Indiana RadioWatch: September 4, 2013
Let's start here this week: So, your radio station streams online, right? Ever listened to the online content while your terrestrial radio station plays commercials?
If not, it's time to check that out. I have listened to several "Listen Live" streams this week and heard some very outdated content. (Before you ask, I won't name names!)
More Federal Communications Commission decisions from the 2003 translator window means another round of construction permit applications. Please read about several of those below.
Northeast
Sarkes Tarzian's Hot AC/WAJI (95.1fm, Fort Wayne) and Classic Hits/WLDE (101.7fm, Fort Wayne) name Dave B. Goode as Promotions Director and night host on WAJI. Before joining Sarkes Tarzian, Mr. Goode worked at WBTU-FM, WNHT-FM and
then-WYLT-FM. WAJI PD Dan Kennedy says, "Dave has a vast experience in creating great client driven promotions, and his skills in developing powerful social media campaigns for radio are by far the best in the market. It will be
exciting to see the great things Dave will bring to WAJI/WLDE."
CSN International applies to the FCC for a Construction Permit to build a translator on 99.9fm, licensed to Angola.
Toledo, Ohio's WGTE-FM broadcasts its programming on two northwest Ohio radio stations: WGBE (90.9fm, Bryan, Ohio) and WGDE (91.9fm, Defiance, Ohio). The WGTE Public Media radio stations will soon add four programs to their
schedule: The TED Radio Hour (Sunday at 11am), Electronic Currents (a dance music show, that begins Friday from 10pm until 12am.), Pulse of the Planet (weekdays at 1pm), and New Music from Bowling Green, locally produced 13-part
series that will be syndicated and distributed nationwide. New Music from Bowling Green will begin airing on Sunday October 6 at 1pm, and will be distributed by The WFMT Radio Network.
Northcentral
In a story you'll first read about here, Shel Leshner returns as GM for the Artistic Media Partners' South Bend radio stations: The CHR simulcast of WDND and WNDV (1620am, 92.9fm; both South Bend) and the AC simulcast of
WSMM (102.3fm, New Carlisle) and WSSM (97.7fm, Goshen).
After three years, high school football returns to Federated Media's News-Talk/WTRC(AM) (1340am, Elkhart). WTRC originally broadcast high school football games from the 1950s until 2009. Regional Radio Sports and Federated Media
teamed up to do these local broadcasts. WTRC(AM) and WTRC-FM (95.3fm, Niles, Michigan) will split programming on Friday nights, as WTRC-FM will air Penn High School football.
Gray Television's NBC affiliate WNDU-TV (Channel 16, South Bend) weekday morning meteorologist Frank Waugh will soon leave WNDU-TV for Grey sister TV station KAKE-TV in Wichita, Kansas. Replacing Mr. Waugh will be David Harker.
A Mishawaka native, Mr. Harker now handles the forecasts for NBC affiliate WILX-TV and FOX affiliate WSYM-TV in Lansing, Michigan.
"Mo," PD and Afternoons at Talking Stick Communications' Classic Rock/WRSW-FM (107.3fm, Warsaw) will exit the radio station on September 18 for Los Angeles, California, where he will join Wizard World (the group that presents
"Comic Con")
Northwest
While this hasn't yet been filed with the FCC, Carole Carlson at The Post-Tribune of Northwest Indiana says WLTH Radio, Inc. will soon sell its WLTH (1370am, Gary) to Marion Williams, his brother Tommy and Earl Smith, Jr.
Marion Williams already owns Rhythmic CHR/WSMK (99.1fm, Buchanan, Michigan) and one radio station in Georgia and Mississippi. The new WLTH ownership group is Michillanna Broadcasting, LLC. Michillanna recently moved the WLTH
studios from Merrillville to new storefront studios on Broadway in downtown Gary. Michillanna will also tweak the WLTH format and will replace the transmitter.
Kaspar Broadcasting Co., Inc. applies to the FCC for Construction Permits to build four translators on 97.5fm, 98.3fm, 102.1fm and 106.1fm all licensed to Frankfort. Kaspar also applies for two translators on 96.9fm and 105.9fm,
both licensed to Lafayette.
Family Stations, Inc. applies to the FCC for a Construction Permit to build a translator on 106.7fm, licensed to Benton Harbor, Michigan.
Eastcentral
Cedarville, Ohio-based The Cedarville University receives FCC approval for the $10,000 sale of its CP for translator W288CM (105.5fm, Connersville) to Educational Media Foundation.
Central
After nearly six years, Clear Channel/Indianapolis OM and Rock/WFBQ (94.7fm, Indianapolis) PD Buzz Casey exits.
At LIN Media's CBS affiliate WISH-TV (Channel 8, Indianapolis), the local talk show hosted by retired news anchor Mike Ahern will end on Thursday. "Mike Ahern: One on One" began May 12, 2011 and airs on LIN sister MyNetworkTV
affiliate WNDY-TV (Channel 23, Indianapolis) Thursday evenings at 10:30pm and Sunday mornings on WISH-TV. Mr. Ahern retired from the WISH-TV anchor desk at the beginning of December 2004.
Andrea Muraskin is hard at work, producing The Life Stories Project series Metropolitan Indianapolis Public Broadcasting's N-T/WFYI-FM (90.1fm, Indianapolis). Anyone can come in and tell stories for an hour. Ms. Muraskin produces
shorter edits (three to four minutes) and groups the edits into certain themes. The stories air Sunday mornings (9:30am) and are archived at https://soundcloud.com/wfyi. The complete
recordings also will be archived at The Indiana Historical Society. You can sign up to tell your story here: http://lifestoriesproject.net/.
Hoosier Broadcasting Corp. applies to the FCC for Construction Permits to build translators on 101.3fm, licensed to Indianapolis and 95.1fm, licensed to Speedway.
Indiana Community Radio Corp. applies to the FCC for a Construction Permit to build a translator on 94.3fm, licensed to Speedway.
Kaspar Broadcasting Co., Inc. applies to the FCC for a Construction Permit to build a translator on 105.1fm, licensed to Noblesville.
Where Are They Now (Part 1)? Former WTLC-FM DJ Ray Cooper recently retired from radio after 42 years. Mr. Cooper retired from KSOC-FM in the Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas metroplex.
Where Are They Now (Part 2)? Former WTTV-TV News Director Doug Ballin will soon retire from CNN Newssource Sales, in Atlanta, Georgia.
Westcentral
After a January 2013 lightning strike, Midwest Communications' CHR/WMGI (100.7fm, Terre Haute) remains on the air at low power under FCC STA (Special Temporary Authority). But that's not the biggest "Mix FM" news...
WMGI welcomes Shawn Powers as its new Brand Manager (PD), replacing Natalie Randall. Mr. Powers will start on September 16. Mr. Powers last worked in Canton, Ohio as PD/Afternoons at WHBC-FM.
LIN Media's CBS affiliate WTHI-TV (Channel 10, Terre Haute) reporter Jon Swaner was arrested and charged with misdemeanor domestic battery. TVSpy reports that WTHI-TV put a story up about Swaner's court appearance, but then WTHI-TV
took the story down. WTHI-TV later put the story back up on its website, and reported it on the air.
Southcentral
Indiana University's NPR affiliate/WFIU (103.7fm, Bloomington) responds to listener comments by returning several canceled radio programs. In June, WFIU announced it would cancel The Metropolitan Opera, among other programs. OM Will
Murphy says WFIU received 300 telephone calls or emails about the programming changes. Mr. Murphy also told The Bloomington Herald-Times, "I think it was judged that the station would take a financial and political hit if we
didn't restore the opera," and that the WFIU Community Advisory Board felt "disrespected" by WFIU not involving the Advisory Board in the programming changes. Let's go through these programming changes that start October 5:
"Pipedreams" also returns on Monday evenings at 10pm.
Saturday: Opera will return to the afternoon schedule, with The Metropolitan Opera starting when its season begins in December. Just before opera starts, "Says You!" will become an hour-long program. "The Thistle and Shamrock" will
remain on Saturday nights, but move to 9:00pm.
Sunday: "Harmonia" returns at 12pm, followed by "With Heart and Voice" and "The Score." The New York Philharmonic will be at 8:00pm.
Speaking of Indiana University, they also apply to the FCC for a Construction Permit to build a translator on 100.1fm, licensed to Seymour.
Southwest
After 24 years at South Central Communications' AC/WIKY (104.1fm, Evansville), news editor and anchor John Gibson exits. Unrelated to Mr. Gibson exiting, WIKY names Belinda Babinec as News Director and Morning News Anchor. Ms.
Babinec last worked as Morning News Editor at WIQI-FM in Chicago. She's also anchored and reported the news at WBBM(AM) in Chicago, KFNC-FM then-"FM News 97.5" in Houston, Texas and KTRH(AM) in Houston, Texas.
Kinsley Jones, former ERI VP/Sales and Marketing passed away on August 20. Mr. Jones ("Kin" to friends) joined ERI in 2002, as Engineering Manager in their Antenna Division, and then he became VP of Sales and Marketing. Electronics
Research, Inc. is based in Chandler.
Vincennes University's Hot AC-CHR/WVUB (91.1fm, Vincennes) upgrades their BE AudioVAULT radio automation system, after a hard drive failure over the summer. Vincennes University's sister station Classic Rock/WFML (96.7fm,
Vincennes; operated by DLC Media, Inc.) uses the BSI Simian radio automation system.
Fadia Patterson joins Nexstar ABC affiliate WEHT-TV (Channel 25, Evansville) and Mission Broadcasting's CW affiliate WTVW (Channel 7, Evansville) as a producer and reporter. Ms. Patterson last worked in Murfreesboro, Tennessee as
an anchor and reporter at CityTV.
Bethel Fellowship, Inc. applies to the FCC for a Construction Permit to build a translator on 98.3fm, licensed to Philpot, Kentucky.
Music Ministries, Inc. (Evansville's Religious/WBGW, et al.) applies to the FCC for a Construction Permit to build a translator on 93.7fm, licensed to Tell City.
WLME, Inc. applies to the FCC for a Construction Permit to build a translator on 98.7fm, licensed to Owensboro, Kentucky.
Where Are They Now? Former WFIE-TV sports anchor Joe Danneman is the new sports director at WXIX-TV in Cincinnati, Ohio.
This Week in Indiana Radio History
September 4: In 1995, 89.7fm, Upland signs on as WTUR (and still is). WTUR is now part of the WBCL Radio Network.
September 5: In 1985, then-WFWQ (95.1fm, Fort Wayne) became "Majic," changing its call letters to WAJI (a most logical date, wouldn't you say?). In 2011, Evansville's "Thy Word Network" co-founder Shirley Chagle dies.
September 6: In 1974, 95.9fm, Vevay signs on as WMGH-FM. Today, it's WKID. In 1977, 90.5fm, Rensselaer signs on as WPUM (and still is). In 2012,
WISU GM and Faculty Advisor Dave Sabaini dies.
September 7: In 1987, 91.5fm, McDaniels, Kentucky signs on as WBFI and still is. In 1993, 90.7fm, Knightstown signs on as WKPW and still is.
Employment Opportunities
The Cromwell Radio Group Inc. of Illinois is looking for an Operations Manager to manage the programming, positioning, local involvement, legal operation, and talent of our three radio stations in Effingham, Illinois. We are waiting
on approval of our application for a construction permit for a new station to bring our total to four. The person I'm looking for will have great management and organizational skills, and have a passion for winning radio. Qualified
applicants will also have a strong desire and ability to be involved in the local community, motivate staff to be involved, and be able to effectively present that involvement to our listeners. The person I hire will also be able to
do a live airshift, production, remotes, and appearances. Previous experience is absolutely essential. Knowledge of Cool Edit and Skylla are all very helpful. We offer health insurance including dental and vision, and a 401k savings
plan. If you love the business of radio, and you want to work with a fantastic group of professional broadcasters, please send your Materials to: Marv Phillips, General Manager, WCRC-WCRA-WHQQ, 405 South Banker St., Suite 201,
Effingham, IL 62401-2591, or via e-mail: mphillips at cromwellradio dot com. Minorities and Women are encouraged to apply. No Phone Calls, Please. EOE.
Independent Contracting Representative (Administrative/Professional Staff). Vincennes University is Indiana's first college and is one of the oldest in America. It is the birthplace of one of the nation's first two-year
institutions of higher learning. VU is seeking an innovative, energetic and service oriented person to work as an Independent Contracting Representative to sell underwriting for the non-commercial Radio station WVUB. This
Representative will interact closely with the Manager of WVUB. This is a non-salary and non-benefit position and pay would be based upon a commission of underwriting placed by the Independent Contractor. Consideration would also be
given to the option of a sales lease agreement for the underwriting sales of WVUB in lieu of a contract sales position. 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. Applications received by September 9, 2013 will be given first consideration and interviews will be held
concurrently with the advertising period. Vincennes University is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
WISH-TV is seeking an aggressive investigative reporter to join our growing I-Team. We are searching for someone who has experience uncovering and telling compelling investigative stories that affect people's lives. The ideal
candidate will: Be smart, have at least three years' experience as an investigative reporter, generate strong story ideas, possess a strong work ethic, be an excellent team player, cultivate great sources, ask tough questions,
have a working knowledge of CAR techniques, familiarity with public records laws and requests, and most importantly....tell compelling stories. You must be able to turn investigative stories on a regular basis and not just during
a ratings period. We are looking for someone who works hard to get to the bottom of an issue and tells it in a creative way. We will make sure you have the tools you need to be successful. Send resume and recent tape to Steve
Bray, News Director, WISH TV, 1950 N. Meridian, Indianapolis, IN 46202. No Phone Calls. EEO/M-F.
WZZY Winchester, Indiana is looking for our next Morning Show host. Not only will you be the morning "voice" of our A/C station but through your work and interaction within the community you'll also be the "face" of the station as
well. Plus you'll VT evenings on our winning Adult Top 40 sister FM and do plenty of remotes and appearances on both stations. Even if you've never done Mornings before send along your best. Our former host has been with us for 13
years so we believe in longevity and loyalty. Send along an on-air sample (please keep it short) and resume to rickduncan at g1013 dot com. Or you can mail it to 2301 W. Main St. Richmond, IN 47374. Whitewater Broadcasting is proud
to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.
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.
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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