Indiana RadioWatch: July 24, 2013
A correction from our last issue: On July 22, 1968, WIBC-FM (93.1fm, Indianapolis) became WNAP, but Naptown listeners didn't feel The Wrath of the Buzzard for a few more years. That was our mistake, as 93.1fm had the WKLR call
letters much later.
Northeast
Where Are They Now? Next month, former WJFX MD/Afternoons Bryan LaRoche ("Busboy Bryan") will leave WKQI in Detroit, Michigan (APD/MD/Afternoons). Before WJFX, Mr. LaRoche also hosted nights ("Tiki Bryan") at Evansville's WSTO
(96.1fm, Owensboro, Kentucky).
Northcentral
Russ Dodge returns to radio as the GSM and Regional Sales Manager for Hoosier AM/FM in Kokomo (WIOU(AM), WMYK-FM, WZWZ-FM). Mr. Dodge brings an extensive tenure in Indiana radio: WSWY(AM) and WEDJ-FM (General Manager), WXLW(AM)
(General Manager), Artistic Media Partners (Regional and National Sales Manager), Network Indiana and Agri-America (Sales Manager), then-WXTZ-FM (Sales Manager), WTUX(AM) and WTLC-FM (Sales Manager) and sales plus on-air work at
WJVA(AM) and WRBR-FM. Mr. Dodge will also work with the sales team at Hoosier AM/FM in Muncie (WBAT(AM), WCJC-FM, WMRI(AM) and WXXC-FM).
Carl Deffenbaugh joins Schurz Communications' CBS-affiliate WSBT-TV (Channel 22, South Bend) as a weekend sports anchor and reporter. Mr. Deffenbaugh last worked as a Sports Reporter at WDBJ-TV in Roanoke, Virginia.
Eastcentral
Backyard Broadcasting's Hot AC/WLBC (104.1fm, Muncie; under LMA pending sale to Woof Boom Radio) files an FCC application to move their auxiliary antenna. WLBC proposes moving the antenna a bit south, from the top of their
Sports/WXFN (1340am, Muncie) tower to the WLBC tower. Both towers are at Backyard Broadcasting's studios on East 29th Street in Muncie. Also, the auxiliary antenna would change power from 9300 watts (horizontal only) to 7700
watts (circularly polarized), a bit higher up (from 236 feet on WXFN's tower to 377 feet on the WLBC tower.)
Central
Tom Taylor Now broke this story: Known on the air as "First Lady Khris Raye," Krishna Henderson-Hutchinson has been with Radio One's WTLC-FM (106.7fm, at Radio One in Indianapolis since 2005,
hosting middays and earning a promotion to Music Director. Ms. Henderson-Hutchinson recently sued Radio One because they refused to explain why they terminated her last December. Ms. Henderson-Hutchinson's contract included
eighteen reasons that Radio One could let her go (i.e. "Employee's excessive tardiness or absenteeism"). Ms. Henderson-Hutchinson's lawyer says she should receive two months' pay, and Radio One refused to pay that money. Ms.
Henderson-Hutchinson filed the lawsuit in Marion County Superior Court in mid-June. Radio One recently prevailed by moving the lawsuit to federal court (The Southern District of Indiana), after Ms. Henderson-Hutchinson did not say
how much money she seeks in the lawsuit. The court scheduled a pre-trial conference for August 21.
Where Are They Now? Former WZPL APD/MD Garett Michaels now programs KNDD in Seattle, Washington.
Westcentral
After six years, Patrick Fazio exits the anchor desk (6pm and 11pm) at Nexstar NBC affiliate WTWO-TV (Channel 2, Terre Haute). Mr. Fazio joins KSHB-TV in Kansas City, Missouri as weekday morning anchor.
Southwest
South Central Communications' AC/WIKY (104.1fm, Evansville) adds the syndicated "Powerline" show, hosted by Brother Jon Rivers, starting this Sunday from 4am until 8am.
Today in Indiana Radio History
In 1977, 104.9fm in Rockville signed on as WAXI (just like it is today.)
Radio Spotlight
Name: Jay Rio
Role: Afternoons and Imaging Director
Radio Station: WHHH, Indianapolis
Owner: Radio One
Twitter: @Rioontheradio
Who were your early DJ or radio station influences? (Perhaps what lead you to "catch the radio bug."?)
I was (and still am) a huge "radio head", when I grew up I was playing "radio" with my jam box and recording radio stations like Z-100 and WBLS in New York, and 93Q and Majic 102 in Houston. My parents split up when I was 12 so I
spent summers and Christmas in New York and the rest of the school year in Houston. It gave me a chance to listen to two major markets with some amazing Jocks. But when I fell for radio was on KIKK-FM (Houston) A Country station
with Willy Sancho on the air (who just happened to be the uncle of one of my friends growing up), once I heard my voice on the air, I was hooked.
How did you first get started at WHHH?
I auditioned for the PM Drive position in 2003, the first time. Didn't get the job but was in the final two. At that time, I was doing Mornings in East Texas at "The Blaze", found another position with Clear Channel that moved me to
Greensboro, North Carolina. After a year and a half, the PD of Hot 963 called me and asked "Did I want another shot at Afternoons?", I came back to Indy the following weekend for another audition and was given the job a few weeks
later. I didn't want to pass this station up, I remembered thinking...there was a great vibe about the city the first time I visited.
Hopefully everyone sees the "Listen Live" link on the radio station website. What has online listening meant to your station?
It broadens our view of music and radio, it's "regionality" is amazing. When Hot 963 began streaming, it was surprising how many emails or messages on Facebook we had gotten from listeners from other markets. It help develop radio
personalities, I remember when I had recorded six cassettes (dating myself now) full of radio jocks doing breaks, used to listen to those all the time. Now anyone can click a site or any radio app and hear what is happening in
specific markets and what stations are doing.
How would you describe the role of WHHH in Indianapolis?
Hot 96.3 has evolved from days of "Bill Shirk" to becoming "the urban voice" of Indianapolis. Not just being the Hip Hop and R&B source for the city, this station speaks to many Hoosiers in different age groups and races. I am very
proud of the Community connection Hot 96-3 does for the city. I've seen it personally during our "12 Days of Christmas" promotion; you can see the development of community relationships grow each year.
What makes Jay Rio unique on the air?
That's a great question; I ask myself that every day: "What will I do Today that will be unique for our listeners?" Whether it's the energy of the show, the latest news or speaking about what is Trending on Twitter, every day
presents a new challenge on the show.
What makes the Indianapolis radio market unique?
I've noticed there are several 25-54 demo focused stations here, also in every market I've been fortunate to work in, and we've always had a direct competitor. It was fun when there was someone after us in "radio guerilla warfare."
What was your last radio gig?
Worked in Greensboro/Winston Salem, High Point North Carolina. You can imagine how long our Legal ID was.
What's one thing that would surprise many people to learn about you?
That my roots are South American, (mother from Ecuador and father from Paraguay) I am an avid fan of Poker, played in a few World Series of Poker tourneys (with no success...yet) Even though I was raised on Hip Hop in my younger
days, I enjoy all genres of music and sports. I enjoy listening to Classic Rock and Sports Talk stations and I play Futsal (a form of soccer) and (Court) Volleyball in a couple of leagues in my time off.
What's the best advice you'd give to those wanting to get into radio?
To have an "Never Say Die" attitude, to never give up on what you want to accomplish. You have to have a strong determination to get into radio. I tell everyone that asks questions about jumping into our business, "You have to put
every ounce of energy into this industry. Because there is always someone who may want it more than you." I also tell them to get their foot in the door, that is the most difficult part. Once you show your work ethic to your
manager, then other doors will open for you.
What's the most important issue in radio today?
Jobs. Our positions are still being shrunk into a new title with more responsibilities and no increase in pay.
What's your favorite out-of-market radio station, and why?
It would have to be My "home stations", grew up in New York and Houston. I follow the movement of the personalities and ratings there every chance I get.
What's your philosophy about radio ratings?
It's all about momentum in the PPM era of radio. Giving concise information, building an audience that sticks with you and returns to your station. Having the jock deliver something worthy of returning to your station consistently.
Where do you see the radio industry five years from now?
Progressing further in the next genre of social networking and the next greatest things. If there is something that can be said about radio, we are an adaptable species.
Employment Opportunities
WANE, the news leader in Fort Wayne, is accepting applications for a full-time on-air and online Chief Meteorologist. This is a position of station and newsroom leadership over a critical element of what we provide every day,
weather coverage! The ideal candidate offers: Understanding of the importance weather plays on all delivery platforms, ability to execute on-air, online, and mobile, expertise with the best weather technology available, ability to
perform during severe weather, ability to lead a department of four meteorologists across a 24-hour, seven-day priority including evaluation of the daily product, comprehensive fulfillment of how weather fits into the station brand
of "Coverage you can count on", and positive contributions to the community. This person must execute all of this with the aim of standing out in a competitive weather environment. No phone calls please. Send resume and
references before July 31st, 2013 to:
WANE News Director
2915 W. State Blvd.
Fort Wayne, IN 46808
WANE is an Equal Opportunity Employer-M/F
WBCL Radio Network is looking for an energetic, organized and creative person to join the ministry team as Promotions Director. This position will be responsible for supervising and overseeing promotional efforts, contests, interns
and volunteers. Person will: work closely with the Development Director to implement strategic promotions that can increase revenue and listenership to WBCL; needs a proven track record in promotions and community involvement;
passion for and experience with social media; on-air experience a plus! Details on responsibilities and qualifications listed at wbcl.org. Send resume to Personnel Director, WBCL Radio Network, 1115 W. Rudisill Blvd. Fort Wayne IN
46807 or email to employment at wbcl dot org No Phone Calls, Please. Taylor University Broadcasting, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
WFYI Public Media is accepting applications for a Multi-Platform News/Public Affairs Content Manager. This full time job reports to VP of Interactive Media and Content Strategy. This position is responsible for the creation of
policies, practices and the placement of public affairs content on WFYI's multiple content platforms from internal departments and external content providers. Those platforms include wfyi.org (and other future mobile platforms),
radio and television. This position will also generate ideas and produce original content for those platforms. You will: Manage the flow of news and public affairs content from internal WFYI departments onto wfyi.org, FM 90.1 and
channel 20, manage the flow of content from external sources onto wfyi.org from national organizations including NPR, PBS, and AP, manage the flow of news and public affairs content from local WFYI content partners, develop strong
working relationships with relevant WFYI editorial staff and actively participate in creating online elements for special features or packages, assist in oversight of user generated content and communities, including blogs, comments
and other opportunities for WFYI visitors to share their views about the topics we cover, design and produce multimedia feature coverage, taking projects from conceptualization to research and development, through pre-production,
production, post-production, delivery, evaluation and final report, provide suggestions for home page treatment of material and assist in planning and producing special coverage and live events, work with internal staff to improve the
organization's skills for creating interactive content, and conduct Web/Mobile audience research, identify and track key metrics such as traditional pageviews, social media engagement and streaming media to help evaluate the traffic
growth and usage of WFYI.org. Qualifications include a college degree, extensive Journalism or news background, knowledge of public media preferred, demonstrated excellence in best practices for writing for the web, editing,
copy-editing and headline-writing, good user interface/experience sensibility; able to communicate design/feature ideas to a Web designer or Web developer, and you must have excellent communication skills, and a customer service
attitude. To apply, please send cover letter and resume to Human Resources, WFYI Public Media, 1630 Meridian Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202-1429 on or before August 15, 2013 or email hr at wfyi dot org. Please, no telephone calls or
walk-ins. Metropolitan Indianapolis Public Broadcasting, Inc is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Do you like bats, bourbon and basketball?? If so, keep reading. Newly formed Summit Media Group's Louisville cluster is on the hunt for the nation's best talent. We need a morning personality/imaging director for top rated 107-7
The Eagle, Louisville's Classic Hits (WSFR). Prepare to be all live, all local and ready to work - show prep, creative content, production, appearances, social media, concerts and more expected. Main focus on live mornings and
imaging. Must be willing to accept coaching. 3 to 5 years on-air experience preferred. Experience imaging Classic Hits, Classic Rock, Hot AC a plus. Excellent pay, benefits and resources. Summit Media Group is an Equal Opportunity
Employer. Send packages to: loujobs at summitmediacorp dot com.
Emmis Communications' WIBC/Indianapolis is reloading with more live and local talk programming. Our next afternoon host will talk about things that make others talk about them... someone that understands the difference between
displaying/relating conservative sensibilities vs. ideology alone. If you want the job, you'll need to be as comfortable talking about Mark Zuckerberg as Marco Rubio and Ryan Lochte as Paul Ryan. If you can connect the dots on what
commonalities make both "The O'Reilly Factor" and "Chelsea Lately" work you could be ready to pull off the kind of show we are looking for. Insatiable curiosity required. Amaze us with your demo, writing examples, and anything else
that conveys why your skills and talents will keep us relevant through the next decade. Send to dwood at indy dot emmis dot com.
Hoosier AM/FM is seeking an experienced media Account Executive to join the sales team of our four-station cluster in Muncie-Marion, IN. This person will be responsible for prospecting and developing new business as well as
growing and maintaining existing accounts. A positive attitude and excellent verbal and written communications skills are a must. This is a full time position. Hoosier AM/FM offers a competitive compensation package including
Medical, Dental, Paid Vacations. Minimum education level is High School diploma or equivalent. Resume and letter of introduction are to be sent to indianaradiojobs at yahoo dot com. Hoosier AM/FM 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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