Indiana RadioWatch: July 29, 2013
I'm settled into a Monday and Wednesday publication schedule. As news increases, I will publish more often.
Northwest
The Von Tobel Foundation takes its translator W216AC (91.1fm, Valparaiso) silent and returns the license to the FCC.
Central
After five years in middays and two years as APD, Radio One's CHR/WNOU (100.9fm, Speedway) APD/midday lady Reka Robinson exits.
LIN Media's CBS affiliate WISH-TV (Channel 8, Indianapolis) welcomes Jeff Mulligan as Assistant News Director. Mr. Mulligan moves to Indianapolis from Cape Girardeau, Missouri, where he was Assistant News Director at KFVS-TV.
Westcentral
Midwest Communications' Talk/WBOW (1300am, Terre Haute) fell silent a few weeks ago. Let's detail some background: WBOW lost its transmitter site on US-150, just west of Terre Haute and the Wabash River. Midwest temporarily put a
longwire for WBOW on their WMGI-FM tower, three miles west of the former WBOW transmitter site. After they put the longwire up, the transmitter failed, and that took WBOW silent. There's no word on when WBOW will return to the
air and its simulcast of sister WIBQ (98.5fm, Paris, Illinois)
Over the weekend, national media covered the death of Kidd Kraddick (David Peter Cradick) at age 53. Mr. Kraddick's syndicated morning show airs on Cromwell's Rhythmic CHR/WCBH (104.3fm, Casey, Illinois).
Beginning Monday August 5th, Mark Edwards will debut in mornings at DLC Media's Oldies/ WAXI (104.9fm, Rockville). DLC Media president Dave Crooks says, "Mark is a well-known Terre Haute broadcaster. He worked in both Radio and
TV. He has the right experience and will be a terrific host for our new full-service morning show." Mr. Edwards' morning show will air from 5am until 8:30am. Mr. Edwards worked for eight years at 640am WBOW, then worked at
WTWO-TV (Channel 2, Terre Haute) where he was News Director from 1992 until 1996.
Southwest
The FCC approves the $31,500 sale of Edgewater Broadcasting's W201BO (88.1fm, Vincennes) to Bethel Baptist Church in Linton. Bethel already owns WYTJ (89.3fm, Linton).
This Week in Indiana Radio History
On July 30, 1996, 103.3fm, Santa Claus signed on. It's still WAXL and it signed on with a week of Christmas music.
On August 1, 1962, 101.5fm, South Bend signed on as WSBT-FM, and today it's WNSN.
On August 3, 2007, WKUZ (95.9fm, Wabash) flipped formats from Country to Adult Contemporary.
Radio Spotlight
Name: Joel (JK) Dearing
Job Title(s): EVP Affiliate Relations
Company: Virtual News Center, Indianapolis branch
Owner: Radio2Dot0, of which I am a partner
Who were your early DJ or radio station influences? (Perhaps what lead you to "catch the radio bug."?)
Early stations were WLS, WCFL, WLAC when they would skip in at night down to my part of SE Tennessee. Daytime stations were WFLI, WGOW out of Chattanooga, and WRJZ in Knoxville. Jocks were the WLS lineup of the day and locally in
Tennessee, Bill Miller, Michael Henry Martin, E. Alvin Davis, Bill Rogers just to name a few.
Fill in the blank: I can't make it through the day without _________?
My computer(s). They really have become the brain I never got through the DNA stack from my parents.
If you had such a thing as a "typical day," please tell us about yours?
After years in radio programming, I made the leap to sales. My company outsources local content for stations across the US, so every day I am "smilin' and dialin'" and talking to station leadership about how our service will make
their stations sound good and save them money in the process.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
The commute; I work from home.
What has been your most memorable moment on the air?
I wish I could contain it to just one: Things like knowing that we are either helping someone, or changing someone's life through what we do. I have been on the air through May Midwestern storms and the information we have gotten
out has saved lives. The days after 9/11 after we were all trying to process that terrible day also comes to mind. On the fun side, the interviews with the numerous artists were always fun.
What was your last radio job?
My last "slap on the headphones and post that vocal" was for Clear Channel, I was PD, air talent for WYYD Lynchburg, and WZBL in Roanoke, VA. Of course the years in South Bend launching U93 and riding that wave for 12 years were
some of the best. However, I still feel that I am still in radio. Just a different aspect of it.
What's one thing that would surprise many people to learn about you?
I've only been married once. And I am still married. When we got married, even the priest had his doubts.
What's the best advice you'd give to those wanting to get into radio?
1) Find those that you admire on the air, and listen how they communicate. Then use that guideline to develop your own style. 2) Do more than you are worth, and eventually you will be paid for it. 3) Live on two thirds of your
check, and bank the rest. There will come a time when you will need it to live on between gigs. Plus there is no pension in the business, you need to think about what happens when you get older, and you will get older.
What's the most important issue in radio today?
The digital dashboard in the car. In a few years stations will still have their tower and transmitter, but they will also be streaming. It is the way of the future.
What's your biggest pet peeve in radio?
Lack of promotional budgets. I keep seeing it, the stations that advertise on TV, billboards, or where ever will do the best, if the product it right.
What's your favorite radio station, and why?
WRJZ in Knoxville, TN my last two years of college was a GREAT radio station. Bob Cagen did an amazing job with music, marketing, and mornings.
What's your philosophy about radio ratings?
PPM changed the game. If you want to win, learn the new game rules. The system has never been perfect, even in the diary days, but it was the game. To make it perfect would just be TOO expensive.
Where do you see the radio industry five years from now?
People lover their favorite style of music, and as long as a station or stream is pumping out their favorite songs, radio as we know it will be around. It may be more fragmented, but as we are seeing with CHR right now, the hits
are the hits. If there is a place where I can hear "my" hits they will listen.
Who's your favorite air personality that isn't working for you?
Locally, Steve Mayflower on Hank does a great job. Fred Winston still makes me laugh.
What book have you read that has taught you the most about the radio business?
Modern Radio Programming by Raleigh Grimes. I read it in college, I am sure it is out of print, and out of date, but it taught me quite a bit.
Why do you think radio is still important?
It is free, and it is everywhere. Even your streaming stations will cost you money against your data plan. It will be your lifeline of information when it "hits the fan" again, and it will "hit the fan" again.
Employment Opportunities
89.1 WBOI and 94.1 WBNI public radio in Fort Wayne seeks a Business Development Specialist to secure financial support for our stations. Duties include: prospecting potential program underwriters, preparing proposals for
underwriting and event sponsorship, and writing copy to satisfy client needs, FCC regulations and station policies. In collaboration with the General Manager, annual goals will be set for underwriting and sponsorship, as well as
monthly targets and weekly activity levels for meeting goals. This position will also assist with on-air fundraising and community promotional activities. The successful candidate will be a self-starter with a track record of
developing new business and a demonstrated ability to work independently. College degree or comparable experience, computer literacy, valid driver's license and dependable transportation required. Knowledge of public radio and an
understanding of and commitment to its values are highly desirable. Position is salaried, non-commission. Send resume and cover letter to: gmpd at nipr dot fm. No calls, please. Open until filled. WBOI and WBNI are an Equal
Opportunity Employer.
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.
WFYI Public Media is accepting applications for a Director of Membership. Duties: Responsible to the Vice President of Development for directing the annual giving membership program ($3M revenue budget) including on-air pledge
drives, direct mail and telemarketing programs, and for supervising related personnel. Provides leadership to 5 FTE and the Community Ambassador outbound telefundraising program. Specifically responsible for maximizing net revenue
for WFYI by: Providing direction and leadership in managing the day-to-day operations of annual giving membership efforts. Directly supervising Membership staff including three managers: On-Air Development, Direct Mail and
Telemarketing. Managing online & email, vehicle donation and online auction programs. Analyzing data and information to create successful membership strategies and objectives based upon industry best practices and benchmarks.
Preparing annual budgets for membership department. Setting goals for membership solicitation activities such as on-air drives, direct mail, telemarketing, email and other campaigns relating to acquisition, renewal and additional
gift revenue. Cooperating with other development & organizational leaders to ensure effective and efficient overall fund raising activities. Assisting in planning and executing cultivation activities and events.
Qualifications: Graduate of four-year, accredited college or university. Must have broad range of experience in fund raising for a minimum of 5 years, preferably in public media. Must have extensive knowledge and experience in
personnel management, and working with complex relational databases. Must possess excellent written and oral communications skills. Must be able to deal with internal & external constituents in a professional and courteous manner.
The successful candidate will exhibit characteristics of innovation and positive motivational leadership.
To apply, please email cover letter with salary requirements and resume to: Human Resources, WFYI Public Media, 1630 Meridian Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202-1429 or email hr at wfyi dot org. Metropolitan Indianapolis Public
Broadcasting, Inc is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
WFYI Public Media is accepting applications for a Community Engagement Coordinator (Temporary, 35 hours a week through January 2014). Reports to Vice President of Community Engagement. Duties: Initiate, support, and assist in
planning and evaluating the community engagement strategy, including the American Graduate initiative, interactive PBS Education products, cross-platform education content, Indy Talks, and the Spirit and Place Festival. Help
strengthen and support collaborations and partnerships to advance station goals for community engagement. Engage in the planning and execution of special events and conferences. Assist in the gathering and curating of content for
the web to meet the online engagement strategy goals. Assist with the planning, content development, and execution of social media strategies. Participate in internal team and station meetings, to plan, promote, create, and secure
funds to advance station goals. Other duties as assigned. Qualifications: College degree and at least one year experience in a non-profit, collaborative environment. Adept in social media and web skills. Passion for public
media. Excellent written, oral, and team communication skills, including attention to detail. Ability to participate in multiple projects and partnerships in a changing environment. Possess strong computer skills, including
Office, Excel, and web-based interactive software and applications. Possess initiative, creativity, and problem-solving skills. Hours are weekdays, along with flexible hours during special events and promotional activities.
Weekend hours sometimes necessary. To apply, please send cover letter, resume and minimum salary requirements to Human Resources, WFYI Public Media, 1630 Meridian Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202-1429 or email hr at wfyi dot org.
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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