Indiana RadioWatch: August 5, 2013

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Before we get started, if any of your colleagues want to read IRW, have them drop us an e-mail (irw@well.com)

Northeast

Weeknight sports anchor and reporter Courtney King exits Nexstar FOX affiliate WFFT-TV (Channel 55, Fort Wayne) and joins WITI in Milwaukee, Wisconsin as a sports anchor and reporter.

Andrea Russett exits nights at Oasis Radio Group's Rhythmic CHR/WJFX (107.9fm, New Haven) and moves to Los Angeles, California. Night slammer Caden proves you can return home (or, down the hall) and moves from nights on sister Country/WBTU (93.3fm, Kendallville) to nights on "Hot 107.9." Randy Alomar now does nights at "US93.3."

Northcentral

Former WAOR/WRBR (2006 until 2011) GM Kathy Uebler exits as Digital Sales Manager for Federated Interactive. Ms. Uebler worked at Federated Media for nineteen years.

Northwest

Waldorf, Maryland-based Alma Corp. sells four of its LPTV construction permits: W30DI-D, W33DE-D, W39DM-D and W49DS-D (Channels 30, 33, 39 and 49, all Wolcott) to Sunrise, Florida-based King Forward, Inc. for $12,000 (or $3,000 per construction permit).

Eastcentral

Health concerns sideline morning man Keith Wade at Rodgers Broadcasting's AC/WZZY (98.3fm, Winchester).

Central

Emmis' N-T/WIBC (93.1fm, Indianapolis) fills its afternoon drive slot from within. As WIBC PD David Wood says, "[W]e are going to step outside of the normal boundaries of radio talent for our next afternoon show on WIBC" by promoting the weekend "Chicks on the Right" show to afternoon drive (4pm until 6pm, weekdays). In April, Miriam Weaver ("Mockarena") and Amy Jo Clark ("Daisy") began a weekend radio show on WIBC. As Ms. Weaver and Ms. Clark said on their blog, "It's our chance to take our little blog, that thing two nobodies started almost five years ago and turned into a community full of somebodies and everybodies - to a level that we only dreamed possible."

With the "Chicks on the Right" show starting later this month, WIBC puts Casey Bartholomew behind the microphone this week. Mr. Bartholomew once worked at WKXW (Trenton, New Jersey) and KFI (Los Angeles, California), among talk radio stations.

Metropolitan Indianapolis Public Broadcasting's N-T/WFYI-FM (90.1fm, Indianapolis) adds new voices: Andrea Muraskin once interned with WNYC radio (New York, New York) on the Leonard Lopate show. Ms. Muraskin also worked at Indy's Y-Press. Abbey Terzini recently graduated from Ball State University, where she worked at Indiana Public Radio (WBST, et al.) and Rock/"WCRD" WWHI (91.3fm, Muncie). Erin Masterson now runs the Indiana Reading and Information Service (IRIS) and will be heard on WFYI. Ms. Masterson last worked at Sarkes Tarzian's AAA/WTTS (92.3fm, Bloomington).

In Indianapolis, they remember Phil Paligraf, former WTTV GM (1997 until 2002) who passed away last week in an automobile accident, but died of natural causes. Mr. Paligraf was only 55.

Southwest

Indiana Community Radio Corp. rescinds their FCC application (filed in June) to sell WBOO (90.3fm, Morganfield) to the Real Life Radio Foundation, Inc.

Let's cover a three part Evansville Where Are They Now, alphabetical, by last name.

First, former WSTO PD Jason Addams exits as OM of Saga's five radio stations in Springfield, Illinois. Next up, former WUEV GM (and Butler University play by play man) Brandon Gaudin exits Butler University and becomes the play by play man for Georgia Tech football and men's basketball games. Finally, former WFIE-TV reporter Kennan Oliphant becomes the Assistant News Director for WLBT-TV in Jackson, Mississippi. Mr. Oliphant moves from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, where he was an executive producer for WMBF-TV.

This Week in Indiana Radio History

Monday August 5: In 1971, 94.3fm, Rushville signs on. Today, it's WIFE-FM.

Tuesday August 6: In either 1947 or 1948, 820am, Evansville signs on. Today, it's WSWI. In 1947, 102.5fm, New Castle signs on. Today, it's WMDH-FM.

Thursday August 8, In 1967, 95.3fm, Morganfield, Kentucky signs on. Today, it's WKVN.

Saturday August 10: In 1947, 1420am, Michigan City signs on. It's still WIMS. In 1982, 95.3fm, Sullivan signs on. It's still WNDI-FM.

Radio Spotlight

Name: Mike Sullivan
Job Title(s): Production Director
Station(s): News/Talk 1010 WCSI/Indiana Country 101.5 WKKG/1061 The River/Win 104.9
Market(s): Columbus
Owner: Findlay Publishing

Who were your early DJ or radio station influences? (Perhaps what lead you to "catch the radio bug."?)

I was a huge WLS fan. "The Big 89". Love Larry Lujack and Tommy Edwards' "Animal Stories." They would just crack up. It was so natural and fun, not forced laughter. John "Records" Landecker was the best at talking up a song ramp. I wanted to do that so bad and be able to "hit the post" like he did. And I craved the golden pipes of Fred Winston.

How did you first get started at White River Broadcasting?

I was in a brief period of transition between radio and restaurants. Was working as a Restaurant Consultant in Columbus, but still putting in my time as a part-time jock. The Production Director job became available during this time, so I put all of my efforts into obtaining this position even though I didn't have any experience in that capacity. Luckily I fooled the powers that be.

If you had such a thing as a "typical day," please tell us about yours?

Since I voicetrack for our two 50,000 watt FM's, I have to prioritize my time between my regular production duties and ensuring that the shows are recorded in a timely and professional manner. Since I wear the hat of Production Director, the commercial inventory has to come first in my daily duties so I start off organizing the next day's inventory. I work closely with the marketing staff concerning their needs and challenges, and help them to meet their deadlines, which are "usually" strictly enforced before noon. The afternoon is usually devoted to full production of scripts that have been assigned to our air talent, possible client visits with marketers, client recordings, commercial discrepancy checks for next day on all four stations, and eventually settling into the WKKG late afternoon chair where I try to get in a little "live" jocking along with voicetracking.

What are your biggest challenges, being in a small market?

Sounding big market since we reach Indianapolis and Louisville, and have a radio dynamic that listeners in that area can choose as their number one station for that format. Plus with streaming, we're all over the world, and we want our listeners to think of us as big market.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

We have such an incredible corporate support network that I know we have flexibility in our work environments that most radio companies don't. There are no "bad ideas". I love the flexibility and the different challenges I encounter every day.

What has been your biggest career accomplishment?

My sixteen years here working with so many wonderful people.

What has been your most memorable moment on the air?

Two very serious episodes. Broadcasting in the middle of a tornado in Greensburg on AM 1330 WTRE. It was just me and the news director. We were trying not to sound panicky but it was tough. We were in the middle of a cornfield and even though we had a basement that we could run to, we both knew listeners were counting on us to ensure their safety. Many commented afterwards how well we did, so I knew then how much more important radio was during weather emergencies. The other time was during 9/11. I didn't want to go on the air at all, but eventually did. I can't remember what I said, but I know going on air and providing musical release at the time was necessary.

What makes Mike Sullivan unique on the air?

That the Mike Sullivan you hear on the radio is the exact same Mike Sullivan you'll meet in person. As far as whether that's good or not, let those that know me be the judge.

Before White River, what was your last radio gig?

107.3 WRZQ, also in Columbus.

What's one thing that would surprise many people to learn about you?

I don't tweet, and don't ever plan on tweeting. You want my thoughts on anything, I'll tell you face-to-face.

What's the best advice you'd give to those wanting to get into radio?

Make sure you're ready to pay your dues, and that you have a backup career ready just in case. I've seen too many people in this field let go who don't have a backup plan, and their just aren't as many radio positions, especially programming, available as their were ten years ago.

What's the most important issue in radio today?

I still feel it's the music royalties debate. If that ever goes the record companies way, music stations as we know it will fold fast.

What's your biggest pet peeve in radio?

Generic Jocks.

What's your favorite out-of-market radio station, and why?

WLW in Cincinnati. They're all-around "out of the box" topics, and focus on my favorite baseball team, the Reds, is scintillating.

What's your philosophy about radio ratings?

To coin our company philosophy, "You live by them, you die by them."

Where do you see the radio industry five years from now?

A lot more Sports and News/Talk FM's. More condensed music stations, but more clearly defined formats.

Why do you think radio is still important?

We still provide an escape from the reality of life. As long as we stay local, we're the number one option for publicizing events, and first with late breaking news and weather.

Employment Opportunities

WZZY Winchester, IN is looking for our next Morning Show host. Not only will you be the morning "voice" of our A/C station but through your work and interaction within the community you'll also be the "face" of the station as well. Plus you'll VT evenings on our winning Adult Top 40 sister FM and do plenty of remotes and appearances on both stations. Even if you've never done Mornings before send along your best. Our former host has been with us for 13 years so we believe in longevity and loyalty. Send along an on-air sample (please keep it short) and resume to rickduncan at g1013 dot com. Or you can mail it to 2301 W. main St. Richmond, IN 47374. Whitewater Broadcasting is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.

LIN Media is in search of a Chief Engineer for their Indianapolis market which includes the primary and secondary channels of WISH-TV and WNDY. The Chief Engineer will be instrumental to the current and future operation of the stations and the overall facility, which also includes a centralized master control hub for other LIN stations. Candidates must have experience managing a television broadcast engineering department with a large news operation. A strong background in RF technology, digital, broadcast equipment and IT is required. Other key responsibilities include: Managing all technical equipment: Cameras, servers, transmitters, fleet vehicles, towers, IT equipment. Working with News, and other departments regarding equipment problems as well as taking into account needs both immediate and future. Managing a technical team who can support the Chief Engineer in executing his or her duties. Preparing the market's capital and technical operating budgets. Executing all capital purchases and projects for the market. Developing and directing the implementation of corporate strategic equipment plans, projects, programs, and systems. In times of technical and/or operational crisis, managing and guiding other station employees to a successful outcome, while protecting personnel and hardware. To apply for the above position, send resume to General Manager, at careers at wishtv dot com. No phone calls please. WISH TV is an Equal Opportunity Employer. EEO/M-F.

WBCL Radio Network is looking for an energetic, organized and creative person to join the ministry team as Promotions Director. This position will be responsible for supervising and overseeing promotional efforts, contests, interns and volunteers. Person will: work closely with the Development Director to implement strategic promotions that can increase revenue and listenership to WBCL; needs a proven track record in promotions and community involvement; passion for and experience with social media; on-air experience a plus! Details on responsibilities and qualifications listed at wbcl.org. Send resume to Personnel Director, WBCL Radio Network, 1115 W. Rudisill Blvd. Fort Wayne IN 46807 or email to employment at wbcl dot org No phone calls, please. Taylor University Broadcasting, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

89.1 WBOI and 94.1 WBNI public radio in Fort Wayne seeks a Business Development Specialist to secure financial support for our stations. Duties include: prospecting potential program underwriters, preparing proposals for underwriting and event sponsorship, and writing copy to satisfy client needs, FCC regulations and station policies. In collaboration with the General Manager, annual goals will be set for underwriting and sponsorship, as well as monthly targets and weekly activity levels for meeting goals. This position will also assist with on-air fundraising and community promotional activities. The successful candidate will be a self-starter with a track record of developing new business and a demonstrated ability to work independently. College degree or comparable experience, computer literacy, valid driver's license and dependable transportation required. Knowledge of public radio and an understanding of and commitment to its values are highly desirable. Position is salaried, non-commission. Send resume and cover letter to: gmpd at nipr dot fm. No calls, please. Open until filled. WBOI and WBNI are an Equal Opportunity Employer.

WFYI Public Media is accepting applications for a Multi-Platform News/Public Affairs Content Manager. This full time job reports to VP of Interactive Media and Content Strategy. This position is responsible for the creation of policies, practices and the placement of public affairs content on WFYI's multiple content platforms from internal departments and external content providers. Those platforms include wfyi.org (and other future mobile platforms), radio and television. This position will also generate ideas and produce original content for those platforms. You will: Manage the flow of news and public affairs content from internal WFYI departments onto wfyi.org, FM 90.1 and channel 20, manage the flow of content from external sources onto wfyi.org from national organizations including NPR, PBS, and AP, manage the flow of news and public affairs content from local WFYI content partners, develop strong working relationships with relevant WFYI editorial staff and actively participate in creating online elements for special features or packages, assist in oversight of user generated content and communities, including blogs, comments and other opportunities for WFYI visitors to share their views about the topics we cover, design and produce multimedia feature coverage, taking projects from conceptualization to research and development, through pre-production, production, post-production, delivery, evaluation and final report, provide suggestions for home page treatment of material and assist in planning and producing special coverage and live events, work with internal staff to improve the organization's skills for creating interactive content, and conduct Web/Mobile audience research, identify and track key metrics such as traditional pageviews, social media engagement and streaming media to help evaluate the traffic growth and usage of WFYI.org. Qualifications include a college degree, extensive Journalism or news background, knowledge of public media preferred, demonstrated excellence in best practices for writing for the web, editing, copy-editing and headline-writing, good user interface/experience sensibility; able to communicate design/feature ideas to a Web designer or Web developer, and you must have excellent communication skills, and a customer service attitude. To apply, please send cover letter and resume to Human Resources, WFYI Public Media, 1630 Meridian Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202-1429 on or before August 15, 2013 or email hr at wfyi dot org. Please, no telephone calls or walk-ins. Metropolitan Indianapolis Public Broadcasting, Inc is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

WFYI Public Media is accepting applications for a Director of Membership. Duties: Responsible to the Vice President of Development for directing the annual giving membership program ($3M revenue budget) including on-air pledge drives, direct mail and telemarketing programs, and for supervising related personnel. Provides leadership to 5 FTE and the Community Ambassador outbound telefundraising program. Specifically responsible for maximizing net revenue for WFYI by: Providing direction and leadership in managing the day-to-day operations of annual giving membership efforts. Directly supervising Membership staff including three managers: On-Air Development, Direct Mail and Telemarketing. Managing online & email, vehicle donation and online auction programs. Analyzing data and information to create successful membership strategies and objectives based upon industry best practices and benchmarks. Preparing annual budgets for membership department. Setting goals for membership solicitation activities such as on-air drives, direct mail, telemarketing, email and other campaigns relating to acquisition, renewal and additional gift revenue. Cooperating with other development & organizational leaders to ensure effective and efficient overall fund raising activities. Assisting in planning and executing cultivation activities and events.

Qualifications: Graduate of four-year, accredited college or university. Must have broad range of experience in fund raising for a minimum of 5 years, preferably in public media. Must have extensive knowledge and experience in personnel management, and working with complex relational databases. Must possess excellent written and oral communications skills. Must be able to deal with internal & external constituents in a professional and courteous manner. The successful candidate will exhibit characteristics of innovation and positive motivational leadership. To apply, please email cover letter WITH SALARY REQUIREMENTS and resume to: Human Resources, WFYI Public Media, 1630 Meridian Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202-1429 or email hr at wfyi dot org.

WFYI Public Media is accepting applications for a Community Engagement Coordinator (Temporary, 35 hours a week through January 2014). Reports to Vice President of Community Engagement. Duties: Initiate, support, and assist in planning and evaluating the community engagement strategy, including the American Graduate initiative, interactive PBS Education products, cross-platform education content, Indy Talks, and the Spirit and Place Festival. Help strengthen and support collaborations and partnerships to advance station goals for community engagement. Engage in the planning and execution of special events and conferences. Assist in the gathering and curating of content for the web to meet the online engagement strategy goals. Assist with the planning, content development, and execution of social media strategies. Participate in internal team and station meetings, to plan, promote, create, and secure funds to advance station goals. Other duties as assigned. Qualifications: College degree and at least one year experience in a non-profit, collaborative environment. Adept in social media and web skills. Passion for public media. Excellent written, oral, and team communication skills, including attention to detail. Ability to participate in multiple projects and partnerships in a changing environment. Possess strong computer skills, including Office, Excel, and web-based interactive software and applications. Possess initiative, creativity, and problem-solving skills. Hours are weekdays, along with flexible hours during special events and promotional activities. Weekend hours sometimes necessary. To apply, please send cover letter, resume and minimum salary requirements to Human Resources, WFYI Public Media, 1630 Meridian Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202-1429 or email hr at wfyi dot org.

Do you like bats, bourbon and basketball?? If so, keep reading. Newly formed Summit Media Group's Louisville cluster is on the hunt for the nation's best talent. We need a morning personality/imaging director for top rated 107-7 The Eagle, Louisville's Classic Hits (WSFR). Prepare to be all live, all local and ready to work - show prep, creative content, production, appearances, social media, concerts and more expected. Main focus on live mornings and imaging. Must be willing to accept coaching. 3 to 5 years on-air experience preferred. Experience imaging Classic Hits, Classic Rock, Hot AC a plus. Excellent pay, benefits and resources. Summit Media Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Send packages to: loujobs at summitmediacorp dot com.

Emmis Communications' WIBC/Indianapolis is reloading with more live and local talk programming. Our next afternoon host will talk about things that make others talk about them... someone that understands the difference between displaying/relating conservative sensibilities vs. ideology alone. If you want the job, you'll need to be as comfortable talking about Mark Zuckerberg as Marco Rubio and Ryan Lochte as Paul Ryan. If you can connect the dots on what commonalities make both "The O'Reilly Factor" and "Chelsea Lately" work you could be ready to pull off the kind of show we are looking for. Insatiable curiosity required. Amaze us with your demo, writing examples, and anything else that conveys why your skills and talents will keep us relevant through the next decade. Send to dwood at indy dot emmis dot com.

Hoosier AM/FM is seeking an experienced media Account Executive to join the sales team of our four-station cluster in Muncie-Marion, IN. This person will be responsible for prospecting and developing new business as well as growing and maintaining existing accounts. A positive attitude and excellent verbal and written communications skills are a must. This is a full time position. Hoosier AM/FM offers a competitive compensation package including Medical, Dental, Paid Vacations. Minimum education level is High School diploma or equivalent. Resume and letter of introduction are to be sent to indianaradiojobs at yahoo dot com. Hoosier AM/FM is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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

Blaine Thompson
Indiana RadioWatch

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