Indiana RadioWatch: May 14, 2016

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Northeast

Last Saturday night, I flipped around the radio dial while driving here in Fort Wayne. An automobile accident along Hillegas Road took the power out to that area. I quickly counted six FM radio stations off the air, and three related FM translators also off the air. In 2016, I find that frustrating.

Quincy Broadcasting's ABC affiliate WPTA-TV (Channel 21, Fort Wayne) and SagamoreHill Broadcasting's NBC affiliate WISE-TV (Channel 33, Fort Wayne) will restructure later this summer. What's been tentatively announced as an August 1 debut will bring the NBC programming of WISE-TV to the .2 channel of WPTA. The CW Network (currently on WPTA's .2) will move to WISE-TV to replace the NBC programming. WISE and WPTA will have a shared services agreement, which impacts everything except sales forces.

Before we leave Butler Road (home of WISE and WPTA), we must note the departure of meteorologist Curtis Smith, after over twenty years with WPTA (he joined at age 23). Mr. Smith recently joined Parkview Hospital as their Director of Community Outreach.

Northcentral

Mid-West Family Broadcasting's Hot AC/WCXT (98.3fm, Hartford, Michigan) morning co-host Denise Bohn-Stewart dies. Ms. Bohn-Stewart was shot to death by her husband Eric Stewart, who then shot himself dead. Ms. Bohn-Stewart worked for Midwest Family for many years, and then moved to TV, reporting for CBS-affiliate WSBT-TV (Channel 22, South Bend). Ms. Bohn-Stewart rejoined Midwest Family at "98.3 The Coast" in late 2014. Ms. Bohn-Stewart was 45, and left behind three children. There's a GoFundMe set up for the children.

In 1952, the Dille family bought The Elkhart Truth. Last week, they announced the sale to Paxton Media Group. No purchase price announced between these two privately owned companies. Paxton owns ten Indiana newspapers. No word also on how this will impact another Dille holding: Federated Media.

Where Are They Now? Former WNDV-FM PD/morning co-host Rob Sparks leaves 92.9 The Beat in Springfield, Missouri for afternoons at Channel 957 in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Northwest

WBAA in West Lafayette, Indiana has hired 30 year commercial radio veteran Dave Baes as Operations Director. Baes most recently was Operations Manager for a five station cluster owned by Townsquare Media in Grand Junction, Colorado. Baes has also worked for a variety of other radio outlets including stations owned by iHeart Media/Clear Channel.

Hoosier Broadcasting Corp. sells its CP for translator W293CF (106.5fm, Lebanon) to Brothers Broadcasting Corp. for $30,000. As proposed, Brothers will move the translator to 104.5fm, as a 250 watt translator for its Country/WRIN (1560am, Rensselaer).

Eastcentral

Cumulus loses their lawsuit, seeking an injunction to prevent Amanda Rollen from working at Hoosier AM/FM in Marion. Ms. Rollen had a non-compete with Cumulus, with a 50 mile radius. Douglas Walker at The Muncie Star Press says Delaware County Circuit Court 4 Judge John Feick ruled that Cumulus did not show any evidence that they lost money or ratings from Ms. Rollen's move.

Central

After about a year, News Director Elbert Tucker exits Media General's CW affiliate WISH-TV (Channel 8, Indianapolis) and will join sister WKRN-TV in Nashville, Tennessee.

Kay Feeney-Caito exits as Director of Marketing for the Entercom Indianapolis cluster: Sports/WXNT (1430am, Indianapolis), Hot AC/WZPL (99.5fm, Greenfield) and AC/WNTR (107.9fm, Indianapolis). Entercom eliminated the position.

Metropolitan Indianapolis Public Broadcasting's N-T/WFYI-FM (90.1fm, Indianapolis) adds Taylor Bennett as morning news host during Morning Edition, and reporter. For over 20 years, Ms. Bennett worked at Emmis' N/T WIBC (93.1fm, Indianapolis) and Network Indiana, rising to Managing Editor.

Where Are They Now? Blaire Galaton-Kelleher, former "The Billy and Marco Show" producer/co-host on then-WNOU-FM (93.1fm, Indianapolis) becomes the Executive Morning Show Producer on the "The Jack Diamond Morning Show" at WRQX in Washington, DC.

Westcentral

Media General's CBS affiliate WTHI-TV (Channel 10, Terre Haute) meteorologist Lindsey Monroe exits and joins WHBQ-TV in Memphis, Tennessee as their "Good Morning Memphis" and "FOX 13 Midday" meteorologist.

An IRW reader alerted me to a new Terre Haute low power TV station: WUDZ-LD (Channel 28) began testing. WUDZ-LD originally had its transmitter site on the WEDJ (107.1fm, Danville) tower, northwest of Danville on IN-236. WUDZ filed a CP modification with the FCC to move to the WDTI-TV/WHMB-TV/et al., near W. 79th and North Michigan Road, on the north side of Indianapolis.

Southwest

Educational Media Foundation closes on its $450,000 purchase of AC/WYNG (94.9fm, Mount Carmel, Illinois). EMF purchased the station from Withers Broadcasting Co., and their affiliate WYNG, LLC. Exclusive brokers on the deal: Larry Patrick and Greg Guy with Patrick Communications.

Word Broadcasting Network sells Religious/WVHI (1330am, Evansville) to Music Ministries for $275,000. Music Ministries owns the Thy Word Network radio stations: WBGW (101.5fm, Fort Branch), WBHW (88.7, Loogootee), and several others.

New call letters for LPFM Construction Permits: Mark down WIAH-LP (103.5fm, Evansville) The licensee is Mother of the Redeemer Radio. The antenna will be near Igleheart Park on Evansville's northwest side.

This Week in Indiana Radio History

April in Indiana Radio History (on Monday, we'll start May)

April 1: In 1947, 100.7fm/Elkhart signs on as WTRC-FM. Today, it's WBYT. In 1951, 91.5fm, Evansville signs on as WEVC ("Evansville College"). Today, it's WUEV. In 1965, 95.9fm/Wabash signs on as what's still WKUZ. In 1990, 89.5fm/Henderson, Kentucky signs on as what's still WKPB-FM. In 2004, WWEG (102.5fm, Orleans) became WNUF.

April 2: In 1994, 93.5fm/Chandler signs on as WNTC. Today, it's WLFW.

April 3: In 1973, WAWV-TV/Terre Haute signs on, as WIIL-TV.

April 4: In 1922, 920am, West Lafayette signs on as what's still WBAA. In 2005, WOWO(AM) adds HD Radio.

April 5: In 1948, 1580am/Connersville signs on as WCNB. Today, it's WLPK. In 1965, 98.5fm/Peru signs on as WARU-FM. Today, it's WMYK.

April 6: In 2009, WFFT-TV/Fort Wayne launches a 10PM newscast.

April 7: In 1998, 104.3fm, Charlestown signed on as WBLO. Today, it's WAYI.

April 10: 105.5fm, Auburn signed on. After a frequency swap, the allocation moved to 102.3fm and today it is WGBJ.

April 11: In 1968, then-100.1fm, Carrollton, Kentucky signed on as WVCM. Today, it targets Madison, Indiana with a country format, as WIKI. In 2003, WKRY (88.1fm, Versailles) began airing a Southern Gospel format, after a few months off the air.

April 13: In 1953, WSKS 91.3fm, licensed to Wabash (and owned by Wabash High School) signed on the air with 10 watts. In 1983, 100.1fm, French Lick signs on as WFLQ (and still is).

April 14: In 2003, WGLL (1570am, Auburn) signs on after six months of silence.

April 16: In 1967, 95.3fm/then-Monticello signs on as WVTL (now it's WBPE, licensed to Brookston).

April 18: In 1967, 1540AM/Martinsville signs on as WCBK. It's now WMYJ(AM). Also, in 2005, Goshen's WKAM 1460am flipped formats from Soft AC to Regional Mexican.

April 21: In 2011, former WANE-TV President/GM Frank Moore dies at age 74.

April 22: In 1996, Tommy Allen becomes OM/PD at WOWO(AM) and then-WHWD (1380am). In 1999, DJ Randy Lloyd (Richard Lloyd) dies in an apartment fire at age 54.

April 25: In 1974, 95.7FM/Jeffersonville signs on as WQHI. Today, it's WQMF.

April 27: In 1932, Casey Kasem was born. He also delivered Letterman's Top 10 in 1993.

April 28: In 1949, 91.5FM/Greencastle signs on as WGRE and remains so today. WGRE was the first ten watt educational radio station licensed by the FCC.

April 30: In 2011, Mary Beth Johnson ("Beth Merrell") dies. Ms. Johnson worked at WGCL/WTTS (Bloomington), WWKI, WIOU, WZWZ (all Kokomo).

Employment Opportunities

Do you love waking up crazy early to have crazy fun on the radio? East Central Indiana's top cluster is looking for an up and coming superstar to add to our current Morning Show duo. You'll be expected to seek out ways to get involved in the community.

You should have at least two years radio experience, understand every aspect of social media and be able to hit the ground running on the air and online.

Send your best airchecks, resume and cover letter explaining your on air, promotional and social media background to steveb at kicks96 dot com, or Brewer Broadcasting, c/o Steve Baker, PO Box 1647, Richmond, IN 47375.

Swick Broadcasting Corporation, Angola, Indiana (an Equal Opportunity Employer) is searching for a News & Content Director for our flag ship station WLKI FM 100.3 Angola 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. The candidate duties include writing and generating news for on-air and web publishing, interviewing news makers, producing local news casts, attending public meetings. The ideal candidate will take pride in our Indiana award winning news department. Minimum of 2 years of small market on-air news experience preferred. A solid work performance is required as you will be considered to fill a news vacancy that has been held for over 14 years by the previous. Send resume, salary requirements, audio and writing samples to Operation Director Will Mashione. Will at wlki dot com. No phone calls please. Swick Broadcasting Corporation. Angola, Indiana 46703. A background check will be required for employment in this position.

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.

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 it for this issue. See you in a week!

Blaine Thompson
Indiana RadioWatch

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