Indiana RadioWatch: March 20, 2017

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Northcentral

Larry Langford's Oldies/WGTO (910am, Cassopolis, Michigan) and translator W242CN (96.3fm, Cassopolis, Michigan) rebrand as "Kool 96.7fm/910am" with a Classic Hits format, partially using the Westwood One "Classic Hits" format. W242CN has a CP to move to 96.7fm.

Federated Media's Country/WBYT (100.7fm, Elkhart) launches "B100 Alexa Skill" through partner XappMedia. Listeners with an Amazon Echo can:

• Hear the live stream of "B100"
• Choose from six music categories
• Listen to station podcasts.

Northwest

Last September, we reported on the announced sale of two Friends of Christian Radio (now FCR Broadcasting) translator CPs for $100,000 to Dallas, Texas-based Elohim Group: W232CK (94.3fm, Gary) and W272CZ (102.3fm, Sheridan). When the deal became filed with the FCC, Elohim listed an unspecified new primary radio station, licensed to Gary. Since the filing, Tom Taylor's eponymous Tom Taylor Now reports:

• Elohim Group placed a $20,000 non-refundable deposit on the purchase deal.
• FCR sued Elohim, alleging breach of contract
• Elohim's attorney sent an e-mail to FCR, saying Elohim wouldn't complete the deal and would forfeit the twenty grand.
• In their lawsuit, FCR says they want the final "closing delivery" documents completed by Elohim, and the $80,000 balance (purchase price) paid.

Central

A tip of the IRW cap to Emmis Communications founder, chairman and Jeff Smulyan. The Broadcasters Foundation of America will honor Mr. Smulyan with The Lowry Mays Award during their Leadership Breakfast on April 26 at the Encore Resort, as part of the NAB Show in Las Vegas.

This Week in Indiana Radio History

Sign-on dates seem to be a prickly matter, subject to great debate, and mostly impossible to confirm. If there's something we need to add to the "calendar," please let us know. Please e-mail us if you have updated information.

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

March 20: In 2008, WLZQ (101.1fm, South Whitley) changes call letters to WMYQ.

March 23: In 1992, 101.9fm in Brownsburg signed on as WQFE. Today, it's WKLU. In 1996, Chris Underwood did his last live overnight shift at Fort Wayne's WOWO, as "The Voice of a Thousand Main Streets" continued a format transition from music to its current News/Talk format. In 2008, John Larsh ("Jack Armstrong") dies. Age 63. The fast talking DJ worked at Indianapolis' WIFE(AM) and WIFE-FM.

March 24: In 1994, the former WJLT became WLDE in Fort Wayne. This stunt gained national press coverage, as the station aired multiple versions of "Louie, Louie," as part of a transition between beautiful music and oldies.

March 25: In 2005, Indianapolis' WENS flipped formats from Hot AC ("Real 97.1") to Country, as WLHK "Hank."

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.