuesday 15 June: In 1949, 1570am/New Albany signs on (today it is WNDA). In 1978, 89.1fm/Fort Wayne signs on (today it is WBOI). In 1992, 106.7fm/West Lafayette signs on (today it is WKHL). In 1998, Country/WIRE (100.9fm, Lebanon)
splits from a simulcast of WWRE (91.1fm, Lebanon) and flips format to Jazz. The WIRE calls changed to WYJZ. Today, 100.9fm is WNOU, licensed to Speedway.
Wednesday 16 June: A day of finales, as in 2000, Lana Conroy exits as morning co-host at WMEE. In 2003, WOWO's "SportsTalk" does its last weeknight show. In 2006, Steve Kerrigan exits as morning co-host at WMEE.
Thursday 17 June: In 1968, 1090am/Fort Wayne signs on (today it is WFCV). In 2001, an overnight jock "Mike Thomas" exited WNOU/Indianapolis, and is now doing nights as "Jagger" at WKTU in New York, New York.
Friday 18 June: In 2001, WTRC/Elkhart brought a new solid state Harris transmitter online at 7:15am.
Radio Spotlight
Name: Charlie Morgan
Job Title(s): Vice President/Market Manager
Station(s): WIBC/WFNI/WLHK/WYXB/Network Indiana
Market(s): Indianapolis
Owner: Emmis
Who were your early DJ or radio station influences? (Perhaps what lead you to "catch the radio bug."?
Ironically, WIBC and WNAP are the reasons I am in radio today. I, like many people my age, grew up listening to WIBC with Gary Todd and Chuck Riley and all of the other great talent of that era. Then along came The Buzzard and Buster
Bodine! Wow, I was completely hooked. I actually "interned" with Buster while I was in high school. Now, I have the rare privilege of working at those stations!
If you had such a thing as a "typical day," please tell us about yours?
My days are overscheduled. I have too many appointments and meetings, which does not leave me enough "walking around time." With four very active stations and a statewide news network, there are lots of moving parts and many people
who need some of my time.
What has been your biggest career accomplishment?
Convincing some really bright, talented, wonderful people to work with me.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
Working with those bright, talented, wonderful people on a daily basis!
What makes you a unique GM?
I really do not know. I guess I would say it is the fact that I am doing this in my hometown. So I feel like I have a good feel for what makes the city tick, what is important to people both as listeners and in the business community
and therefore, maybe how best to tailor our stations to the local tastes and preferences.
What makes your market unique?
Probably the fact that for a market this big there is still not one "super-consolidator." No company owns a majority. Emmis has four. Clear Channel has three. Cumulus has three. Entercom has three. Radio One has three. That is a
bit unusual for a market this large.
What is the best advice you would give to those wanting to get into radio?
Please do it! We need you! Radio is still a vibrant, relevant, dynamic, local media that needs bright, creative, talented folks who want to have a great career. Do not believe what you read about radio being "over."
What is the most important issue in radio today?
The fact that the mainstream press tends to paint us as irrelevant, or "yesterday's technology" and that too many of US buy into that!
What is your favorite out-of-market radio station, and why?
The Ticket (KTCK) in Dallas. A great radio station full of original content and talented people, perfectly aimed at its target audience.
Where do you see the radio industry five years from now?
I see radio still touching the lives of almost every adult every day and, therefore, an important way for businesses to market their products and services. We may do that through new and different distribution methods and devices, but
the essence of what we do will still matter.
Who is your favorite air personality that is not working for you?
Gerry House at WSIX. With all my years in the country format, I have spent a lot of time in Nashville and one of the things I enjoy about those trips is hearing Gerry.
What book have you read that has taught you the most about the radio business?
Jim Collins' Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap... and Others Don't (HarperBusiness, 2001). I know it is not a "radio" book, but it is a great book about how to help people and organizations be successful.
That's all for this issue. Thank you for your continued support.
=============== Indiana RadioWatch ===============
(c) 2010, Blaine E. Thompson
Indiana RadioWatch may not be reproduced, transmitted, or distributed in any way, shape, or form without the permission of the copyright holder (Thompson, above)
Indiana RadioWatch is produced weekly. Subscriptions are free. To subscribe, send an e-mail to irw@well.com asking to be added. Indiana RadioWatch is archived after publication on the Indiana Radio Archive at
http://www.indianaradio.net. Submissions of any nature are welcomed by e-mail, FAX, or postal mail. Employment opportunities are posted as is, so please proofread. Employment opportunities are only posted when received from a
credible source (usually the owner, GM, or PD of a station).
Finally, we thank you for your continued support.
=============== Indiana RadioWatch ===============
Back to the Archive Index
All pages Copyright Blaine Thompson. Articles, photos, corrections,
and other contributions should be e-mailed to the editors.