Indiana RadioWatch: November 4, 2012

We're looking for photos of the former 990AM/Muncie transmitter site, studio building and studios.

Do you have pictures? Would you please share? (The photos aren't for publication!) If so, please email us: irw@well.com

Thank you so much.

Northeast

We don't have much to report, but sources say Mike Fry passed away. While you may not know his name, you might remember him as one of WFFT's "Happy the Hobo," a local children's show that ran on the then-FOX affiliate in the 1980s and 1990s.

There's a new on-air news studio (and local newscasts are in HD) at LIN Media CBS affiliate WANE-TV (Channel 15, Fort Wayne). While crews built the new studio, newscasts aired from a makeshift area in the WANE-TV newsroom.

Northeast Indiana Public Radio WBOI (89.1fm, Fort Wayne) and WBNI (94.1fm, Roanoke) redesigned their website: http://nipr.fm/.

Sam exits as morning co-host at WLAB (88.3fm, Fort Wayne). Hollie DuPaix takes the morning co-host chair, alongside Scott Valentine.

After Dial Global dropped its "Classic Hits" format, WBNO (100.9fm, Bryan, Ohio) flipped formats to AC.

We give a congratulatory tip of the IRW cap to Fort Wayne Komets broadcaster Bob Chase, on recently receiving the Lester Patrick Trophy, at the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame. Mr. Chase does Fort Wayne Komets play by play on Federated Media's N-T/WOWO and WOWO-FM (1190am, 92.3fm; both Fort Wayne) and the 2012-2013 season marks his sixtieth year. The only person who has called games longer is Vin Scully, now in his sixty fourth year with baseball's Dodgers.

Where Are They Now (Part 1)? Former Fort Wayne DJ Sammy Suarez exits PD/afternoons at WAOA in Melbourne, Florida.

Where Are They Now (Part 2)? Former then-WCKZ (102.3fm, Auburn) PD/midday jock Brian Michel adds PD responsibilities for Clear Channel's Rhythmic WWVA in Atlanta, Georgia. He's already OM for all five Clear Channel/Atlanta radio stations.

Northcentral

After about ten years, Gary Hegland exits as Radio Manager at LeSEA Broadcasting (WHPZ, WDOW, WHME) and resurfaces at Partnership Radio's R&B/WUBU (106.3fm, South Bend) as Production Manager and Operations/Sales Assistant.

At WUBU, OM Gene Walker exits, after nearly ten years in that role.

WBND-LD (Channel 57, South Bend) moves from RF Channel 49 to RF Channel 39 (and from a directional antenna to a non-directional antenna). Weigel Broadcasting owns this ABC low-power affiliate.

Holden Kurwicki exits as a reporter at WNDU-TV and now is a reporter at WWAY in Wilmington, North Carolina.

Northwest

After 54 years with Purdue's WBAA(AM) (and WBAA-FM, after its 1993 signon), Chief Engineer Maurie Mogridge retires. Jim Keen takes over as Chief Engineer. Mr. Keen arrives from Oxford, Ohio, where he had identical duties at WMUB-FM.

There's a new on-air news studio (and local newscasts are in HD) at LIN Media CBS affiliate WLFI-TV (Channel 18, Lafayette).

Eastcentral

The FCC reduces a $10,000 fine to $1,000 for Ball State's WWHI (91.3fm, Muncie). WWHI reported eight missing quarters of Issues/Programs lists. When the station moved to The David Letterman Communication and Media Building in 2007, they managed to lose five quarters of Issues/Programs lists.

Zach McCoy debuts in afternoons at Cumulus' Country/WMDH-FM (102.5fm, New Castle).

Central

LIN Media CBS affiliate WISH-TV (Channel 8, Indianapolis) News Director Patti McGettigan exits. Also, meteorologist Angela Buchman exits and multiple reports have her resurfacing across town (after her non-compete expires) at competitor NBC affiliate: Dispatch Broadcasting's WTHR (Channel 13, Indianapolis). Ms. Buchman joined WISH-TV in August 2001.

After eighteen years, Grace Traham exits the weekday morning and noon news anchor chair at Scripps' ABC affiliate WRTV-TV (Channel 6, Indianapolis). Also, Stephen Dean joins RTV6 as an investigative reporter. This move reunites Mr. Dean with WRTV GM Larry Blackerby; both worked at KPRC-TV in Houston, Texas.

Walt Maciborski joined Tribune's WXIN-TV (Channel 59, Indianapolis) as an anchorperson. Mr. Maciborski arrives in Indy from the anchor chair at CW affiliate (And Tribune sister station) KDAF-TV in Dallas, Texas.

A quick Bob and Tom Show affiliate update: They move to Douglas Road Radio's WHFB-FM (99.9fm, Benton Harbor, Michigan). Bob and Tom were on in South Bend at Talking Stick Communications' WAOR, before WAOR flipped formats from Classic Rock to Sports, back in June. Also, Bob and Tom move in Lafayette from Artistic Media Partners' WSHP to Schurz Communications' WKHY (93.5fm, Lafayette).

Westcentral

Indiana State University professor Dave Sabaini lost his battle with cancer and passed away in early September. Mr. Sabaini was sports director for five years at WPFR radio. He started at ISU in 1983 as a communication instructor and WISU (89.7fm, Terre Haute) faculty advisor. He leaves behind his wife Kathy, a son, a daughter, and six grandchildren. Mr. Sabaini was 58 years old. To honor Dave's legacy, the family established an academic scholarship in his name. If you're interested, contributions may be sent to the David Sabaini Scholarship Fund, ISU Foundation Office, 30 N. 5th Street, Terre Haute, IN 47809.

At Emmis' Country/WTHI-FM (99.9fm, Terre Haute) longtime morning co-host Frank Rush exits and joins Midwest Communications' Country/WPRS(AM) and N-T/WIBQ-FM (1440am, 98.5fm; both Paris, Illinois). At Midwest, Mr. Rush wears several hats: PD at WPRS(AM) and WIBQ-FM, Director of News for the entire Midwest/Terre Haute cluster and "WIBQ Morning News Watch" host (5am until 8am). Mr. Rush replaces Mark Jaynes, who leaves radio.

WCVL/WIMC/WCDQ (1550am, 103.9fm, 106.3fm; all Crawfordville) PD Dustin Zahn exits after three years.

Southcentral

Where Are They Now? Former WBWB morning host Sam Alex resurfaces as producer for the "Bob and Marianne" morning show at WRRM-FM in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Southwest

Bob replaces Bob, as Bob Freemen gains a promotion to News Director at WEHT-TV/WTVW-TV. Mr. Freeman is no stranger to Evansville, as he had the same role at crosstown WFIE-TV (1993 through 2004). Mr. Freeman joined WEHT-TV/WTVW-TV in 2005 and replaces Bob Walters, who left WEHT-TV/WTVW-TV in June. Mr. Walters now sits in the News Director chair at KNOE-TV in Monroe, Louisiana. Mr. Walters was News Director at WTVW-TV for twelve years, including a year, after Mission Broadcasting began an LMA with Nexstar Broadcasting, owner of WEHT-TV).

This week in Indiana Radio History

Sunday 4 November: In 1390AM/Seymour signs on. It's now WZZB. In 1964, 1500AM/Valparaiso signs on. It's still WAKE.

Monday 5 November: In 1950, 1370AM/Gary signs on. It's now WLTH.

Tuesday 6 November: In 1964, 97.1FM/Shelbyville signs on. It's now WLHK. In 1998, 1620AM/South Bend signs on. It's now WDND.

Wednesday 7 November: In 1963, 1560AM/Paoli signs on. Today, it's WSEZ. In 1969, 100.1FM/Angola (now 100.3FM) signs on. Today it's WLKI.

Thursday 8 November: In 1966, 92.7FM/Decatur signs on. That 92.7fm allocation moved to 105.1fm (today's WQHK-FM), while another 92.7fm (now licensed to Berne) signed on later.

Friday 9 November: In 1955, 1140AM/Kendallville signs on. It's still WAWK.

Saturday 10 November: In 1972, 103.9FM/Crown Point signs on. It's now WXRD.

Radio Spotlight

This week, we sit down with Stephen Lankford.

Name: Stephen R. Lankford
Job Title(s): General Manager
Station(s): WRAY AM-FM
Market(s): Princeton, IN
Owner: Princeton Broadcasting Company

Who were your early DJ or radio station influences? (Perhaps what lead you to "catch the radio bug."?)

My father, Ray J. Lankford.

How did you first get started at WRAY?

Copy writer, June 1970.

How has WRAY grown under your leadership?

Additional programming, sales and automation.

If you had such a thing as a "typical day," please tell us about yours?

Email in the early morning hours, checking with department heads throughout the day, working sales and making sure our stations are represented in the communities we serve.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

The people, employees, listeners and advertisers.

What has been your biggest career accomplishment?

Longevity on the job and in the community.

What makes WRAY unique and successful?

Outstanding radio people working within the community. This is my only radio gig...42 years at the same place.

What's one thing that would surprise many people to learn about you?

I love to play table tennis and ride my Harley.

What's the best advice you'd give to those wanting to get into radio?

Work hard, stay focused, do the "extra" things that make a station "great."

What's the most important issue in radio today?

Community involvement and service to others.

What's your biggest pet peeve in radio?

Too much talk on a "music intense" station.

Where do you see the radio industry five years from now?

Thriving, if we stay focused and embrace new technology.

Who's your favorite air personality that isn't working for you?

Gerry House in Nashville, TN.

What book have you read that has taught you the most about the radio business?

Current radio publications: Radio World and Radio Ink.

Employment Opportunities

Wanted: GSM. Candidate must have track record of mentoring and training new account executives in broadcasting, including hiring and evaluations. Must be focused on new business generation; create, plan and execute sales strategies and incentives; achieve revenue and share of market goals. Candidate must have a proven track record in Internet, digital and NTR development. Three to five years of progressive experience in broadcasting required. Oasis Radio Group provides base salary and bonus incentive plan and benefits. Please submit your qualifications to myfuture at oasisradiogroup dot com. Attn: GSM. Oasis Radio Group is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Eagle Tower Services, Inc., committed to continuing improvement and to being the lowest cost provider of tower services consistent with a high degree of quality, professionalism, and safety, is seeking a BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT REPRESENTATIVE to engage in outside sales leading to growth of our business. Our primary market is Indiana and surrounding states, specializing in AM/FM and television, but also serving customers in paging, wireless Internet and 2-way radio including commercial, utilities and government. We are a full service tower company engaged in routine maintenance, component installation and new tower construction. This is a contract commission position with generous commission and superb customer service support. The ideal candidate will have excellent knowledge of the broadcast industry throughout Indiana with excellent people skills in working with and providing excellent service to broadcast engineers and, often, station general managers. We proudly serve some of the finest names in Indiana broadcasting and wireless communications. If this is of interest, please send your resume to Terry Garrity, Eagle Tower Services, Inc., P.O. Box 387, Arcadia, IN 46030; E-MAIL: terry.garrity at eagletowerindiana dot com and feel welcome to visit our website at www.eagletowerindiana.com to learn more about what we do. Eagle Tower Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer M/F.

50,000 watt rock-based classic hits WXXC-FM (Marion-Muncie, IN) has an immediate full-time PM Drive opening. Live, in-studio daily show, some Saturdays, & remotes. Production and promotions skills a major plus. Experience with Wide Orbit Automation for Radio and Adobe Audition helpful. Familiarity with eastern & central Indiana preferred. Send mp3 aircheck (4MB max) and production sample, plus resume, to vanessa at wmri dot com. No phone calls, please. Salary in the mid-20s. WXXC-FM and Hoosier AM/FM, LLC. are EOE.

Kokomo's Variety Z92-5 is looking for a full time Afternoon Show host and Promotions Director. You will work with a full cast of great radio people. We are looking for someone who LOVES going out in the community and being with the listeners. You will do a LIVE show from 2 PM to 7 PM. We have a 2 Person Morning Show and would love for you to join the team. Send your resume and best stuff to: chriss at z925fm dot com. Please, no phone calls! Hoosier AM/FM is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

G101-3, the world's most interactive radio station, is seeking its next Afternoon Drive host. You'll voicetrack middays on our #1 A/C sister station and do live PM Drive on The G. Can you do a great show with phones, remotes and appearances, plus keep yourself plugged into our historic community? If you think you can handle creative radio in a non-corporate environment and blend in with our talented yet dysfunctional staff, either e-mail your info to rickduncan at g1013 dot com or rush your package to: Rick Duncan, Director of Prog/Ops, Whitewater Broadcasting, 2301 W. Main, Richmond, IN. 47374. All experience levels are welcome to apply. Whitewater Broadcasting is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer, M/F.

A quality multi-station cluster in a beautiful, historic small community is seeking a radio news anchor/reporter interested in informing listeners in multiple counties who depend on the stations to be their primary news source. Additionally, the candidate will have a passion to do high school sports play-by-play. Here is a chance to become an integral part of the lives of listeners by demonstrating skill and insight into their issues and interests. If you are looking for a community to call "home" while doing important work as part of a talented team of radio pros, send a package demonstrating your experience and talent in news writing, reporting, and newscast delivery as well as your play-by-play to: Rick Duncan, Director of Programming, Whitewater Broadcasting, 2301 W. Main, Richmond, IN 47374. Whitewater Broadcasting is an EOE and encourages the hiring of females and minorities.

FOX 59 WXIN, a Tribune Broadcasting station, seeks an experienced Anchor/Reporter who thrives on breaking news, enterprising stories and working under tight deadlines. The successful candidate will also regularly post content to the station's website and social media outlets. Degree in broadcast journalism or related field and at least 3 years anchoring and/or reporting experience in a television newsroom required. Job Description: Presents news and information on news and other station programs and covers news stories when not anchoring. Represents WXIN/WTTV-TV to the public viewing audience. Reads stories on regular scheduled newscasts and other programs produced by the station. Writes and/or proofreads stories on assigned broadcasts. Acts as general assignment reporter when not performing anchor duties. Consistently contributes story ideas for newscasts. Develops and maintains productive relationship with news contacts and sources. Works with producers, reporters and associate producers on assigned news broadcast. Regularly posts content to the station's website and updates social media sites. Monitors news feeds when necessary. Answers viewer phone calls and mail. Performs public speaking engagements and makes other appearance deemed important to the station image by management. Develops community contacts. Other duties as assigned by supervisor. Qualifications Necessary: College degree in broadcast journalism or a related area of study. At least 3 years experience anchoring regularly scheduled news broadcasts on a commercial or public television station and/or reporting for a broadcast news organization. Effective writing skills. Good organizational skills. Must be able to accept constructive feedback and criticism designed to enhance individual's performance. Ability to appear live in a broadcast to deliver reports in a professional and effective manner. Ability to perform duties and make decisions under deadline pressure. Must have a clear understanding of web and social media outlets. Send resume, cover letter stating position desired, and referral source plus a non-returnable DVD with your latest newscast to Human Resources, WXIN-TV, 6910 Network Place, Indianapolis, IN 46278. EOE.

That's all for this issue. Thank you for your continued support.

=============== Indiana RadioWatch ===============

(c) 2012, Blaine E. Thompson

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Finally, we thank you for your continued support.

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