Indiana RadioWatch: March 10, 2001
Three administrative items start out this issue:
1. We've decided to move to a once-weekly format (instead of bi-weekly). Expect that to start
next weekend.
2. If you've ever wanted to talk with us, we're on AOL Instant Messenger. Send a message to
"phredd9" and we'll respond.
3. We know we're behind (due to "the real job"). Forgive us, please?
Onto the news...
Northeast
Big changes at Kovas Communications - specifically their FM stations: Rhythmic Oldies/WYSR
(94.1fm, Roanoke), Alternative/WEJE (96.3fm, Churubusco), and Rhythmic/WCKZ (102.3fm, Auburn).
First of all, VP/Programming for WCKZ & WEJE, Brian Michel exits. Michel also was PD at WYSR.
Also, WCKZ APD/MD/night guy Mike Thomas exits. As a side note, Thomas is now doing weekends at
CHR/WNOU (93.1fm, Indianapolis). Also, WCKZ DJ's Aaron Bone (weekends) and "Big Maine"
(weekends) exit.
Relacing Brian Michel is Bob Shannon - he'll be the Director of Operations for WCKZ & WEJE.
Joining as production director for the entire Kovas group (WGL(AM), WCKZ-FM, WEJE-FM, WYSR-FM)
is former WBYR midday lady Roxanne McVay.
Now let's handle the "Why?" - WYSR runs the satellite "Groovin' Oldies" format from Westwood
One. WW1 ceased syndicating their 24 hour "Groovin' Oldies" format on February 27. WCKZ/WYSR
owner Frank Kovas has decided to change both the format of WYSR, along with sister Rhythmic
CHR/WCKZ (102.3fm, Auburn). On Monday 2/26, he switched both stations to a simulcasted Urban
AC format, as "The Wiz." Sources tell IRW that the stations are being programmed and formatted
after "The Wiz" in Cincinnati, Ohio (WIZF). Currently, the stations are running jockless.
Does this spell the end of changes at Kovas? Tune in next week to find out.
Northcentral
We discovered more information about one of the Petition's to Deny in South Bend. The PTD for
The Voice of the Fighting Irish, Inc.'s application (105.5fm, Notre Dame) was filed by Bethel
College, Inc.
Central
J.D. Redman, late nights at CHR/WNOU (93.1fm, Indianapolis) exits.
Country/WGRL (93.9fm, Noblesville) night guy Chris Clare exits for middays at KXPK in Denver,
Colorado.
A note from the TV Side: Chris Schmidt, GM at WRTV (Channel 6, Indianapolis [ABC]), will exit
in late March. According to reports in The Indianapolis Star, and in the TV publication
"ShopTalk", Schmidt will become the chief of staff for Richard Crotty, the new chairman of
Orange County, Florida. "ShopTalk" explains that the Chairman in Orange County is "similar to
that of a county mayor."
Southeast
The Calvary Chapel (Twin Falls, Idaho/KAWZ) translator application for 91.1fm in Hamburg has
been granted. The Petition to Deny was denied. New calls are W216BW-CP.
Southwest
Cat Michaels returns from Clear Channel in Louisville, Ketucky to take nights at his former
station in Evansville: CHR/WSTO (96.1fm, Owensboro, Kentucky)
Also at WSTO, Overight guy Brent "Romeo" Knight exits for weekends at Classic Rock/WABX
(107.5fm, Evansville).
More info about the call letter change WFPC -> WBTO (102.3fm, Petersburg). On March 1, they
flipped to Classic Rock, with The Bob & Tom Show in mornings.
That's it for this issue. See you in a week!
Blaine Thompson
Indiana RadioWatch
irw@well.com
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