Indiana RadioWatch: March 14, 2016

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Northeast

It was 1966 when WLYV began a Top 40 format. To commemorate that 50 year anniversary, Adams Radio Group's Talk/WLYV (1450am, Fort Wayne) flips format to oldies. The talk lineup remains on WJFX-HD2 (107.9fm, New Haven), and on translator W277AK (103.3fm, Fort Wayne). Westwood One's "Good Time Oldies" supplies the format, and air personalities include Rick Hughes (Noon until 3pm on Friday). Mr. Hughes continues his Saturday 3p until 9pm air shift, which re-airs on Sunday from 3pm until 9pm.

Northcentral

Quincy Broadcasting's FOX affiliate WSJV-TV (Channel 28, Elkhart) welcomes back Ken Garcia as morning anchor. About a decade ago, Mr. Garcia worked at WSJV doing weekend weather and reporting, before working his way up to morning meteorologist. Mr. Garcia began this morning. Mr. Garcia succeeds Steve DuVal who exited the station last Friday.

Eastcentral

AllAccess reports Indiana Community Radio Corporation closes on the $27,000 sale of its W287BR (105.3fm, Carthage) to BAS Broadcasting. BAS will use the translator to rebroadcast their WMVO(AM) (1300am, Mount Vernon, Ohio), southeast of Toledo.

Central

Where Are They Now: This Summer, former WISH-TV chief investigative reporter Karen Hensel will join NECN (New England Cable News) as an investigative reporter. Based in Newtown, Massachusetts, Comcast owns NECN through its NBC Owned Television Stations division.)

Radio Spotlight

Here's part five of our WTHI(AM) history series. This will be part one of a two part essay from Bryan Thomas:

"In 1963 as a shy lonely high school freshman with no car keys, no girlfriend (radio would change that) and nowhere to go, I became smitten with the biz and slowly broke out of my shell. By my senior year, I had managed to insinuate myself into my first on-air gig. I had spent so much time hanging around 1400 WROZ (Rosie Radio) in Evansville, IN they felt obliged to hire me. I became their weekend "Boy Wonder" (a takeoff from the popular Batman TV series). My first time on the air was a Friday evening in late November of 1965. It was trial by fire. It was the Christmas season and the station was sold out with commercials. Consequently carts were stacked sky high (we ran a lot of 30's back in those days). It was 6 p.m. and my lead song out of ABC News at 55 was "Day Tripper" by the Beatles. I had made the bigtime; a teenager on the radio in a showcase studio above one of the busiest downtown intersections in a city of 140,000. If it got any better than that, I didn't want to know about it!

In the fall of 1966, I moved to Terre Haute to attend Indiana State University. I applied at 1480 WTHI and 1230 WBOW (both Top 40 stations). Ronn Mott at 1480 gave me a job while 1230 only pirated bits of liners and jingles off my WROZ aircheck. And the scoundrels actually aired them! I will always cherish my days at 1480 and the privilege of getting to work with numerous highly-talented and collegial individuals: In particular - Ronn Mott, Dick Randall, Andy Bickel, and Loren Owens.

Because the previous installments of the AM 1480 WTHI retrospect have concentrated on the Air Force era (roughly 1966-68), I thought I would share a few memorable events from later years. 1480's air sound went through a noticeable evolution similar to the Beatles. It started out very wholesome and pop oriented but eventually became much edgier, even going off the rails at times. It morphed into a highly atypical Top 40 station especially by the time the early 70's rolled around.

For several years, I was music director. In 1969, our playlist was around 40-50 titles. But by 1971 it had dwindled to 30 under the tutelage of Mike Ventura who wanted to mirror the super tight Top 40 sound sweeping the nation as spearheaded by consultants Bill Drake and Gene Chenault.

However before our playlist became constrained, I would occasionally go way out on a limb when adding new music. We had a large rack in the production room where the records (45's) were stored in bins alphabetically by artist. When it was housecleaning time, I would shuffle through them (many were quite dusty) to see if there was anything interesting that may have been overlooked. For instance, I stumbled upon "Hawaii 5-0" by the Ventures. The Ventures had not had a significant hit in a number of years and virtually no one nationally was playing the tune despite the huge popularity of the TV show. I thought what the heck and we gave it a try. The phones rang off the hook. I notified Bill Roberts at Liberty Records who immediately took out a full page spread in Billboard magazine, "WTHI 1480 in Terre Haute Says Hawaii 5-0 by the Ventures is a Hit!" A month or so later I did the very same thing with "Time of The Season" by the Zombies (Parrot/Date). We nearly got the gold record for both songs (close but no cigar). I blamed it on politics (larger market stations with more clout crashing our party). Additionally, through mere happenstance I flipped Donovan's "To Susan on The West Coast Waiting" and determined the B side "Atlantis" should have been the A side. I notified Epic and the rest is history.

Columbia Records had a major plant in Terre Haute and we took full advantage of the close proximity. Columbia and a variety of other labels (Warner Bros/Reprise, Epic, London, etc.) were all pressed at the Terre Haute facility. Most music would arrive at the station via U.S. mail, but when possible record promoters were happy to phone in special orders directly to the Terre Haute facility. Then one of us would drive out to the plant office, get the invoice, and take it to the warehouse where a stocker would procure the song(s).

One moment I have never forgotten was the time I was doing a remote broadcast with Ron Howes at the Meadows Shopping Center in Terre Haute circa 1969 or '70 during our annual Go Fly A Kite Day. It was an exceptionally windy afternoon in March, and Ron and I were having difficulty with our kite's stability. When we threw it back to the studio, an always witty and slightly naughty Andy Bickel jumped in and said, "We'll check back in with Ron and Bryan in a few minutes after they go out and get some tail." Leave it to Andy!"

This Week in Indiana Radio History

If there's something we need to add to the "calendar," please let us know. Also, errors do sometimes occur. Please e-mail us if this information is not correct!

March 14: In 1974, WLYV (1450am) in Fort Wayne changed formats from Top 40 to Country, with a switch in ownership. Until 1980, Jack Nicklaus owned the station under the corporate name "Golden Bear Broadcasting". In 1999, 91.9fm, Defiance, Ohio signed on.

March 15: In 1954, WSJV-TV (Elkhart) signed on at Channel 52.

March 16: In 1956, 1270am, Elkhart signed on as WCMR ("Clarence Moore").

March 17: In 1957, 95.5fm, Indianapolis signed on as WFMS ("Williams FM Service," for owner Martin Risser Williams).

March 19: In 1997, 94.1fm, Roanoke flipped formats to Modern AC, as "Star 94.1" and call letters to WYSR.

Employment Opportunities

Operations Director - West Lafayette - WBAA

Description: Responsible for scheduling prerecorded and live programming on all WBAA content channels including AM/FM/HD2 platforms. Maintain program schedules and logs for all stations. Oversee and troubleshoot broadcast transmitters. Schedule regular and holiday/special programming on automation system. Manage automation system to achieve the highest quality broadcast service for all content channels. Position reports to the Director of Content.

Qualifications

REVISED

Required:

Bachelor's degree.
One year of experience with public media operations.
Consideration will be given to an equivalent combination of related education and required work experience.
Experience with broadcast automation systems.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Self-starter, highly motivated, along with ability to work well on a number of projects simultaneously and effectively.
Proficiency with computer software.
Detail-oriented, organized, dedicated and results-oriented.
Broadcast operational trouble shooting skills.

Preferred:

Bachelor's degree in Broadcasting, Electrical Engineering or related field.
Familiarity with public radio distribution platforms including Content Depot and PRX.
Knowledge of web platforms including NPR's Core Publisher.
Computer troubleshooting skills.

Additional Information:

A background check will be required for employment in this position.
FLSA: Exempt (Not Eligible For Overtime)
Retirement Eligibility: Defined Contribution Waiting Period.
Purdue University is an EEO/AA employer. All individuals, including minorities, women, individuals with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply.

More, here: http://purdue.taleo.net/careersection/wl/jobdetail.ftl?job=1600021?=en&sns_id=mailto

WIMC/WCDQ/WCVL, Crawfordsville is looking to hire a full time outside sales person with prior sales experience or a marketing/broadcast education. This person will handle some existing accounts plus prospect new businesses in Montgomery and surrounding counties. Must be able to handle multiple projects, meet deadlines and monthly sales goals. Must have reliable transportation. Mail resume and references to dapeach at forchtbroadcasting dot com or mail to Dave Peach, GM, PO Box 603, Crawfordsville, IN 47933. Forcht Broadcasting is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Lake City Media Group (an Equal Opportunity Employer) is searching for a News & Content Director for our local News & Information Station, "News Now Warsaw" (1480-AM & 99.7-FM). The ideal candidate has a clear understanding of fair, balanced and non-sensationalized news radio. Applicant should have a general understanding of news, government and law and the ability to build a successful newscast from start to finish. The perfect candidate will lead our news department and be willing to do what it takes to get the accurate story first. Duties include writing and generating news for on-air and web, interviewing news makers, producing local news casts, attending press conferences and/or meetings, monitoring local scanner traffic for lead generation and will take ownership in our acclaimed news department. Minimum of 1-2 years of small market on-air news experience preferred. Send resume, salary requirements, audio and writing samples to Program Director Kris Lake at klake at lakecitymediagroup dot com. No phone calls, please. Lake City Media Group is part of Federated Media.

89.1 WBOI (NPR News and Diverse Music), and Classical 94.1 WBNI seek a Chief Engineer for the two public radio stations serving Fort Wayne and Northeast Indiana. We are a growing organization in the process of relocating to a new facility in two-to-three years, which will include substantial investments in new equipment, new studios and production facilities. You will be an important part of our team while enjoying considerable autonomy and responsibility as our Chief Engineer.

The Chief Engineer is responsible for all technical and building operations and maintenance. Position reports directly to General Manager, and works closely with the Program Director and other staff. Occasional night and weekend work is necessary, with availability to respond 24/7 as needed. You must have the technical knowledge to operate and maintain two radio stations and all associated operations, be able to climb ladders, work in small spaces and have the ability to lift 50 pounds. Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate technical issues to non-technical personnel are important. The ability to solve problems, think creatively, work independently, and troubleshoot is highly valued.

Requirements:

AASEET Degree or similar
5 or more years of radio broadcast engineering experience
Knowledge of FM broadcast and STL transmission systems including combiners
Ability to troubleshoot and repair FM and HD transmitters and associated equipment
Minimum 3 years of experience with Broadcast Electronics AudioVault Delivery Systems for both time-based and control-based satellite automation
New construction involving studio and transmitter sites
Familiarity with FCC rules and regulations
Network administration and IT support for Microsoft Windows Server and Windows 7 & 8 operating systems
PBX management
Drafting budgets for expenses, capital expenditures, and projects
Valid driver's license and means of transportation

The following experience will be particularly beneficial:
· Work with AudioVault FLeX
· Experience with Axia Livewire or Wheatstone Wheat-Net audio over IP solutions
· Knowledge of IP based phone systems
· Familiarity with Microsoft Exchange
· Traffic and music software automation integration
· Engineering remote broadcasts and live performances
· Experience with FTP delivery systems

Please include resume and narrative/cover letter detailing how your experience relates to the job duties and qualifications of this position.

Position is open until filled.

E-mail resume and cover letter to: Peter Dominowski, President and General Manager, at: pdominowski at nipr dot fm.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, and do not discriminate with regard to race, gender, ethnicity, religion, or sexual orientation.

DLC Media's True Oldies 104.9 WAXI--FM needs a Marketing Consultant. Retail Sales and/or Marketing Sales background. Team Player, energetic, Problem solver. Good people skills and an effective multi-tasker. Must have good computer skills and can create customized presentations. We require a high school graduate with some college preferred. Retail background a plus. We provide basic training and daily support. We offer a monthly Salary/Draw of $2,500 with commission opportunities and bonus money. We pay 67% of your personal and family health insurance premiums. We offer a Simples IRA Retirement plan and will match your contribution up to 3% of your annual income. We provide monthly travel allowance as well as 2 weeks paid vacation plus paid holidays and paid sick days. We have a great team environment. DLC Media, Inc. owns and operates Radio Station True Oldies 104.9 WAXI-FM as well as Memories 107.9 WAMW-FM and The General 95.9 & 1580 WAMW. We have a LMA with Vincennes University's 96-7 Jack FM WFML. We are seeking a local direct sales professional. Candidate must display strong communication skills. The winning candidate will focus most of their time selling advertising on WAXI which serves the Terre Haute area market with our exclusive Oldies format, The Bob & Tom Show, Cubs Baseball, IU Sports, High School Sports and other local programming. While we do offer special sponsorship opportunities we are looking for a person who can probe and find ways to help local retailers with their marketing needs with customized solutions. You must understand retail and the challenges business owners face. If interested, please send a cover letter and resume today to; Dave Crooks, President & General Manager at dlcmediainc at gmail dot com. or mail to 800 West National Hwy Washington, IN 47501. DLC Media is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

WIBC/Network Indiana is looking for a multi-media platform news talent who can gather and interpret content on multiple platforms, including digital (web, social media) and on-air. The position requires the production and gathering of text, images, audio/video, etc. The ideal candidate will have strong delivery, a versatile mindset for varying tasks, and be a natural storyteller.

Please apply online at http://www.emmis.com

Please send your resume' and air check materials to cedavis at indy dot emmis dot com.

G101-3, the world's most interactive radio station, is seeking its next Midday host. You'll do live middays on The G (Adult Top 40) and voicetrack evenings on our A/C sister station. Can you do a great show with phones, remotes and appearances, plus keep yourself plugged into our historic community? We need someone that can hit the ground running! If you think you can handle local, creative radio in a non-corporate environment and blend in with our talented yet dysfunctional staff you can E-mail your info to rickduncan at g1013 dot com ("Midday/Promotions" in the subject line)

Whitewater Broadcasting is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Federated Media is currently accepting applications for the position of Promotions and Events Coordinator for our South Bend Radio Group.

The position encompasses all facets of the radio business on-air, on-line and in person. It requires multi-tasking along with managing people and your own personal time. Problem Solving Skills required.

As Promotions and Events coordinator you will be responsible for, but not limited to:

Working hand in hand with Program Directors and General Sales Managers to plan, schedule and execute contests, promotions, and events.

Hiring and scheduling of part time employees for live broadcasts and events

Implementing Interactive elements of marketing campaigns and events. (mobile, email, online, social media)

Making sure the listener experience at live broadcasts & events is a memorable one

This is a very enjoyable job but requires you to bring your best to the office every day. It is a job where no two days are alike and will be a job that is always evolving to meet the demands of each station's needs. Requires working on evenings and weekends as needed. Two to three years' experience and/or marketing degree preferred.

Interested? Contact Stephanie Michel at smichel at federatedmedia dot com.

Confidentiality assured. Federated Media is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Indiana Country - WKKG - South Central Indiana's #1 country heritage station, is looking for our next morning show superstar. If you can deliver an upbeat, LOCALLY relatable, music-driven show then send me your best stuff. Local is how we win, so you'll be expected to seek out ways to get involved in the community. We offer a competitive salary, great benefits including 401(k), excellent work environment and an exceptional community. E-mail your resume and demo to John Foster, Station Manager at jfoster at wkkg dot com. White River Broadcasting is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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

Blaine Thompson
Indiana RadioWatch

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All pages Copyright Blaine Thompson. Articles, photos, corrections, and other contributions should be e-mailed to the editors.