Indiana RadioWatch: March 17, 2016

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Northcentral

Artistic Media Partners' CHR/WDND (1620am, South Bend) flips format, from a simulcast of sister WNDV (92.9fm, South Bend) to Adult Standards, using the Westwood One "America's Best Music" format.

Central

Radio One's Gospel/WTLC (1310am, Indianapolis) had the unenviable task of replacing Amos Brown, after Mr. Brown died rather suddenly last November at age 64. Mr. Brown had hosted "Afternoons With Amos" for a decade. His many honors include induction into the Indiana Broadcasters Hall of Fame, and a finalist for an NAB Marconi Award. The new host will be Rev. Michael K. Jones, pastor at Progressive Baptist Church. During a rare Amos Brown vacation, Rev. Jones would sometimes fill in on Mr. Brown's show.

On Monday, Mike Killabrew became Senior Vice President of Programming for iHeartMedia's Indianapolis cluster. The cluster includes Classic Rock/WFBQ (94.7fm, Indianapolis), Alternative/WOLT (103.3fm, Indianapolis), Country/WUBG (98.3fm, Plainfield), and Sports/WNDE (1260am, Indianapolis). Mr. Killabrew will also program "Q95" and Alt 1033." Mr. Killabrew last programmed for iHeart in Des Moines, Iowa (KXNO(AM)/KDXA-FM).

Radio Spotlight

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

In 1970, the first annual Cold Day in a Bikini Contest debuted. For several seasons, we would pick a really cold day in February, notify sponsors, and invite girls to rush to the studios wearing bikinis for prizes. The feminist movement had not yet begun so there were no protests, just 9 or 10 bikini-clad "chicks" (we could say that back then) and a bunch of onlookers which included a motley crew of low paid disc jockeys grateful for the fringe benefits.

In 1971, general manager Ben Falber who seldom came over to radio from the TV side of the building made a rare appearance in our humble digs. Ben was a classically trained pianist and was about as buttoned down as one suit could get (and definitely not an aficionado of contemporary pop culture). While sauntering through our meager quarters, he happened to spy the iconic album Who's Next by the Who lying on the music desk just outside the control room. He stood there staring at the cover (the band members zipping up after leaving their urine signatures on a stone piling in an English mining town - just to refresh your memory). Ben finally looked at me, gestured at the cover and asked in distain, "Should we be playing this?

In the early 70's, 1480 hosted a series of free concerts at Fairbanks Park featuring a budding new group out of Champaign, Illinois called REO Speedwagon. Despite having zero commercial hits to their name (those came much later), they drew enormous crowds. It was great live entertainment and you couldn't beat the price.

I would be remiss if I did not mention Sunday Subway (an early forerunner on AM of what would eventually become FM AOR). After dark on Sundays, 1480 capitalized on the psychedelic craze with a sound and aura tailored specifically to hippies and all other Woodstock diehards. The Grateful Dead finally had a spot on Terre Haute radio. And occasionally there was even a peculiar odor in the control room. Lee Bradley was the primary host and lived the lifestyle. He was also a big hit with the ladies. It was the 1970's and Lee had the moustache thing goin' on. On Sunday nights, 1480 blared from every Volkswagen bus in the area. Word spread fast among the 18-24 demos. AM 1480 was even renowned at Indiana University in Bloomington. In 1981 long after 1480 had abandoned its contemporary format for country, I recreated Sunday Subway while wrapping up a Golden Weekend on WBOW AM 1230 (1480's former head-to-head nemeses). I even tracked down Lee Bradley who sent me audio to promote the one-time remembrance as well as liners for use inside the program. I opened the show with the "Star Spangled Banner" by Jimi Hendrix.

When country became popular on FM, 1480 switched to oldies. By the 90's, it was news/talk. Today the station features religious programming. And the heritage WTHI building that once stood at 918 Ohio Street is gone. But the memories remain.

I spent a total of 42 years on the airwaves doing all the major formats (Top 40/CHR, AC, Country, and Oldies) and worked every full-time and part-time shift imaginable, including hoot owl while serving in numerous capacities: music director, program director, operations manager, and promotions.

In 2008, I took a full-time instructor position at my Alma Mater, ISU. I began teaching there in 1998 as a part-time adjunct while still working fulltime in radio.

I was saddened to discover recently that one of the two DJ's who inspired me to get into radio died late last year. Charlie Shoe who was the PD at WROZ in Evansville ('63/'64) was semi-retired doing mornings at Seaview 104.9 in Punta Gorda, FL. when he passed. The other air personality who gave me the radio bug was Jack Etzel who did morning drive at Rozie ('64/'65). Jack later went to TV and became an iconic reporter in Pittsburg and is now retired there.

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.