Indiana RadioWatch: December 5, 2010

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A correction, before we begin:

We apologize for the mistakes, as we received some incorrect information. You might feel bad for Vox's Classic Hits/WXXC (106.9fm, Marion). In October, the screen voltage in the transmitter went down, but instead of WXXC going to 6kW, they fired up the backup 50kW backup transmitter. In addition, over the summer, the transmitter took a lightning hit, but WXXC was NOT off the air for several days. When the transmitter took that lightning hit, WXXC also fired up the 50kW backup transmitter. As a WXXC insider told IRW "Big Transmitter = Big Problems."

Let's peek inside the email bag, and look at three interesting emails.

A friend e-mailed this week, griping about a local radio station. The radio station still plays Memorial Day promos (and "start of summer" liners). We won't name the station or format. Don't you want to check what's going out over your airwaves?

A colleague asked us if we had any airchecks of the former WIPU (now WBOI) 89.1fm in Fort Wayne, from 1978 until 1982. Unfortunately, we don't have any airchecks of WIPU. Do you have any airchecks of WIPU? If so, drop IRW an e-mail.

Another colleague asked if uses Google Talk or Skype for remotes, or Tieline for an Apple iPhone? If you do, please respond to us, and we'll connect you with him.

Northeast

Independence Media sells its Talk/WNUY (100.1fm, Bluffton) to Fort Wayne-owned Godwin-Starks Property Management LLC. Independence purchased WNUY in April 2006 for a million dollars, but sells it in late 2010 for a mere $350,000. No word on WNUY's future plans (so we won't armchair quarterback any reactions by competing formatted radio stations), and there's no LMA with this all cash deal. Deborah Godwin-Starks (who is 50% of the above LLC, along with John W. Starks, Sr.) is also involved with Southern Gospel/WQSW-LP (100.5fm, Fort Wayne). The brokers on this deal were Bob Heymann and Stephan Sloan of Media Services Group.

Northeast Indiana Public Radio's Jazz-Talk/WBOI (89.1fm, Fort Wayne) makes several changes. First, a new show "Meet the Music" which is a weekly look into the local music scene, and all music is recorded at NIPR's Clairmont Court studios. Julia Meek and WBOI PD Kevin Kreigh co-host the show, which debuted 4 November, and airs Thursday evening from 7:00PM until 9:00PM. In addition, WBOI adds an HD-3 stream, which briefly included programming from the BBC, replays of their locally produced "Midday Matters" show, Bob Edwards, "Undercurrents," "Whad'ya Know," and other shows, but has since returned to syndicated programming from WDUQ/Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania's "JazzWorks."

Also from Clairmont Court, here's the answer to the question from our last issue. NIPR GM Joan Brown has exited. She's managed both News-Jazz/WBOI (89.1fm, Fort Wayne) and Classical/WBNI (94.1fm, Roanoke) for a bit over two years. This is the note she shared on the stations' website:

Dear Friends:

I just wanted to use this forum to speak to our loyal listeners and members as I prepare to end my time at NIPR. While it would be wonderful to make personal contact with each person that supports our organization, to thank you for your support and involvement, that just doesn't seem to be practical. I have shared with our staff, board, community advisory board and others with close connections to the station that I am planning to leave my position as GM here a bit later this fall, no later than December 1.

Changes are always challenging but NIPR has a magnificent staff (and volunteers) that will be just fine. I'm quite certain that an accomplished, passionate professional will be found to sit in the GM chair and that the great plans that we've made will continue forward. I'm feeling as if my contribution has been made and that someone else may very well be able to step in and move the cause forward from this point.

We have made some difficult decisions that I, along with our board, stand behind. I have also been so privileged to be part of adding some exceptional programming elements to our days. The board has formed a search committee and has started the important work of filling the position.

We are all grateful for those of you who have reached out to offer encouragement and support, and when needed, constructive criticism.

It has been a true privilege to serve in this organization.

Many thanks,
Joan

The Oasis Radio Group stations (WBTU, WJFX, and WJOE) move locations from 2100 Goshen Road to 9604 Coldwater Road, Suite 201. Their telephone numbers remain the same. Besides that big move, there's more going on there:

First, the stations lose both their engineer Morgan Grammer and GSM Bart Schacht. Also, at Rhythmic CHR/WJFX (107.9fm, New Haven), MD/PM driver Bryan LaRoche ("Bus Boy Bryan") exits for APD and PM drive at Clear Channel's WFKS in Jacksonville, Florida. Replacing Mr. LaRoche in afternoons is Chris Cruise (up from nights) and replacing Mr. Cruise is "Nugget" who arrives in the Summit City from weekend work in Detroit, Michigan at WDZH.

After two years as Adult Hits "Joe FM," Joe exits at Oasis Radio Group's WJOE (106.3fm, Columbia City), and the station flips format on Thursday 14 October at 12:00PM to Talk, under Director of Programming Phil Becker. The new "106.3 The Truth" has ABC News for hourly news updates. Here's their programming lineup: Mornings: Mancow (TRN) (6:00AM until 10:00AM). Late mornings: Neil Boortz (Cox) (10:00AM until 1:00PM). Early afternoons: Michael Savage (encore) (TRN) (1:00PM until 3:00PM). Afternoons: Todd Schnitt (Compass Media Networks) (3:00PM until 6:00PM). Early evenings: Michael Savage (TRN) (6:00PM until 9:00PM). Evenings: Rusty Humphries (TRN) (9:00PM until 12:00AM). Overnights: Jerry Doyle (TRN) (12:00AM until 3:00AM), and Phil Hendrie (TRN) rounds out the weekday schedule from 3:00AM until 6:00AM. Already gone from the lineup is Dennis Miller, whose syndicated show aired on "The Truth" from 12:00PM until 3:00PM, but remains part of the programming lineup at competing Independence Media's N-T/WNUY (100.1, Bluffton). (An editorial side note: The last song played on the former "Joe" was Phil Collins' 1981 hit "In the Air Tonight," which is better, in our opinion, than the trend of radio stations that end their musical formats with Semisonic's 1998 hit "Closing Time.")

After 40 years, Howe Military School's WHWE (89.7fm, Howe) falls silent and surrenders its license to the FCC. Our notes say the station signed on 1 May 1970.

Chris Luckey ("Dale Christopher") is the new PD at Don Moore's Oldies/WAWK (1140am, Kendallville) and FM translator W238BH (95.5fm, Kendallville). Mr. Christopher also handles mornings (6:00AM until 12:00PM). Scott Pawl is now APD, and Mike Shultz moves to part time. Finally, WAWK adds both I.U. sports and NASCAR racing to broadcast schedule.

At LIN-TV's CBS affiliate WANE-TV (Channel 15, Fort Wayne); Jonathan Conder is the new Chief Meteorologist. Mr. Conder arrives in Fort Wayne from the Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota area, where he was a meteorologist for the Weathernation website. Mr. Conder has also worked at KFOR-TV in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and KIMT-TV in Mason City, Iowa. Mr. Condor debuted on-air at WANE-TV on Thursday 28 October.

Fallen Timbers' AC/WFGA (106.7fm, Hicksville, Ohio) "Froggy" moves lily pads (oops; we mean "studio facilities") a half mile, or two "hops" south in Auburn. Once located at a strip mall on North Grandstaff Drive, the "Froggy" studios are now at 1153 W. 15th Street, just west of South Grandstaff Drive.

Mike Wilson replaces Matt Demczyk as newsperson at Federated Media's N-T/WOWO (1190am, Fort Wayne). Mr. Wilson arrives from anchoring and reporting duties at WMAY in Springfield, Illinois. He also earns a distinction as one of the youngest Chicago radio producers, as he was a WLS radio producer at age 21.

At Federated Media's Rock/WBYR (98.9fm, Woodburn), morning co-host Parker Thomas ("Parker") exits.

A late obituary into IRW Central, as Harold Cummins passed away in late July. Cummins was a TV engineer with then-WKJG-TV (Channel 33, Fort Wayne) for many years. Mr. Cummins was 85.

Another former WKJG TV personality passes away, as "Here's Charlie" host Charles H. Powell passed away in late October. The 90-year-old Powell worked in radio and at WKJG-TV over a 45-year career. Four daughters, a son, and multiple grandchildren and great grandchildren survive him.

Both Sarkes Tarzian's AC/WAJI (95.1fm, Fort Wayne) and Federated Media's Hot AC/WMEE (97.3fm, Fort Wayne) flip format to all holiday tunes. We were told sub rosa that 2010 will not be a repeat of 2009, where six (Yes, six!) Fort Wayne stations aired all holiday tunes.

Bible Broadcasting Network's Religious/WCWB (90.1fm, Coldwater, Michigan) changes call letters to WYBA.

Ned Foster is now a member of the Arizona Broadcasters Association's Hall of Fame. Mr. Foster was a Program Manager at WOWO, before moving to Los Angeles' KFWB, and eventually finding his way to Phoenix's KTAR-FM, where he co-anchors their morning show ("Arizona's Morning News"). Mr. Foster started his broadcasting career at age 19, in Boston, Massachusetts at WBOS and later WBZ, before moving to WOWO.

Northcentral

Soon, South Bend will have a new local TV news choice. The Weigel Broadcasting trio of ABC affiliate WBND (Channel 57, South Bend), CW affiliate WCWW (Channel 25, South Bend), and MyNetworkTV affiliate WMYS (Channel 69, South Bend) will start a news department soon. Aaron Ramey became News Director on 8 November, and the stations plan on hiring at least 25 more employees for the start up, planned to debut sometime next year. Mr. Ramey arrives in Michiana from work as a strategy consultant at KLFY-TV in Lafayette, Louisiana. We don't yet know when the newscasts will debut, and there's been nothing mentioned yet on newscast structure, or when the newscasts will air throughout the day.

The FCC grants a CP from EMF's Contemporary Christian/WQKV (88.5fm, Rochester). The CP changes WQKV's frequency to 88.7fm and moves its city of license to Warsaw. In addition, there's a power increase from 250 watts at 171 feet to 4500 watts at 295 feet. Finally, the transmitter site will move from the WROI-FM site on IN-14, west of Rochester, to a new site on IN-14, about where it intersects with IN-15 in Silver Lake. This tower move will bring the station almost twenty miles closer to Fort Wayne, but puts it on channel with W204BF (88.7fm, Fort Wayne), which is a translator for the WLAB (88.3fm, Fort Wayne) radio network.

Artistic Media Partners' Oldies/WSMM (102.3fm, New Carlisle) becomes the first terrestrial radio station in the United States to go all holiday music this season. They flipped format before Halloween.

The Indiana Broadcasters Association awards its Lifetime Achievement Award to John Dille III, Chairman/CEO of Federated Media. Mr. Dille is on the RAB board, and past chair of the NAB Radio Board. Elkhart-based Federated Media owns radio stations in northeastern Indiana, north central Indiana, and southern Michigan.

Federated Media's N-T simulcast/WTRC and WTRC-FM (1340am, Elkhart; 95.3fm, Niles, Michigan) adds Matt Patrick as the new morning show host of "Michiana's Morning News." Mr. Patrick was last with Clear Channel, as a talk show host at WTAM in Cleveland, Ohio, and WLW in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Gray Television's NBC affiliate WNDU-TV (Channel 16, South Bend) morning news co-host and weather person Gordy Young retires in November, after 16 years with WNDU-TV.

Mid-America Radio's WARU/WARU-FM (1600am, Peru; 101.9fm, Roann) flip formats in mid-November from Country to Adult Hits, with the unique moniker "MiTunes 101.9." Their new website is http://www.mitunes1019.com/

At Citadel's Country/WWKI (100.5fm, Kokomo), J.R. Dennis takes over middays for the recently departed Tammy Lively. In addition, Kenny Beasley trades PM news reporter duties for fill in work with "Hit Country 100.5 'KI."

Blessed Beginnings' Oldies/WIOE-LP (98.3fm, Warsaw) expands its live programming from three hours per day, weekdays, to twelve hours per day, weekdays. Saturday's and Sunday's have students broadcasting from 8:00AM until 4:00PM. The weekday air shifts feature the same duos in two-hour long day parts. Weekend air shifts rotate through air personalities (and the WIOE-LP weekend air shifts work at training those air personalities for weekday shifts. As some radio stations do.)

Trinity Broadcasting Network donates its W18CF (Channel 18, Elkhart) to the Minority Media Telecommunications Council, Inc. This donation was part of a much larger (150+) LPTV donation by TBN to the MMTC.

Progressive Broadcasting System, Inc. applies for an FCC extension of silent W291BQ (106.1fm, Plymouth). Economic conditions are to blame for the silent translator, which has been off the air since earlier this year.

A trio of Schurz stories:

First, on 8 November, Sally J. Brown adds oversight of Schurz Communications' CBS-affiliate WSBT-TV (Channel 22, South Bend) and becomes the President/GM of that TV station, and the five radio stations that Schurz owns or operates. Former WSBT-TV President/GM John Mann moves into a consulting role with Schurz. Ms. Brown also oversees Schurz's radio stations in Lafayette. Schurz SVP Marci Burdick said in a press release:

"Sally Brown's positive energy and leadership abilities are recognized in our company and across the Michiana area. She works tirelessly for her employees, clients and the various not-for-profit organizations for which she volunteers. Broadcast organizations are re-engineering to adapt to new technology and audience needs in an 'on-demand' world. I am confident in Sally's ability to marshal the creativity in our radio and TV staffs to lead the change."

Second, Meg Sauer, News Director at WSBT-TV becomes Content Manager and is now the coordinator of news coverage between all South Bend Schurz owned media properties, including radio stations, and The South Bend Tribune newspaper.

Finally, there's an unfortunate story from the WSBT-TV newsroom, as South Bend Police arrested Chief Meteorologist Rick Mecklenburg on Tuesday 30 November and booked him on two (Class B) misdemeanor charges of false informing. South Bend Police say Mr. Mecklenburg first called them about a situation in Tennessee. Police in Tennessee also contacted the South Bend Police and let them know of the situation. Later, Mr. Mecklenburg called police again, telling them that the South Bend Police hit his car and police were firing shots at him. South Bend Police say there was no evidence either of those claims were true. When Mr. Mecklenburg arrived at jail for booking, police measured his blood alcohol level at 0.18, which is over the legal limit of 0.08. Mr. Mecklenburg's next court date is 16 December.

Just over the Indiana/Michigan border, Larry Langford, Jr. sells his Sports-Talk/WDOW (1440am, Dowagiac, Michigan) to Kalamazoo Broadcasting Company. Once the sale is completed, Kalamazoo Broadcasting will silence

WDOW and move its WKPR (1420am) to 1440am, going from its present 1000 watts (daytime) and 15 watts (nighttime), to 2700 watts during the day, 24 watts at night, non-directional. This move will add roughly 40,000 potential new listeners.

Where Are They Now? Former WSBT-TV Assistant News Director Todd Woolman is now Afternoon newscast Executive Producer at WMAQ-TV in Chicago, Illinois.

Northwest

Artistic Media Partners' Classic Rock/WSHP (95.7fm, Attica) flips format to all holiday tunes. However, what about WSHP's morning show, which is Bob and Tom, an affiliation they've had since 1996? In addition, will the classic rock format return after 25 December?

WSHP GM Ernie Caldemone tells the Lafayette Journal and Courier's Max Showalter "...we just decided this was not a time to be broadcasting Bob and Tom." Bob and Tom weren't off the air long, as the Indianapolis-based morning show moves affiliates to Schurz Communications' Classic Rock/WKHY (93.5fm, Lafayette).

Mountain Bible Fellowship Church donates its CP WTMW (91.3fm, North Judson) to Calvary Radio Network, Inc., while Calvary Radio Network sells its Religious/WTMK (88.5fm, Lowell) and translator W240BJ (95.9fm, Crown Point) for $130,000 to Bourbannais, Illinois-based Olivet Nazarene University.

Lafayette-based Harvest Chapel, Inc. gains a CP for 91.1fm, Otterbein (northwest of Lafayette). The CP says the station will run 1931 watts at 171 feet, from a tower site just south of IN-26, west of West Lafayette. Harvest Chapel already owns and operates Christian CHR/WTGO-LP (97.7fm, Lafayette) which operates off the WASK-FM tower on the south side of Lafayette.

A longtime Lafayette DJ has passed away. 55-year-old Fred Stuart passed away on 24 November in Indianapolis. Born Dennis Risk, he spent the last 22 years working for Artistic Media Partners in Lafayette. He was most recently the station manager for Classic Rock/WSHP (95.7fm, Attica). A stepmother, brother, stepsister, and two stepbrothers survive Mr. Stuart. A colleague of Mr. Stuart tells IRW that he once worked at KLUV in Dallas, Texas, and at a radio station in Kokomo.

Purdue University's NPR affiliate WBAA-FM (101.3fm, West Lafayette) adds an HD-2 stream. From their press release:

"Listeners with an HD radio receiver can now tune to the HD-1 channel for the full schedule of WBAA's regular FM programming, or to HD-2 for music from XPoNential Radio, produced by WXPN in Philadelphia, the station that also produces "The World Café," heard on WBAA-AM at 7-9 p.m. weeknights. With a mix of emerging and heritage contemporary musicians, XPoNential Radio serves up an eclectic blend of blues, rock, world, folk and alternative country."

Brothers Broadcasting's Oldies/WIBN (98.1fm, Earl Park) PD Mark Allen exits on 4 October and he is now doing sales at Artistic Media Partners' Lafayette stations.

Eastcentral

After 32 years, Delaware Community Schools' WWDS (90.5fm, Muncie) falls silent and surrenders its license to the FCC. Our notes say the station signed on sometime in 1978.

Rush County Schools' unbuilt WMUI (91.9fm, Rushville) changes call letters to WRLN.

Backyard Broadcasting's Oldies/WERK (104.9fm, Muncie) adds Ann Duran in afternoons (3:00PM until 7:00PM) and drops its syndicated night show "Marty Thompson's Classic Top 40" syndicated by TKO Radio Network. New to nights is the Mike Harvey Show, syndicated by Dial Global.

Vox's Classic Hits/WXXC (106.9fm, Marion) adds the syndicated Bob and Sheri show in morning drive (5:30AM until 9:00AM). This resets Steve Morris' alarm clock, as he moves from mornings to afternoons (2:00PM until 7:00PM).

Central

3 January 2011 will bring the debut of a new Indianapolis TV VP/GM. It's then when Larry Blackerby will replace the retiring Don Lundy as GM at McGraw-Hill Broadcasting's ABC affiliate WRTV (Channel 6, Indianapolis). Mr. Lundy has been with WRTV for the last nine years and with McGraw-Hill Broadcasting for 31 years. Mr. Blackerby moves to Indianapolis from Houston, Texas, where he's currently VP/GM at NBC affiliate KPRC-TV.

Before we leave 1330 North Meridian Street, there's a new morning meteorologist at WRTV. Julia Sandstrom arrives in Indianapolis from weekend meteorologist duties at KHQ-TV in Spokane, Washington.

Sometimes it takes broadcasting friends to point out an interesting connection. It seems Indianapolis is the only non-major market in the country to originate two syndicated morning shows. What's more impressive is that both shows originate from the same building. At 6161 Fall Creek Road, Clear Channel Indianapolis syndicates both The Bob and Tom Show (heard locally in Indianapolis on WFBQ) through Premiere Radio Networks and the Zakk and Jack Show (heard locally in Indianapolis on WNDE) through Fox Sports Radio, which is offering it nationally as an alternative feed to FSR's Stephen A. Smith morning show.

At Metropolitan Indianapolis Public Broadcasting's NPR affiliate, WFYI-FM (90.1fm, Indianapolis) and PBS affiliate WFYI (Channel 20, Indianapolis); we have word of three promotions. First, Richard Miles becomes VP of interactive media and content strategy. In addition, Roxanna Caldwell is now WFYI radio Station Manager. Finally, Mary Hartnett becomes WFYI radio's News Director.

JR Ammons replaces Scott Sands as PD at Entercom's Hot AC/WZPL (99.5fm, Greenfield). Mr. Ammons was last PD at WSTR in Atlanta, Georgia.

Radio One engineer Jeanette Rhodes exits.

Emmis' Soft AC/WYXB (105.7fm, Indianapolis) flips format to all holiday tunes.

The Indianapolis Indians baseball broadcasts move in 2011 from Creative Data Management's Sports/WXLW (950am, Indianapolis) to Clear Channel's Sports/WNDE (1260am, Indianapolis). Both regular season and post-season games will be broadcast and available online at the stations' website for the next four years, under the recently announced contract. Howard Kellman enters his thirty sixth-year doing play by play along with Scott McCauley who is in his sixth season with the Indians.

Dispatch Broadcast Group's NBC affiliate WTHR (Channel 13, Indianapolis) News Director Carolyn Williams requests to return to her previous role as Assistant News Director. In March 2008, when the late Jim Tellus moved from News Director to GM, Ms. Williams replaced him as News Director.

Mikey V. moves from Ithaca, New York's WFIZ to Radio One's CHR/WNOU (100.9fm, Speedway) where he handles both nights and imaging. Also at "Radio Now 100.9," The Tattler reports that Rachel is the new co-host of The Scotty Davis Show.

Entercom Hot AC/WZPL (99.5fm, Greenfield) adds "Big Dave" Eubanks to weekends. Mr. Eubanks also holds down Imaging Director and Afternoon host duties at Sarkes Tarzian's AC/WAJI (95.1fm, Fort Wayne).

Horizon Christian Fellowship of Indianapolis gains a CP for 91.3fm, Morristown (east of Indianapolis). The CP says the station will run 14,250 watts, vertical and 5000 watts horizontal at 184 feet, from a tower site on County Road 200 North, northeast of Shelbyville. Horizon Christian Fellowship of Indianapolis also owns WHZN simulcast WWDL (91.3fm, Plainfield), but there's no word on whether this Morristown CP will eventually simulcast WHZN (or not).

Where Are They Now? Here's an update on two former WXIN-TV News Directors: First, Gavin Maliska is now News Director at NBC affiliates KECI-TV, KTVM-TV, and KCFW-TV covering the Butte, Bozeman, Kalispell, and Missoula, Montana markets. Second, Ron Petrovich is now the manager of the Mayo Clinic Center for Social Media in Rochester, Minnesota.

Westcentral

Calvary Chapel of Crawfordsville signs on its Religious/WSRC (88.1fm, Waynetown). The 17 kW (ERP) station broadcasts from a tower on US-231, north of Crawfordsville.

Midwest Communications' Adult Hits/WWSY (95.9fm, Seelyville) flips format to all holiday tunes.

We have late and sad news, as a former Terre Haute TV News Director passes away. Mark Carros was only 55 when he passed away from cancer on 7 August. Mr. Carros worked at WTHI-TV for about two and a half years, starting in March 2004. His wife and two children survive Mr. Carros.

Midwest Communications' CHR/WMGI (100.7fm, Terre Haute) welcomes Storm Avery as morning show co-host, along with Jay Michaels. Before WMGI, Ms. Avery hosted middays at South Central Communications' CHR/WSTO (96.1fm, Owensboro, Kentucky).

Trinity Broadcasting Network donates its W43BV (Channel 43, Terre Haute) to the Minority Media Telecommunications Council, Inc. This donation was part of a much larger (150+) LPTV donation by TBN to the MMTC.

Southeast

Good Samaritan Educational Radio sells WHMO (91.1fm, Madison) to Good Shepherd Radio for $82,000. The Class A FM station remains unbuilt.

WAY-FM inks an LMA with Cumulus and adds more radio coverage for southeastern Indiana. On Friday 1 October, Cumulus' ended its Classic Hits format on WLCL (93.9fm, Sellersburg), and WAY-FM added its Contemporary Christian format. The same The WAY-FM format is on in Louisville, Kentucky at their WAYI (105.9fm, Valley Station, Kentucky). In a press release, WAY-FM president Bob Augsburg said:

"WLCL has full market coverage and even serves a good portion of southern Indiana."

Later this year, WAY-FM will announce more about the future of WAYI.

Over at Cox/Louisville, both PD Don Nordin and morning host Troy Roebuck exit at Classic Rock/WSFR (107.7fm, Corydon). Replacing Mr. Nordin is Shane Collins, who is also an air talent at Cox/Louisville sister station WQNU (103.1fm, Lyndon, Kentucky). Also promoted at Cox is Nick Roberts who earns the title of Director of Programming for Cox stations in both Louisville and Dayton, Ohio. Also added to the WSFR programming roster is Vicki Rogers, who is now APD. Ms. Rogers is also an air talent at Cox/Louisville sister station WVEZ (106.9fm, St. Matthews, Kentucky).

Connersville Apostolic Lighthouse, Inc. gains a CP for 89.9fm, Greensburg. The CP says the station will run 700 watts (Vertical) at 103 feet, from a tower site on US-421, south of Greensburg. Just after gaining the CP (6 October), Connersville Apostolic applies to the FCC on 12 November, showing it has an agreement with Hoosier Public Radio, Inc. to transfer the CP from Connersville Apostolic to Hoosier Public Radio for no stock or cash consideration.

Fishers-based Summit Seekers, Inc. gains a CP for 90.5fm, Laurel (south of Connersville). The CP says the station will run 4500 watts at 341 feet, from a tower site just north of US-52, east-southeast of Rushville.

Dominion Media's TV station WNDA-CA (Channel 45, Clarksville) changes call letters to WWJS-CA.

Southcentral

Salem loses a broadcasting icon, as Don H. Martin passes away. Mr. Martin began Country/WSLM (1220am, Salem) in 1953, and added Southern Gospel/WSLM-FM (97.9fm, Salem) in 1962. The 90-year-old Martin was still active in both stations' operation when he passed away. Mr. Martin also installed and operated Salem's first cable TV service, and owned the Salem Cable Channel 5. Four daughters, two sons, one sister, and multiple grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great great grandchildren survive Mr. Martin.

In October, Good Shepherd Radio signs on WKJD (90.3fm, Columbus) which is a simulcast with sister Southern Gospel/WYGS (91.1fm, Hope). WKJD broadcasts 3400 watts (vertical) at 269 feet from the tower of Reising Radio's WXCH/WYGB tower southwest of Columbus. Also at WYGS, station manager David Burnett exits and is now Pastor at Waynesburg Christian Church in Westport.

Crawford County Community Radio, Inc.'s Variety/WBRO (89.9fm, Marengo) is fined $13,000 by the FCC for a late license renewal. The station claimed that its former CEO Dr. Herbert E. Smith tried filing the application electronically, only to receive a "Server Error" message. Dr. Smith later passed away without telling anyone about WBRO's FCC renewal status. The $13,000 fine breaks down as $3000 for failure to file a required form, and $10,000 for unauthorized operation. However, since the FCC found no "pattern of abuse," the station had its call letters and license reinstated.

Findlay Publishing's Country/WKKG (101.5fm, Columbus) adds Olivia Smiley as co-host in mornings, along with PD Scott Michaels. Ms. Smiley was last a morning show producer and production assistant with Entercom in Indianapolis. The new on air lineup includes the "Scott and Smiley in the Morning" show from 5:00AM until 10:00AM, followed by Rich Anthony (10:00AM until Noon), Olivia Smiley (12:00PM until 3:00PM), Mike "Sully" Sullivan (3:00PM until 7:00PM) and the syndicated Lia show from 7:00PM until 12:00AM.

The Tattler reports that Artistic Media's CHR/WBWB (96.7fm, Bloomington) adds Matt Thiel as morning host, under PD Kevin Stockbridge. Mr. Thiel arrives in B-town from nights at WWST in Knoxville, Tennessee, and his show debuts in December.

Southwest

South Central Communications' CHR/WSTO (96.1fm, Owensboro, Kentucky) adds Jeff "Smash" Murray as PD. Mr. Murray is inbound from the frozen tundra of Green Bay, Wisconsin, where he was PD at WIXX. He replaces Jason Addams, who exited WSTO for the PD slot at WBNQ in Bloomington, Illinois.

A tip of the IRW cap for the 50th anniversary of Henson Media's C&W/WMSK (1550am, Morganfield, Kentucky), as they celebrated that on 21 November. Ed Henson has owned both the AM and its sister Country/WMSK-FM (101.3fm, Sturgis, Kentucky) for a few years.

Employment Opportunities

South Bend's Talking Stick Communications welcomes applications for a GSM at our heritage Classic Rock 95.7 WAOR. If you're passionate about training, coaching, and developing an eager sales staff, have a proven record of hitting budget, and can bring radio, interactive, and social media together to get top-notch results for clients and the station, then I need to hear from you. WAOR South Bend provides a unique growth oriented environment focused on excellence and proven success systems through accountability. We back our sales teams with comprehensive resources and capabilities. Talking Stick Communications is family owned, Indiana based, and a privately held company, primarily serving the northern Indiana area. Other advantages include no corporate bureaucracy or hierarchy, a company culture that empowers people, and a small market station with large market resources. Please send your resume to Kathy Uebler, GM, via e-mail: kuebler at waor dot com. Confidentiality assured. Talking Stick Communications is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Reising Radio Partners, Inc. is looking for an experienced News Director for our stations WRZQ/WYGB/WXCH, in Columbus, Indiana. Duties include collecting and writing local stories from local sources, attending meetings, voicing newscasts, updating websites, and being "ready to go" in the event of breaking news. Accuracy is critical and community involvement is essential. The News Director position is a permanent, full time job with regular morning hours, a few late night meetings, and some Saturday's. Email your cover letter, resume, and MP3 aircheck to jobs at qmix dot com. No telephone calls, please. Reising Radio Partners, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Wagon Wheel Broadcasting has an immediate opening for a sales-oriented GM to manage two FM stations in Lawrenceburg and Madison, Indiana (fifty miles apart in Southeastern Indiana). Both properties are small market country music station. Applicants should have former management experience, preferably as a GM, have a solid understanding of small market radio, be community involved, and be able to monetize the huge ratings and website numbers the stations' have. The candidate will serve in both GM and GSM roles. Expectations include growing revenues, recruit and train sales reps, and make station budgets. Applicants should email cover letter and resume to ken at wnsp dot com, or FAX to Ken Johnson at 251.438.5462. Wagon Wheel Broadcasting is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

DLC Media, Inc. the owners of http://www.daviesscountyfirst.com/, http://www.knoxcountyfirst.com/, WAMW-FM 107.9, WAMW-AM 1580 & FM 95.9 in Washington and the operators of WFML FM 96.7 in Vincennes, need to hire up to two multimedia platform salespeople. We provide training and daily guidance. Earn a guaranteed based salary plus commission, travel expense, health insurance, and paid vacation and holidays. This is a great opportunity to build a career with a successful media company and earn above average income. A good attitude and desire to succeed is necessary. Send resume today to; 800 West National Highway, Washington, IN 47501 or e-mail from our websites; http://www.wamwamfm.com/ or http://www.wfml.net/. EOE.

South Bend's 95.7 WAOR is looking for a highly motivated, self-starter with the ability to handle multiple tasks, and a passion for the Classic Rock format and lifestyle. Candidate should have previous on-air experience, board operation, and digital editing experience. Creative, positive attitude is necessary. We prefer someone closer to South Bend. If interested, please email or snail mail your resume and a short demo of on-air work to Mike Ragz, PD, WAOR Radio, 237 West Edison Road, Mishawaka, IN 46545. FAX: 574.258.0930, or email to ragz at waor dot com.

Terre Haute's WWVR 105.5 The River is accepting resumes and airchecks for an afternoon drive personality. Our next rock jock will be on the air between 2:00PM and 6:00PM Monday through Friday, plus a 10:00AM until 2:00PM shift, every other Saturday. Duties include commercial production. This is a full time 40-hour a week job. You must be able to relate to a male audience and connect with our listeners over the air, in person and online. No beginners; we demand at least two years prior on air experience. We prefer you have some experience with Scott Studios and Adobe Audition. Emmis Communications offers excellent benefits, and opportunities for advancement to larger markets. If this is you, send your resme and aircheck to ezeppelin at wwvr dot emmis dot com, or via mail to Ed Zeppelin, WWVR, Emmis Communications, 918 Ohio Street, Terre Haute, IN 47807

Full Time Engineer for WBAA

We have an opening for a full time engineer at WBAA. The stations include AM and AM-HD, FM, FM-HD1 and FM-HD2 with facilities designed by the Russ Berger Design Group.

Minimum required qualifications include a Bachelor's degree with five years of experience in radio studio and transmission maintenance.

Go to http://www.purdue.edu/jobs for more details and to apply online; Click on "Staff Positions," then "Basic Search". In the "Job Number" field, enter 1000589.

The position is open until filled. Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Artistic Media Partners is looking for a Director of Sales for its four-station cluster in South Bend. Candidates must be able to build and train a professional management team, set and achieve reasonable sales goals, manage local and national sales, hire and train sales people, identify and execute promotional plans, and devise and implement short and long-term strategic sales planning. Qualified candidates must have a successful sales management record of accomplishment. E-mail your resume to arthur at artisticradio dot com. Artistic Media Partners is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Brothers Broadcasting Corp., a private, family owned regional broadcasting company is looking for a morning show host for 25kW WIBN-FM in Oxford, Indiana. The right candidate should be able to relate tot their audience, be a positive part in the community while having superior production skills. Interested individuals should email their demos to 977production at gmail dot com or via mail to Morning Show Host Opening, PO Box D, Rensselaer, IN 47978.

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

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

(c) 2010, Blaine E. Thompson

Indiana RadioWatch may not be reproduced, transmitted, or distributed in any way, shape, or form without the permission of the copyright holder (Thompson, above)

Indiana RadioWatch is produced weekly. Subscriptions are free. To subscribe, send an e-mail to irw@well.com asking to be added. Indiana RadioWatch is archived after publication on the Indiana Radio Archive at http://www.indianaradio.net. Submissions of any nature are welcomed by e-mail, FAX, or postal mail. Employment opportunities are posted as is, so please proofread. Employment opportunities are only posted when received from a credible source (usually the owner, GM, or PD of a station).

Finally, we thank you for your continued support.

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