Indiana RadioWatch: December 23, 2011

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Thanks for the WIBC answers, from our last issue. The woman who e-mailed IRW appreciated our efforts. Also: Whatever happened to Gary Todd? My notes say he's with a Florida radio station, but I find no mention of his name on their website.

Here's a note from an IRW reader, "Looking for programming to fulfill your FCC requirements but don't want the same old boring public affairs show? Produced in Fort Wayne, "This Week in America" is on show on 125 stations, nationwide. Entertaining and informative, "This Week in America" is not only listener friendly but is also FCC friendly. Each show comes with an issue sheet that can go right into the public file along with quarterly reports. "This Week in America" features nationally known guests addressing issues that affect all Americans. "This Week in America" is available on a barter basis via digital download in 30 and 60 minute formats to fit your needs. Breaking the mold of public affairs programming, "This Week in America" is available for your radio station right now! Here's how you can listen: Demo: http://www.bluefunkbroadcasting.com/thisweekinamerica.mp3 or Streaming: http://www.ustream.tv/channel/this-week-in-america. Find out more information from Ric Bratton, via e-mail: ric at bluefunkbroadcasting dot com."

Now, to Part one of the 2011 recap, by region.

Northeast

While a call letter change will not usually merit much attention, it is notable when venerable call letters change after over fifty years on the air. That is what happened in December when Lewis Broadcasting's C&W/WADM (1540am, Decatur) flipped formats on Friday 9 December at 12:00PM to Jazz and the new call letters are WJZI. The last C&W song on WADM was Loretta Lynn's "The Pill" followed by the first WJZI jazz song, which was Louis Armstrong's "Now You Hass Jazz." As WADM, 1540am signed on 22 May 1964.

Northeast Indiana Public Radio's Talk-Jazz/WBOI (89.1fm, Fort Wayne) adds several new shows: "American Routes" each Monday evening from 7:00PM until 9:00PM. "Vinyl Café," heard Sunday's from 12:00PM until 1:00PM. Also, you'll hear Radio Netherlands' The State We're In on Sunday afternoons from 2:00PM until 3:00PM.

Russ Oasis' group Director of Sales Chris Saglian exits to GSM duties at Apex Broadcasting in Charleston, South Carolina.

Randy Alomar becomes Promotions Director and overnights on Sarkes Tarzian's Classic Hits/WLDE (101.7fm, Fort Wayne).

Frank Moore passed away. From 1988 through 2003, he was GM at LIN-TV's CBS affiliate WANE-TV (Channel 15, Fort Wayne), with prior (alphabetical) stops in Cincinnati, Indianapolis, Miami, New Haven, Connecticut, New York, Pittsburgh and Traverse City, Michigan.

John Cigna passed away. WBOI's Doug Gruber worked with John and told IRW, "John was the "funny Italian" hosting the night show on WOWO in the early-mid 60's. I was the news man during his shift and he was always trying to break me up in the air. Great guy, good friend and connected with his audience."

LIN-TV's CBS affiliate WANE-TV (Channel 15, Fort Wayne) will add Antenna TV on 26 December. They already dropped TheCoolTV.

After starting out when Fox Broadcasting debuted its fledgling FOX TV network in 1986, Nexstar's WFFT-TV (Channel 55, Fort Wayne) dropped its FOX affiliation on 31 July. The FOX affiliation moved Granite's WISE-TV (Channel 33, Fort Wayne) on its 33.2 channel, which has MyNetworkTV programming on it now. The MyNetworkTV programming in prime time shifted to 10:35PM each night, after the local 10:00PM newscast.

After just over three years as a talk station, and after a failed $350,000 sale to a local organization, Independence Media sold its Talk/WNUY (100.1fm, Bluffton) to Bott Broadcasting for $275,000. Independence put WNUY up for sale last September, but the first announced sale never closed. The sale to Bott includes an LMA, so the "FM 100 Talks" talk format ended late Thursday night into Friday morning on 24 June. Twelve hours of construction sounds followed, before the Noon Friday kickoff of Religious/WFCV-FM at 100.1fm. Bott entered the Fort Wayne market in 1980 with daytimer WFCV (1090am, Fort Wayne). Dallas, Texas-based Independence Media owned WNUY since 2006. With this sale, Independence concludes their involvement in radio broadcasting.

Summit City Radio Group's WGL (1250am, Fort Wayne) grabs Dave Ramsey and airs him daily from 12:00PM until 3:00PM. They also moved morning host Pat White and producer "Queen Diane" to afternoons (3:00PM until 6:00PM) on Monday 14 February.

After just over two years, Federated Media's N-T/WOWO (1190am, Fort Wayne) and Sports/WKJG (1380am, Fort Wayne) OM Dan Mandis exited for Denver, Colorado, where he will program to Clear Channel's KHOW and KKZN. Mr. Mandis returns to Colorado, where he was the Director of AM Programming and Operations for Citadel Broadcasting in Colorado Springs, before moving to WOWO. Gregg Henson is the new OM/PD at Federated Media's N-T/WOWO (1190am, Fort Wayne) and Sports/WKJG (1380am, Fort Wayne). Mr. Henson arrived from Dallas, Texas, where he co-hosted mornings at KRLD-FM.

After the 2010 death of owner Chris Larko, Hot AC/WMYQ (101.1fm, South Whitley) fell silent at 3:00PM on Tuesday 29 March. When we asked WMYQ about the latest development, they told IRW: "WMYQ/MyQ101 is currently exploring a number of different opportunities, and we invite everyone to continue checking back from time to time. We owe a debt of gratitude to all of our fabulously loyal listeners. If not for their amazing support, we could not have lived this dream." Mr. Larko's other station Oldies/WBZQ (1300am, Huntington) remains on the air.

Andy Beckman joins Federated Media's Hot AC/WMEE (97.3fm, Fort Wayne) in mornings, alongside Nichole Roberts. Former morning co-host Zack Skyler moved to middays. Boomer remains in afternoons and WMEE dropped Billy Bush in nights, all under OM Jimmy Knight. Mr. Knight moved from Lafayette, where he was OM for Artistic Media Partners' stations there; beginning as WMEE's OM on Monday 24 January.

A former Fort Wayne local daytime TV talk show host (who later made it very big) passes away. Ms. Adams (then known as Marcia Sicard) hosted a daily women's show on WPTA-TV (Channel 21, Fort Wayne) in the late 1960s. After leaving WPTA, she found success at PBS as she hosted her namesake show "Marcia Adams Kitchen" on PBS along with writing several books and producing documentaries. Ms. Adams passed away early Saturday at age 75.

Charlie Adams returns to PD and mornings at Upper Wabash Broadcasting's AC/WKUZ (95.9fm, Wabash). Mr. Adams once owned WKUZ, which is now LMA'ed by Brothers Broadcasting Corp.

At Northeast Indiana Public Radio's Talk-Jazz/WBOI (89.1fm, Fort Wayne), Sean Bueter is the new local morning host, during NPR's "Morning Edition." While an undergrad at Ball State University, Mr. Bueter had a brief internship on NPR's "Morning Edition."

After three years, Pete DeSimone exits Oasis Radio Group/Fort Wayne and returns to Orlando where he's now GM at WLOQ. Back at Oasis, OM/Director of Programming Phil Becker becomes GM. In addition, Chris Saglian becomes Director of Sales. Mr. Saglian arrives from Buffalo (Townsquare Media), but has experience at Cox/Greenville, South Carolina (GSM) and in sales at Cox/Orlando and Citadel/Buffalo. On the programming side, Mr. Becker promotes morning co-host "Austin" to APD of their Rhythmic CHR/WJFX (107.9fm, New Haven) and morning co-hostess "Alana" to Music Coordinator of WJFX. In addition, at Country/WBTU (93.3fm, Kendallville) Mr. Becker promotes morning host "A.J." to APD and afternoon host "Colin" to Music Coordinator. All four people retain their on air slots.

Federated Media welcomes Jimmy Knight as OM/PD at Hot AC/WMEE (97.3fm, Fort Wayne). Mr. Knight

After about two years on the air, Granite's NBC affiliate WISE-TV (Channel 33, Fort Wayne) drops its 24-hour news channel "INC Now" (seen on Channel 33.3), and moved their weather/radar channel from Channel 21.3 to Channel 33.3. The 21.3 channel is now gone. That means Channel 21, which Granite operates under a Shared Services Agreement with Malara Broadcasting, now has increased picture quality on its ABC affiliate WPTA 21.1 and CW affiliate WPTA 21.2.

At Northeast Indiana Public Radio's Talk-Jazz/WBOI (89.1fm, Fort Wayne), Leah Tourkow retires as the Wednesday evening "Jazz Classics" host at WBOI. The 87-year-old Ms. Tourkow is a veteran of Fort Wayne radio since 1948 in one form (on air host via a closed circuit/carrier current radio at the Fort Wayne V.A. Hospital) or another (When WBOI's predecessor WIPU was based at IPFW, Ms. Tourkow was one of several people who helped WIPU become today's Northeast Indiana Public Radio).

Redeemer Radio's Religious/WLYV (1450am, Fort Wayne) will launch a local morning show after raising nearly a million dollars in capital monies. In addition, WLYV may expand its programming reach via simulcasting itself on other radio stations around Fort Wayne and South Bend, but we don't have the details yet.

Former Federated Media Hot AC/WMEE (97.3fm, Fort Wayne) morning host Steve Kerrigan passed away on Monday 14 March. The 51-year-old Kerrigan handled mornings at WMEE for about 9 months in late 2005 and 2006.

Northeast Indiana Public Radio's Talk-Jazz/WBOI (89.1fm, Fort Wayne) and Classical/WBNI (94.1fm, Roanoke) PD Kevin Kreigh exits. Andrew Anderson is new to the stations and the PD chair. Mr. Anderson arrives from Bloomington where he worked at Indiana University's WFIU (103.7fm, Bloomington) and at Bloomington Community Radio's Variety/WFHB (91.3fm, Bloomington), where Mr. Anderson worked under new NIPR GM Will Murphy, when Mr. Murphy was GM at WFHB.

On Monday 7 February, the $60,000 sale closed of Calvary Radio's translator W260BR (99.9, Auburn, simulcasting WQKO) to Star Educational Media Network. W260BR simulcasts Star's Religious/WLAB (88.3fm, Fort Wayne).

With Kevin Kreigh leaving Northeast Indiana Public Radio, he quickly resurfaces at Fallen Timbers' AC/WFGA (106.7fm, Hicksville). There, Mr. Kreigh becomes Production Director and afternoons (2:00PM until 7:00PM). Former afternoon DJ Jeff DeWeese moved to part time.

A former then-WKJG-TV GSM passes away. William "Doc" Kline passed away on Monday 7 February at age 83. Mr. Kline worked at WKJG for 40 years, ending his tenure there as Sales Manager, retiring in 1989.

A longtime local classical music host on Northeast Indiana Public Radio's Classical/WBNI (94.1fm, Roanoke) has passed away. Louis ("Lou") Wuellner passed away Saturday 5 February at age 82. Mr. Wuellner was a volunteer radio host for nearly 30 years, most recently hosting the Friday afternoon "Matinee" program on WBNI both when it was at 89.1fm (now sister WBOI) and in its current 94.1fm location on the radio dial.

Kingdom of God, Inc. receives two LPTV CP's for Channels 34 and 39, both licensed to Fort Wayne.

Where are they now? Former then-WKJG-TV producer Jill McCormick joins WJET-WFXP. Ms. McCormick is now a reporter on both the WJET and WFXP morning newscasts and the WJET noon newscast.

Northcentral

Federated Media promotes AC/WLEG (102.7fm, Ligonier) promotes Kevin Musselman from Station Manager to General Manager. Mr. Musselman has been with WLEG since 2007.

The St. Joseph County Council granted a tax abatement to Weigel Broadcasting, as Weigel would invest over $2 million to build a new broadcast facility for its stations. The new property is on Generations Drive, near IN-23 and Douglas Road. The new facility will house all Weigel's stations and the new news gathering operation. Part of the new facility will be a 50 foot tower on the property (that request was also approved by the Council.)

Speaking of WBND-LP, they add Krista Fogelsong as anchorperson for their new newscast. Ms. Fogelsong moved to Michiana from the main evening anchor chair at KNBN in Rapid City, South Dakota.

Ray Grossman moved from nights at Talking Stick's Country/WAWC (103.5fm, Syracuse) where he was "Todd Elliot" to weekends at sister Classic Rock/WAOR (95.7fm, Nappanee), where he's using his real name.

A former South Bend radio and TV News Director has passed away. Bob Young was news director of both WNDU radio and TV in the early 1960's. After leaving South Bend, he arrived at ABC News, where he reported on the Vietnam War, and later became evening news anchor on 1 January 1968 (Mr. Young's predecessor was a young Peter Jennings). The 87-year-old Mr. Young passed away in Ridgewood, New Jersey on 19 January. Three children and six grandchildren survive him.

Calvary Radio Network files an extension on its STA with the FCC for its silent W254BG (98.7fm, Warsaw), while Calvary finds a new tower site for the translator, which typically simulcasts their Religious/WQKO (91.9fm, Howe).

Progressive Broadcasting System's Contemporary Christian/WFRN (104.7fm, Elkhart) adds another owned translator, which signed on Thursday 7 July at 6:00PM: W259BJ (99.7fm, Warsaw), with 170 watts ERP at 90 feet from a site at E. Market and S. Detroit Streets in Warsaw.

100000watts.com reports that Artistic Media Partners' Rock/WZOW (97.7fm, Goshen) flips to a simulcast of sister Oldies/WSMM (102.3fm, New Carlisle) "The Stream," and flips call letters to WSSM.

Schurz/South Bend radio GSM Jim Roberts gains a promotion to VP/Station Manager under radio and WSBT-TV President/GM Sally Brown. Last year, Mr. Roberts moved from the programming side (OM) to the sales side.

Kankakee Valley Broadcasting's Country/WKVI and Hot AC/WKVI-FM (1520am, 99.3fm, both Knox) moved Anita Gooden (News) and Nathan Welter (Sports) to Tom Berg's morning show. Also, Mr. Berg appeared in an Indiana Statehouse scene during the NBC sitcom "Parks and Recreation." Finally, WKVI adds the syndicated "Weekly Pop 20" countdown, hosted by Ann Duran.

After nearly a year away from full-time radio, Tommie Lee resurfaces where he last left full-time radio: 237 W. Edison Road, Mishawaka. Mr. Lee is the new Production Manager for Federated Media's WAOR, WBYT, WRBR, and WTRC(AM) and FM. At Federated, he replaces Melanie Myers who exits the group after 8 years.

From the TV screen: NYC-based Landover 2 LLC has its LPTV applications dismissed for Channels 18 and 38 in Delphi. Waldorf, Maryland-based Alma Corp. receives four LPTV CP's for Channels 30, 33, 39, and 49, all licensed to Wolcott. Sunrise, Florida-based DTV America II, LLC receives five LPTV CP's for Channels 16, 22, 23, 31, and 35, all licensed to Lafayette.

Talking Stick Communications' Classic Rock/WAOR (95.7fm, Nappanee) hires Shannon Allen as GSM. Ms. Allen started at WAOR on 24 January. Before WAOR, Ms. Allen spent 12 years with the Kalamazoo Gazette newspaper.

The Broadcasters Foundation of America honored John Dille III, Chairman/CEO of Federated Media, with their 2011 Ward L. Quaal Pioneer Awards. Mr. Dille is one of six honorees, and the awards were presented at the Foundation Breakfast on 13 April, during the NAB Show in Las Vegas. Elkhart-based Federated Media owns radio stations in northeastern Indiana, north central Indiana, and southern Michigan. The Pioneer Awards are given annually in recognition of career contributions to the broadcast industry and the community at large, and are named in honor of iconic broadcaster Ward L. Quaal.

Northwest

Bethel Christian Life Center, Inc. earns a CP for a new station on 88.9fm, Class B1 station licensed to Battle Ground. The CP calls for a 21,000-watt directional pattern (at 167 feet) from a tower south of IN-38, alongside I-65, southeast of Lafayette.

Artistic Media Partners' Classic Rock/WSHP (95.7fm, Attica) ends its holiday music run and returns with a rock format. However, in early January, the station flipped formats to Classic Rock.

Artistic/Lafayette Market Manager Ernie Caldemone exits in January, along with WSHP PD Bob Creighton, and as we mentioned above, OM Jimmy Knight segues to OM/PD duties at Fort Wayne's WMEE. Replacing Mr. Knight as Artistic/Lafayette OM is Mark Allen. Mr. Allen exited, briefly programmed Cumulus' WLXX in Lexington, Kentucky, but also exited there.

Calvary Radio Network's Religious/WTMK (88.5fm, Lowell) closed its sale to Olivet Nazarene University. WTMK flipped formats to a simulcast of ONU's WONU, which has a Christian CHR/Rock format. WTMK is now "Shine FM."

LIN Television's CBS affiliate WLFI-TV (Channel 18, Lafayette) makes several changes: First, Marc Elliott is now GM, while former GM Tom Combs moved to Sales Manager. Mr. Elliott arrives from Indianapolis where he was GSM of LIN sister station WNDY-TV.

The $130,000 sale by Calvary Radio Network of its Religious/WTMK (88.5fm, Lowell) and translator W240BJ (95.9fm, Crown Point) to Bourbannais, Illinois-based Olivet Nazarene University closed.

While building a new tower for Schurz's CHR/WXXB (102.9fm, Delphi), two tower workers fell and died. The 13 April accident claimed the lives of 32-year-old Paul Aliff and 29-year-old Ernest Garcia, both from Texas. The crew worked for ERI (Electronics Research, Inc.) Both men wore required safety equipment and fell over 300 feet, from a platform along a gin pole, used to raise a tower segment. The new tower replaces the current WXXB site, that site will become part of the new Hoosier Heartland Corridor (expanding IN-25 and US-24). At the new site, the CP specifies the same 2750 watts, but at 493 feet, instead of 489 feet.

Chicago Public Radio's Variety/WBEW (89.5fm, Chesterton) changed programming direction, adding more local music, and focusing less on a podcast-style format. Also, Crain's Chicago Business mentions that WBEW added Chicago club DJ Jesse De La Pena as a contractor to create the new music content. The new format targets people aged 25 to 34, which in turn should generate sponsorships for funding. Foundation grants and the CPB primarily fund WBEW. In addition to the Portage, La Porte, and Michigan City areas, WBEW's signal extends into the south and west side Chicago neighborhoods.

Gerard Media's Talk/WIMS (1420am, Michigan City) made some programming changes. First, Nancy Goerske joins Ric Federighi in morning drive, replacing Paula Griffin. Second, John Records Landecker and Paula Griffin moved their 9am until Noon show to afternoons (3pm until 6pm). Finally, Brian Brophy moved from afternoons (3pm until 6pm) to evenings (8pm until 9pm, with an additional Tuesday 6pm until 8pm shift).

Trinity Broadcasting donates its silent W51DU (Channel 51, Lafayette) to Kingdom of God, Inc. We are unsure what Kingdom of God's plans are with W51DU except we believe that Kingdom of God also has two LPTV's currently silent: WKGK-LP (Channel 50, Kokomo) and WKOG-LP (Channel 31, Indianapolis).

Eastcentral

When Cedarville, Ohio-based Cedarville University sold its CDR Radio Network stations to Educational Media Foundation, that sale included an Indiana translator. EMF now owns W237AT (95.3fm, Richmond) but we don't see it mentioned on either Air 1 or K-Love's station finder.

WPGW(AM) (1440am, Portland) adds Dennis Miller from 2:00PM until 4:00PM, weekdays, replacing the syndicated Doug Urbanski Show.

After three and a half years, Bruce Law exited in April as Market Manager for the Backyard Broadcasting stations in Anderson/Muncie: WERK, WHBU, WMQX/WMXQ, WLBC, and WXFN. Mr. Law says, "It's been an absolute pleasure to be part of Backyard and this great community. I'm going to miss the spirit and pride of the business community here, and the dedication of the Indiana radio staff." Mr. Law is leaving for Grand Rapids, Michigan, where he will work for Clear Channel.

Former WBAT (1400am, Marion) PD John Anderson passed away at age 83. Mr. Anderson was PD at WBAT in 1950. Mr. Anderson passed away on Wednesday 19 January. After leaving Marion, he worked in at various Michigan radio stations and later became a board member, then the president of the Michigan Association of Broadcasters in 1973.

Backyard Broadcasting promotes part timer Zach Johnson to full time, as midday host (10am until 2pm) on Oldies/WERK (104.9fm, Muncie) and afternoon host (3pm until 7pm, as "Zack Attack") on Classic Rock simulcast WMQX/WMXQ (96.7fm, Alexandria/93.5fm, Hartford City). Steve Lindell, VP/OM for Backyard says: "This is another example of "local guy done good" with the hiring of another Madison County native to our airstaff. He's been a loyal, hard working part time employee for quite some time, and after a national search, its' cool to be able to reward someone on the staff with a promotion to a dream job."

Also, after ten years as an ESPN Radio affiliate, Backyard Broadcasting's Sports/WXFN (1340am, Muncie) transitioned to FOX Sports Radio. In a press release, WXFN OM Steve Lindell said, "FOX Sports Radio offers us the flexibility to provide Muncie and Delaware County with play-by-play and sports talk shows of local interest."

Hoosier AM/FM News Director Khristopher Lee exited, after about five years with the group.

From our "Radio with Pictures" department: Sunrise, Florida-based DTV America II, LLC receives a LPTV CP for Channel 22, licensed to Marion.

Central

The weather claimed one tower at 3 Towers Broadcasting's Adult Hits/WSVX (1520am, Shelbyville) on Tuesday evening (1 February). The easternmost tower in the three-tower array fell. Luckily, it was a phasing tower, not the tower that has WSVX's FM translator W243CL (96.5fm, Shelbyville) on it (that's on the center tower). Both WSVX and its FM translator remain on the air, but 1520AM is running non directional from one of the two remaining towers, at 25% of licensed directional power, so that's 250 watts day and 62 watts at night, instead of their usual 1000 watts day and 250 watts night. There are photos on WSVX's Facebook site.

Dispatch Broadcasting's NBC affiliate WTHR (Channel 13, Indianapolis) promotes VP/GM John Cardenas to President/GM of WTHR.

Inter Mirifica's Catholic Religious/WSQM (90.9fm, Noblesville) signed on 12 October with a transmitter at the former WHMB-TV transmitter site along IN-238, southeast of Noblesville.

32 years at one Indianapolis radio station. Unbelievable, eh? After 32 years, JD Cannon exits as PD and afternoons at Cumulus' Country/WFMS (95.5fm, Indianapolis). Mr. Cannon became part of the Country Music DJ Hall of Fame in 2002 and in 2009; he won the Academic of Country Music "Large Market Personality of the Year." Mr. Cannon later resurfaced in middays (9:00AM until 4:00PM) at Emmis' Country/WLHK (97.1fm, Shelbyville).

Don Riley is a part time host at Metropolitan Indianapolis Public Broadcasting's N-T/WFYI-FM (90.1fm, Indianapolis).

Radio One/Indianapolis OM Brian Wallace exited after over fifteen years.

Fritz Moser replaces Nicki Barker as MD at Emmis' Country/WLHK (97.1fm, Shelbyville).

Murray Smith passed away. Mr. Smith was an engineer for WIFE radio and other Indianapolis radio stations for 31 years, retiring in 1987. The 88-year-old Mr. Smith passed away 23 December 2010.

Keith Conners is now News Director at Dispatch Broadcasting's NBC affiliate WTHR (Channel 13, Indianapolis). Mr. Conners arrives in Indianapolis from Houston, Texas where he was Executive News Director at KHOU-TV since 2005. At WTHR, he replaces Carolyn Williams who returns to Assistant News Director, after over two years as News Director.

Emmis' N-T/WIBC (93.1fm, Indianapolis) added Dana Loesch's "The Dana Show" weekdays from 3:00PM until 4:00PM. Ms. Loesch's show originates from Emmis sister station KFTK in St. Louis, Missouri. WIBC marks Ms. Loesch's first affiliate.

Entercom N-T/WXNT (1430am, Indianapolis) added "Free Talk Live" starting Monday 24 January from 8:00PM until 10:00PM. They also added audio from NBC's Meet the Press to their Sunday morning schedule.

The Indianapolis Business Journal reports that Entercom/Indianapolis adds Denene Stewart as Director of Strategic Sales.

Tribune's WXIN-TV (Channel 59, Indianapolis) adds Antenna TV on their channel 59.2.

LIN Television's WIIH (Channel 8, Indianapolis) now uses a low power digital transmitter on RF Channel 8. They are using RF Channel 17 for a digital replacement translator for sister CBS affiliate WISH-TV (Channel 8, Indianapolis). WIIH also shuts down its analog transmitter and replaces with this new configuration because some viewers are having trouble receiving the VHF signal over the air.

Horizon Christian Fellowship of Indianapolis' Religious/WWDL (91.3fm, Plainfield) goes silent with transmitter control and monitoring woes. Horizon is working on correcting the woes. WWDL simulcasts sister WHZN (88.3fm, New Whiteland).

After over three years in mornings, Scotty Davis exits Radio One's CHR/WNOU (100.9fm, Speedway).

Tribune Broadcasting names Larry Delia as VP/GM of FOX affiliate WXIN-TV (Channel 59, Indianapolis) and CW affiliate WTTV (Channel 4, Bloomington). Mr. Delia was VP/GM at Tribune's WPMT-TV in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania before moving to Indianapolis.

Cumulus' CHR/WRWM (93.9fm, Lawrence) added "The Bert Show" in morning drive (6am until 10am). Hosted by Bert Weiss, et al., the show originates from Cumulus sister station WWWQ in Atlanta, Georgia. One interesting result from this move: The Bert Show once competed with WRWM afternoon host Marco, when Marco was part of "The Morning Mess" at competing Atlanta radio station WSTR.

A pair of new hires at McGraw-Hill Broadcasting's ABC affiliate WRTV (Channel 6, Indianapolis): First, Kevin Finch becomes News Director. Mr. Finch was News Director at cross-town LIN Television CBS affiliate WISH-TV (Channel 8, Indianapolis) until June 2009. Mr. Finch is WRTV's fifth News Director in the last 8 years. Second, Guyanne Taylor becomes Director of Sales. Before WRTV, Ms. Taylor was VP/GM of WGBA-TV in Green Bay, Wisconsin. She joined WRTV on Thursday 31 March. Finally, John Emmert retires from WRTV. Mr. Emmert has been a Managing Editor since 2009, but was also a former News Director at several Florida TV stations.

Entercom/Indianapolis GSM Erika Will exits.

On Tuesday 22 February, Emmis added N-T WIBC (93.1fm, Indianapolis) News Director Stacy Thorne Conrad. Ms. Conrad had a 14 year career at LIN Television CBS affiliate WISH-TV (Channel 8, Indianapolis), where she ended as Assistant News Director, followed by a year in the Advertising/PR industry, before her move to Emmis' Monument Circle studios.

Also at Emmis, they shift from Traffic.com to Metro Traffic. Also at Emmis, they shift from Traffic.com to Metro Traffic. However, Emmis is using their air personalities for traffic reports.

After nearly fifteen years as MD and in middays, Entercom's Hot AC/WZPL (99.5fm, Greenfield) DJ Dave Decker exits. Also, "Hunter" leaves his afternoon airshift to concentrate on imaging, promotions, social media, and production. Finally, Ryan Seacrest adds an hour (now 10:00am until 2:00PM), and weekender Nikki temporarily takes Hunter's afternoon shift.

An Indianapolis TV veteran passes away. Ray Bredemann passed away Monday 14 February at age 60. Mr. Bredemann worked for McGraw-Hill Broadcasting's ABC affiliate WRTV (Channel 6, Indianapolis) for over 30 years (for the last 11 years, as the nighttime Assignment Editor). He was also a producer at one point.

An Indianapolis 500 legend and Indiana broadcaster passes away. 91-year-old Tom Carnegie passed away on Friday 11 February 2011. Born Carl Lee Kenagy, he began his radio career at Fort Wayne's WOWO and WGL, moving up to Director of War Programs. WOWO PD Eldon Campbell gave Mr. Carnegie his nom de guerre. After their time at WOWO, Mr. Campbell and Mr. Carnegie crossed paths again at Indianapolis' WFBM radio and TV where Mr. Campbell was GM and Mr. Carnegie was Sports Director. Once Mr. Carnegie made it to Indy, he worked first at WIRE (1430am, Indianapolis) as their Sports Director, then moved to WFBM-TV (today's WRTV) as Sports Director, where he worked from 1953 through his retirement in 1985. However, most know him from his iconic and signature calls at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway: "Heeeeez-on-it!" and "It's a new track record!" Mr. Carnegie worked at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway from 1946 (when Tony Hulman hired him) until 2006.

Educational Media Foundation's Religious/WQRA (90.5fm, Greencastle) received a one-year extension from the Morgan County BZA (Board of Zoning Appeals) to construct their new tower at I-70, north of IN-42 on the Morgan/Hendricks County Line. EMF received approval from the BZA in February 2008, but never built the tower because of the economy. EMF now plans to build the tower this summer and have it up and working by this fall. The new tower location will improve coverage closer to Indianapolis.

The wheel of Indianapolis TV news directors spins again as McGraw-Hill's ABC affiliate WRTV (Channel 6, Indianapolis) ND Sheldon Ripson exits. The next WRTV ND will be the fifth in nearly nine years.

On Friday 25 February, Tribune's FOX affiliate WXIN-TV (Channel 59, Indianapolis) GM Jerry Martin left for the GM chair at Houston, Texas TV station KPRC. Coincidentally, Larry Blackerby, who is now the GM at crosstown competitor McGraw-Hill Broadcasting's ABC affiliate WRTV (Channel 6, Indianapolis), last occupied that chair.

Westcentral

Nigel takes afternoons at Emmis' Classic Rock/WWVR (105.5fm, Terre Haute).

Midwest Communications' CHR/WMGI (100.7fm, Terre Haute) moves weekender "Just Plain Joe" to evenings.

Horizon Christian Fellowship sold its W262BA (100.3fm, Spencer) to Ron Unkefer's First Ventures Capital Partners. The $12,000 price tag includes five other translators. The other translators are located in Illinois, Kansas, and California.

Julie Henricks exited middays at Crossroads' AC/WBOW-FM (102.7fm, Terre Haute). Also, the ESPN simulcast of WBOW (1300am, Terre Haute) and WSDM-FM (92.7fm, Brazil) retools their local sports talk show (formerly known as "The Drive"). The new show is "Sports Talk with Scott Jones." Mr. Jones hosts the show, and Jim Osborn remains involved, while Zack Keyes contributes to the show. Stephen Paul formerly co-hosted "The Drive" with Mr. Osborn and continues with Crossroads as play-by-play on their Oldies/WAXI (104.9fm, Rockville).

After years in Terre Haute radio, Mike Petersen exits as president (nearly 6 years) of Crossroads Communications' board, and as an employee of its five radio stations. Mr. Petersen was GM at Crossroads from June 1990 through the end of April 2005. Among his accomplishments, he gained investors for the original 1990 purchase of WSDM(AM)/FM, oversaw two studio moves (1997 and 2000), purchased WBOW(AM) in 1996, WAXI in 1998, and what's now WBOW-FM in 2003. Before Crossroads, Mr. Petersen was GM in Crawfordsville (WCVL/WIM) and partially owned WEWZ (what's now WIKL-FM 101.7fm, Elwood) in the Anderson/Muncie market.

Ronn Mott has been with Word Power's Religious/WPFR (1480am, Terre Haute) since May 2010, but he left on Thursday 31 March. Mr. Mott now hosts host a Saturday morning talk show on Midwest Communications' News-Talk/WIBQ (98.5fm, Paris, Illinois). This will be the first live/local talk show for WIBQ. Mr. Mott's show will displace one hour of Glenn Beck Weekend and will move the Wall Street Journal show to 5AM until 6AM on Saturday (replacing the last hour of "Coast to Coast").

A pair of Terre Haute radio stations and a TV station will all soon have a new home. Emmis' Country/WTHI-FM (99.9fm, Terre Haute) and Classic Rock/WWVR (105.5fm, West Terre Haute) along with LIN Television CBS affiliate WTHI-TV (Channel 10, Terre Haute) will all move out of their respective studios at 918 Ohio Street, as the building will then be torn down and replaced with a parking lot for a new office building next door. Built in 1906, the WTHI/WWVR building started as a garment factory. Other garment makers used the building before WTHI-TV (then a new product) and WTHI-FM (which was 6 years old) moved into the facility in July 1954. WWVR moved to 918 Ohio Street after Emmis purchased both radio stations and WTHI-TV for $90 million in 1998. No new locations announced, but we expect that the Emmis radio stations will land in a separate facility from their LIN/WTHI-TV colleagues.

Emmis' Country/WTHI-FM (99.9fm, Terre Haute) replaces the syndicated "Retro Country" with a locally hosted C&W show, hosted by Rick Rhodes. Mr. Rhodes doubles as an overnight producer for WTHI-TV, and worked at WACF-FM when they aired a country format.

There are signs of life from the former Mike Rice/Contemporary Media stations. The FCC grants a CP for 640am, Terre Haute to Southfield, Michigan-based Birach Broadcasting Corp. The CP calls for 250 watts, non-directional, from the former then-WBOW 640AM site on US-41 in Terre Haute. The FCC hasn't decided the fate of Mr. Rice's other former stations: 1230AM and 107.5FM.

Southeast

Wagon Wheel Broadcasting GM Michael Shields exited for the GM spot at Salem's KDOW and KFAX in San Francisco, California.

Kitty Malone exits as GSM at Cox/Louisville. She began sharing cluster GSM duties with Todd Pitt. Ms. Malone is a six-year veteran at Cox, both in Louisville, and at their Greenville, South Carolina cluster. Mr. Pitt moves to Louisville from Cox Radio/Dayton, WHIO-TV and the Dayton Daily News newspaper. Todd Schumacher is the VP/Market Manager for Cox/Louisville.

Connersville Apostolic Lighthouse, Inc. donates its 89.9fm, Greensburg CP to Hoosier Public Radio Corp.

Cumulus' Christian/WLCL (93.9fm, Sellersburg) flipped call letters to WAYI.

The CP for 89.9fm, Greensburg now belongs to Hoosier Public Radio Corp., and has call letters WHOZ.

Southcentral

Rebecca White is now the GM at Country-Farm/WSLM (1220am, Salem) and Southern Gospel-Talk/WSLM-FM (97.9fm, Salem). Ms. White is Don Martin's daughter. Mr. Martin founded WSLM and WSLM-FM, and owned them until his death last year.

Dawn Andrews exits as GSM at Reising Radio Partners (WRZQ, WXCH, WYGB). Also, Reising Radio Partners welcomes Dave Wilson who joins Keith Maddox in mornings at Country/WYGB (100.3fm, Edinburgh).

White River Broadcasting's N-T/WCSI (1010am, Columbus) replaced the Dr. Dean Edell show (which ceased production) with "Duke and the Doctor" each weeknight from 6:00PM until 7:00PM.

Brent Lee is new to the PD chair at Reising Radio's Country/WYGB (100.3fm, Edinburgh) and Classic Hits/WXCH (102.9fm, Columbus). Mr. Lee arrives from PD/mornings at Brothers Broadcasting's Oldies/WIBN (98.1fm, Earl Park). In addition, Mr. Lee takes the morning co-host slot at WYGB, alongside Dave Wilson. Finally, APD/morning co-host Keith Maddox exits the company after nearly five years.

The FCC granted a CP for Calvary Radio Network's Religious/WOJC (89.7fm, Crothersville) to improve its signal from 300 watts (omnidirectional) to 38,000 watts (directional). The improved signal will give them coverage into Louisville. The expected population coverage (60dBu) increases from 13,000 to 150,000.

After nearly a year under a Time Brokerage Agreement with Destination Radio, LLC, Blair Trask's Oldies/WSEZ (1560am, Paoli) returned to an oldies format. The former programming targeted visitors to nearby French Lick and West Baden Springs.

Reising Radio Partners' Country/WYGB (100.3fm, Edinburgh) also fell victim to the winter weather. No power at the WYGB tower took the station offline for nearly a day.

Chad Carrothers is now GM, replacing Will Murphy at Bloomington Community Radio's Variety/WFHB (91.3fm, Bloomington).

As part of a 73 translator, $275,000 deal, Horizon Christian Fellowship sold W270BH (101.9fm, Bloomington) to Ron Unkefer's First Ventures Capital Partners.

A former Paoli station owner passes away. Virginia King died on Wednesday 16 February at the age of 90. Along with her husband, Mrs. King started and owned WVAK (in 1963) and WVAK-FM (in 1972) (today's WSEZ(AM) and WUME-FM, which Blair Trask now owns).

The Cromwell Group/Tell City stations moved to new broadcast studios in the German American Bank on Main Street in Tell City.

Southwest

Henson Media's Classic Hits/WSON (860am, Henderson, Kentucky) added a newly relocated FM translator, W297BE (107.3, Madisonville, Kentucky), but Ed Henson has a FCC application in, which if granted, would move the translator to 96.5fm, licensed to Sebree, Kentucky, with call letters W243CU.

After 6 years at Townsquare Media's Oldies/WJLT (105.3fm, Evansville) and 21 years in Evansville radio, Joe Blair retired in June. Before Evansville, Mr. Blair worked in Philadelphia and Chattanooga, but started in radio in Indiana at WPGW(AM) and FM (1440am, 100.9fm; both Portland).

Nexstar dropped its FOX affiliation on their WTVW (Channel 7, Evansville) and FOX will move to Comcorp's WEVV (Channel 44, Evansville).

Gilmore Broadcasting's ABC affiliate WEHT (Channel 7, Evansville) Chief Engineer Darren Gibson exited.

Withers' AC/WYNG (94.9fm, Mount Carmel, Illinois) News Director Galen Jones retired.

Townsquare Media's N-T/WGBF (1280am, Evansville) added Doug Stephan's "Good Day" from 5:00AM until 6:00AM.

B.L.S. Entertainment's Urban AC/WEOA (1400am, Evansville) added two Spanish language programs: a locally hosted "Viva La Familia" (Saturday's from 12:30PM until 1:00PM) and the syndicated program "Conexion Thalia Radio Show" (Sunday's from 12:00PM until 2:00PM).

Henson Media's Classic Hits/WSON (860am, Henderson, Kentucky) added a website: http://www.wsonradio.com

On 11 March, DLC Media's Standards/WAMW (1580am, Washington) and translator W240CE (95.9fm, Washington) flipped formats to country, as "The General."

The Original Company proposed a few changes to two of their stations: Classic Rock/WBTO-FM (102.3fm, Petersburg) and C&W WWBL (106.5fm, Washington). Under the proposal, WWBL would move City of License to Petersburg, which would then allow WBTO-FM to move frequencies (102.5fm), City of License (Haubstadt), and transmitter sites, which would give more coverage into the Evansville market.

Henson Media's C&W/WMSK (1550am, Morganfield, Kentucky) flipped format to Sports.

Jennifer Cox-Hensley's Indiana Community Radio Corp. sold both Religious/WENS (90.1fm, Wadesville) and translator W295AW (106.9fm, Fort Branch) for $60,000 to Mark Lange's The Innovation Center. Mr. Lange is also active in commercial radio ownership, through his partial ownership of The Original Company and Old Northwest Broadcasting. Radio Business Report says the $60,000 sale breaks down as $25,000 at signing, $10,000 after the FCC filing and $25,000 after FCC approval. Of the total cost, $45,000 is for the FM and $15,000 is for the translator.

On Monday 7 February, Townsquare Media's N-T/WGBF (1280am, Evansville) made several programming lineup changes: First, on Thursdays, Les Shively moves from 9:00AM to 8:00AM. Second, Glenn Beck moves to 9:00AM until 11:00AM. Third, Mark Levin adds an hour and moves to 5:00PM until 8:00PM (Beck's former spot). Fourth, Beck displaces Laura Ingraham who moves to 8:00PM until 10:00PM (hours 2 and 3 of her show). Finally, Laura Ingraham takes Sunday evenings from 5:00PM until 8:00PM.

After the FCC canceled the license, IRW bids a fond adieu to Trinity Broadcasting Network's W38BK (Channel 38, Evansville) which fell silent in November 2009.

Jacob Newkirk at The Evansville Courier and Press mentions that Raycom NBC affiliate WFIE-TV (Channel 14, Evansville) added local newscasts in HD. WFIE also has a new HD news set and a new control room.

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

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

(c) 2011, Blaine E. Thompson

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