Indiana RadioWatch: June 26, 2017
Northeast
The National Radio Hall of Fame announced their 2017 inductees. Their nominating committee voted to induct legendary WOWO morning man Bob Sievers. Mr. Sievers passed away on September 3, 2007 at age 90. He worked at WOWO for 51 years; most of that time hosting the "Little Red Barn" show. Mr. Sievers began at WOWO in high school and retired in 1987.
To give you an idea of Mr. Sievers' reach and influence: A 1978 Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette article told the story of a Wolf Lake, Indiana girl that was dying of cancer. Wolf Lake is roughly 30 miles northwest of Fort Wayne.
Before her twelfth birthday, Bob Sievers mentioned her story on the air one morning at 4:30AM. The girl received 2,100 letters, 300 alone from Africa and overseas. Sadly, that was her last birthday.
Remember that until early 1999, WOWO was a 50kW day and night facility, with an impressive night pattern.
Back to the NRHOF induction ceremony: The black-tie optional induction ceremony will take place at the Museum of Broadcast Communications in downtown Chicago on Thursday, November 2. Tickets available here, and a portion of ticket purchases is a tax deductible charitable donation to The Museum of Broadcast Communications.
Northwest
On June 7, Tom Gray passed away in Delphi. Mr. Gray worked for C.V.L. Broadcasting in Crawfordsville and IRW believes his career also included GSM or SM for WKHY and WXXB in Lafayette, when RadioWorks, Inc. (Stay Tuned Broadcasting) owned that FM duo. Mr. Gray was 52.
Today, Star City Broadcasting's Country/WYCM (95.7fm, Attica) welcomes Matt Carter to afternoons (3pm until 7pm). A Lafayette native, Mr. Carter's broadcasting career took him to Lafayette (WKOA), Indianapolis (then-WGRL), Wilmington, North Carolina (WRQR), Chicagoland (WRXQ), and Marshalltown, Iowa (KDAO). Finally, at "Your Country 95.7" PD Dave North moves to middays (11am until 3pm).
Eastcentral
Earlier this month, Hoosier AM/FM's Talk/WBAT (1400am, Marion) celebrated their 70th anniversary. WBAT took stories from the Marion newspaper (The Chronicle-Tribune) about WBAT's debut in 1947, and read the stories on the air. Former WBAT GM Dave Poehler joined the on-air discussion. Andy McCord reminisced about his grandfather: the legendary broadcast engineer Warren "Doc" Arnett, who built WBAT.
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.
June 25: In 1940, 1200am in Hammond changes call letters from WWAE to WJOB. In 1985, 98.1fm in Defiance, Ohio signs on as WDFM, and remains so today. In 2004, Munson Robinson, Chief Engineer at WHFB(AM) and WHFB-FM (Benton Harbor, Michigan) dies. Age 83. In 2005, Robert Bausman, former then-WIRE(AM) (1430am, Indianapolis) GM dies. Age 80.
June 26: In 1961, 1450am in Jeffersonville signs on as WXVW, owned by Keith L. Reising (Electrocast, Inc.) and engineered by Clarence Henson. The radio station returned to those call letters in 2013.
June 27: In 1998, WMEE debuts from a new studio at Maples Road in Fort Wayne. In 2012, former WXKE afternoon drive host Richard Davis ("Buzz Maxwell") dies. Age 52.
June 28: In 1964, 101.7fm in Elwood signs on as WBMP. Today, it's WIKL. In 2004, public radio in Fort Wayne changed, as WBNI (89.1fm, Fort Wayne) dropped their classical format, which moved to WBOI (91.3fm, Orland) (and an 88.7fm, Fort Wayne translator). WBNI (89.1fm) and WBOI (91.3fm) also swapped call letters. 89.1fm in Fort Wayne began airing NPR talk programming and music.
June 29: In 1993, 105.1fm in Decatur signs on as WQHK-FM. In 1998, former WOWO/Fort Wayne GM Robert Duffield dies. Age 90.
June 30: In 1966: 100.9fm in Bryan, Ohio signs on as WBNO-FM, and remains so today. In the same year, Luke Walton and Stokes Gresham, Jr. sold WIGO (810am, Indianapolis) to Sarkes Tarzian for $167,576, including $112,676 in obligations. In 1969, 1520am in Knox signed on as WKVI and remains so today.
July 1: In 1968, 1330am in Greensburg signs on as WTRE, and remains so today. In 1970, former Indianapolis (then-WIRE) and Vincennes (WAOV) Chief Engineer Eugene Alden dies. Age 65. In 1993, 105.9fm in Wabash signs on as WWIP. Today, it's WJOT-FM. In 2000, WKVI (1520am, 99.3fm, both Knox) both flipped format from country to AC. In 2003, a pair of Indianapolis radio stations changed format. On the west side, 98.3fm (Plainfield) flipped formats from religious (WXIR) to Radio Disney (WRDZ), after a station sale. On the south side, WPZZ (95.9fm Franklin) flipped formats from News-Talk to Religious ("Joy 96") and call letters to WIJY.
Employment Opportunities
DLC Media, Inc. is looking for a News Director for their new Radio Center in Brazil, IN. This could be a full-time or part-time position. Duties include gathering, writing and producing local news updates on four of DLC's 5 Terre Haute area radio stations. A perfect PT job for a retired pro. Or, FT position for a person with previous experience. Send cover letter & resume today to Dave Crooks - dlc@dlcmediainc.com DLC Media is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
DLC Media, Inc. is looking for an Account Executive and a Local Sales Manager for their new Radio Center in Brazil, IN. The winning candidate will be able to sell advertising on up to 9 Radio Stations and 7 websites. A great opportunity to build a great career with a growing family owned media company. Competitive pay and benefits. Send cover letter and resume to Dave Crooks - dlc@dlcmediainc.com DLC Media is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
WAWK in Kendallville (95.5) is looking for a Part Time Disc Jockey on and off the air including hosting and preparing content for daily air shift Monday through Friday. Jobs at area events and assisting with production and must be able to work weekends as needed. Must have a positive attitude and work in a team. Please bring resume to 931 East Avenue, Kendallville, IN 46755 or call 260-347-2400. You can also write rich@wawk.com with an air check. Northeast Indiana Broadcasting, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
That's all for this issue. Thank you for your continued support.
Blaine Thompson
Indiana RadioWatch
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