Indiana RadioWatch: June 20, 2006
Northeast
After an April 12th lightning strike damaged the main transmitter, Larko
Communications' Hot AC/WLZQ (101.1fm, South Whitley) recently installed a new
transmitter overnight and into the early hours of May 2. Between April 12 and
May 2, WLZQ broadcast with about five percent of its normal power.
After a brief eight month stay in mornings at Federated Media's Hot AC/WMEE
(97.3fm, Fort Wayne), Steve Kerrigan exits, returning to Dayton, where he'll
take mornings at Cox-owned WHKO.
Summit City Radio promotes Rob Livergood from Account Executive to Station
Manager for Alternative/WXTW (102.3fm, Auburn) and Scott Howard to Station
Manager for Adult Hits/WXKE (102.9fm, Huntington) under GSM Vori Dhabolt.
Dhabolt remains Station Manager for all other Summit City stations except for
Standards/WGL (1250am, Fort Wayne) which is managed by CEO/GM Kristine Foate.
Summit City Radio's Classic Rock/WCKZ (94.1fm, Roanoke) adds American Biker
Minute Envision Radio's "American Biker Minute" feature.
Where Are They Now (Part 1)? Former Alternative/WXTW (102.3fm, Auburn) APD and
overnight voicetrack guy Matt Goshert is now afternoons at WXEG (103.9) in
Dayton, Ohio, on-the-air as "Jericho."
Where Are They Now (Part 2)? Former CHR/WNHT (96.3fm, Churubusco) morning
co-host Davin Fesmire is now doing nights at KALC in Denver, Colorado.
Where Are They Now (Part 3)? Former then-WKJG (Channel 33, Fort Wayne) News
Director Bob Rockstroh was recently named ND at WTIC-TV in Hartford,
Connecticut. Rockstroh was Assistant News Director at this FOX affiliate for
the last four years.
Northcentral
If you're keeping score on the right side of the South Bend AM dial, you've
noticed several changes: 1490am switched from long-time calls WNDV and is now
Sports/WDND (1490am, South Bend), an ESPN Radio affiliate. 1620am remains WWLV
with its Soft AC "Love Songs" format. An IRW reader tells us that 1580am is
now WHLY and was recently silent, but is back on the air with country music.
Let's focus on that for a moment: After further investigation, we're told that
WHLY 1580am is owned by Times Communications, Inc., and had a Time Brokerage
Agreement (TBA) with Artistic Media Partners. We are told that the TBA ended
on 17 May, and Times Communications now has sole control of the station. This
leaves at least two questions:
1. 1620am on the expanded band replaces 1580 after a five year period,
which recently expired. The expiration means either 1580am or 1620am should go
silent permanently. Why are both stations on the air?
2. Was Times Communications' sale of 1620am to Artistic legal, without the
1580am in the deal?
Several calls to Times Communications, Inc. President William Dobslaw were not
returned.
Here's an update from Citadel's Country/WWKI (100.5fm, Kokomo) as they recover
from a fire in late April. PD Dave Broman told IRW:
"Fire and Flood staff have been cleaning, ozoning and painting almost non-stop
since the day after the fire. The demolition of the seriously damaged
structural elements has begun, to include replacement of part of the roof.
Asset Recovery Technologies of Chicago has been here all week cleaning the
sensitive electronic equipment to minimize the long-term effects of the smoke.
It's a little disconcerting to watch someone tear apart a brand-new,
multi-thousand-dollar auxiliary transmitter and dip it in a vat of what looks
like soap and water. It's actually a specialized cleaning process for high-tech
gear, NOT soap and water. But still not something you expect to see. The two
big projects that have to be completed before we can move back in are the
reconstruction (to code) of the electrical power system. Much of the internal
power distribution was damaged, and the electrical inspector said the whole
system had to be replaced before we could reconnect to the power grid. That job
will take about 30 days from now. At the same time, we have to replace all of
the audio, switching, network and antenna lines. The equipment in the
transmitter room survived, but all of the cabling into and out of that room,
which ran overhead, was burnt to a crackly crunch.
We're continuing to broadcasting from the KI Trailer Park. It's not as cushy as
our building, but engineer Chip Longshore quickly built up a workable system
that most listeners can't distinguish from the old KI. At least their ears
can't tell a difference. The whole staff has kept us going almost as if nothing
happened. And that's the bottom line, isn't it?"
Federated Media Rhythmic CHR/WYPW (95.7fm, Nappanee) night guy Mike Jax tacks
on MD responsibilities under PD Chuck Wright ("DJ Manic").
Former KSCS (Dallas, Texas) weekender Cody Austin joins Federated Media
Country/WBYT (100.7fm, Elkhart) as morning co-host alongside Hummer and Deb.
Northwest
The FCC and a local Lafayette radio station are not pointing fingers, but
Purdue University's WBAA (920am, 101.3fm; both West Lafayette) recently
received a letter from the FCC indicating that the stations had not renewed
their licenses. Both licenses expired on August 1, 2004. WBAA GM Dan Skinner
tells IRW that the renewals were done online and Skinner printed everything off
as he went through the process. WBAA believes this was a mixup and note that
their Washington DC lawyers are already handling the matter with the FCC.
Vazquez Development's WIMS (1420am Michigan City) and WJOB (1230am, Hammond)
ended joint operations on June 1. Alexis Vazquez Dedelow and James Dedelow
will continue running WJOB while former WJOB morning man Ric Federighi (along
with his brothers Marc and Scott) will own and run WIMS. Both stations were
purchased in March, 2001 for $1.2 million from bankrupt St. George
Broadcasting. We're told that Ric Federighi is looking for a new location for
WIMS. Also, Federighi is hiring local people to staff WIMS, as he wants to
"return the station to Michigan City residents."
Jeff Sanders exits Radio One Communications. He was MD and mornings at Hot
AC/WZVN (107.1fm, Lowell) and middays at Country/WLJE (105.5fm, Valparaiso).
Eastcentral
Mid-America Radio's Soft AC/WXXC (106.9fm, Marion) changes format to Classic
Hits as "Double X C" under OM Vanessa Miller. The format changed happened
Saturday May 20 at 10am. The last song (appropriately) was "Goodbye Girl" by
Hootie and the Blowfish, and the first song of the new format was "Don't Forget
Me (When I'm Gone)" by Glass Tiger. Core artists for the new format include
Aerosmith, Huey Lewis and the News, Hall and Oates, Rod Stewart, John
Mellencamp, Heart, and Elton John. The new airstaff lineup is:
Mornings: Matthew Paul (from sister station WZWZ in Kokomo)
Middays: Vanessa Miller
Afternoons: Pat Moore (from afternoons at the former WTPI in Indianapolis)
Nights: Steve Morris (from sister WARU in Peru)
Overnights: Sammy Edmonds
After 3 years of consolidated operations in Muncie, Backyard Broadcasting has
re-launched sales operations in their Daleville facility which serves the
Anderson (Madison County area) for WERK/WURK (104.9fm, Muncie; 101.7fm, Elwood)
and MAX (WHTY/WHTI) (93.5fm, Hartford City; 96.7fm, Hannah) as well as News
Talk 1240 WHBU (1240am, Anderson). WLBC/WXFN ( 104.1fm, Muncie; 1340am,
Muncie) sales operations remain in Muncie. Backyard Indiana VP/Market Manager
Brett Beshore tells IRW: "In my opinion, cluster selling has stymied our
industry's growth. Therefore, we're getting back to the basics with separate
sales staff's and dedicated managers on stations. We've re-launched our
Daleville sales operation to cover our primary market more efficiently."
Country/WIFE-FM (100.3fm, Connersville) flips format to oldies. No word on
when Radio One will complete its acquisition of WIFE-FM and when the station
will relocate to Norwood, Ohio.
Central
Emmis Chairman/CEO Jeff Smulyan recently made a proposal to buy all outstanding
public shares of the company, thereby taking it private. His non-binding
proposal says the share price he will pay is $15.25/share in cash. The deal
values the total common equity of the company at $567 million and an enterprise
value of $1.4 billion (including outstanding debt and preferred stock).
Opposition has already emerged from several institutional investors who have
said they would vote against Smulyan's offer. Also, at least two lawsuits have
emerged seeking an injunction and damages related to the offer.
The sale of Susquehanna to Cumulus closed on Friday 5 May. Nine people were
let go after the sale. Here's a complete list of those who have left which
includes several others we have heard about:
Eileen Wooster - Morning co-host, WISG
Larry Downes - Director of New Media (Inside Radio reports that he recently
joined Saga as Director of Interactive Media for radio, TV, and state
networks.)
Rob Reel - Overnights, WFMS
Johnny George - Creative Services Director
Mike Orr - News Director
Olivia Clavio - Webstream Commercial Traffic
Angie Holliday - Sales/Promotions Assistant
Dominique Cummins - Traffic/Billing
Max Turner - Regional VP/Engineering
Jeff Angel - Promotions Assistant
Russ Dodge exits Raven Broadcasting's Sports/WXLW (950am, Indianapolis) for the
GM chair at Continental Broadcasting Spanish duo WSYW/WEDJ (810am,
Indianapolis; 107.1fm, Danville). Also exiting WXLW is Dodge's assistant
Stephanie Tatay-Myers. At WSYW/WEDJ, Tatay-Myers is Marketing Director.
Last Friday, WFYI (90.1fm, Indianapolis) was off the air most of the day for
antenna work. Gavin Lesnick's story in the Indianapolis Star attributes the
down time to replacing a thirty year old antenna with a faulty de-icing system.
On Wednesday June 7, the Indiana Court of Appeals threw out half of the
convictions against Richard Brown, the man who pretended to be an employee of
Emmis' CHR/WNOU (93.1fm, Indianapolis). WRTV-TV reports that Brown will be
resentenced. The court overturned Brown's convictions on three counts of
criminal confinement, stating that Indiana's criminal confinement law is
"unconstitutionally vague."
Tim "Rayne" Rainey joins Emmis CHR/WNOU (93.1fm, Indianapolis) as APD/MD/night
host, as of 1 June. He was last in a similar role at KHTT in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Classic Hits/WKLU (101.9fm, Brownsburg) adds two HD channels - HD2 is "Gold"
oldies and HD3 is "The Club" which is party music of the late 1970's and early
1980's. Both streams are also heard on WKLU's website at http://www.wklu.net
Before we leave Knue Road, WKLU PD Libby Farr adds Dr. Michael Lynn for weekend
(Saturday and Sunday morning) duties.
The AFC South champion Indianapolis Colts move their radio flagship from Clear
Channel Rock/WFBQ (94.7fm, Indianapolis) to Emmis N-T/WIBC (1070am,
Indianapolis) and will simulcast games on sister-Country/WLHK (97.1fm,
Shelbyville). This deal gives Emmis the broadcast rights to every sports team
in Indianapolis (NBA Pacers, Indy Racing League, WNBA Fever, along with Indiana
University basketball and football).
Radio and Records reports that Clear Channel has given free Boston Acoustics HD
Radios to local media and VIP's. Clear Channel/Indianapolis OM Marty Bender
tells Radio and Records that audio quality from their Sports/WNDE (1260am,
Indianapolis) is far superior to the "traditional sound shortcomings of
present-day AM radio receivers."
Westcentral
Crossroads' Oldies/WAXI (104.9fm, Rockville) adds Ray Leach to it's on air line
up as "C-Ray." The "Oldies 104.9" airstaff lineup is:
Mornings: Ronn Mott (6:00AM - 10:00AM)
Middays: BT (10:00AM - 1:00PM) (not your editor)
Early Afternoons: Gen (1:00PM - 4:00PM) (from mornings at sister WBOW-FM)
Afternoons: C-Ray (4:00PM - 7:00PM)
Nights + Overnights: Scott Shannon's True Oldies Channel
Weekends: Milo Miller (Saturdays 3:00PM - 6:00PM), and various syndicated programs.
Crossroads' WAXI/WBOW-FM (102.7fm, Terre Haute) OM/PD Chris Carter adds PD
duties for sister Country-Rock hybrid WSDM-FM (92.7fm, Brazil).
Crossroads' WBOW-FM (102.7fm, Terre Haute) replaces Gen on the morning show
with Doug Edge and the morning show is now "The New Morning Buzz with Chris
(Carter) and Doug."
Flipping through the Terre Haute TV news, we see that LIN-owned WTHI-TV
(Channel 10, Terre Haute [CBS]) News Director Mark Carros exits after just over
two years. Also, Nexstar's WTWO-TV (Channel 2, Terre Haute [NBC]) News
Director Kathy Dash exits. She is replaced by anchorman Tom McClanahan.
McClanahan will continue 6pm anchoring duties but give up the 11pm shift.
Southeast
Radio One Alternative simulcast WLRS/WLRX (105.1, Shepherdsville, Kentucky;
104.3fm, Charlestown) syndicated morning show Lex and Terry exit as of 15 May.
Southcentral
Country/WJCP (92.7fm, Austin) is sold by Pieratt Communications to BK Media,
LLC (Blair and Kelly Trask) for $850,000 plus a $170,000 seller note. Marty
Pieratt slides the WJCP call letters and country format, replacing "ESPN Radio"
Sports/WNVI (1460am, North Vernon). Pieratt tells IRW "It's nice to do
business with a good, independent operator like Blair [Trask]"
Southwest
A tip of the IRW hat to South Central Communications as they celebrate 60 years
in business. SCC has five Evansville radio stations (thirteen total), ten
"Muzak" franchises and two television stations.
Former South Central CHR/WSTO (96.1fm, Owensboro, Kentucky) PD Stan Priest is
now PD at WKSS in Hartford, Connecticut. Replacing Priest is Jason Addams.
Addams last was OM/Mornings at WHZZ in Lansing, Michigan. Finally at WSTO,
APD/MD/PM Drive guy Josh Strickland exits.
In early May, C&W/WQTY (93.3fm, Linton) dropped its simulcast with sister WWBL
(106.5fm, Washington) and segues to Oldies as "WQTY Oldies 93.3."
Vincennes University is looking for a lessee for its WFML (96.7fm, Vincennes),
a 3000 watt commercially licensed radio station. Interested parties should
contact Phil Smith at 812.888.5830 or via e-mail at psmith at vinu dot edu.
Employment Opportunities
David Letterman - Condoleezza Rice - Joe Montana
All came through Indiana on their way to success! Coincidence? We think not.
Federated Media Radio - WMEE Fort Wayne is seeking an outstanding morning show
or talent!
Do you believe in yourself and working hard?
Do you have a sense of humor and a positive attitude on life?
Do you have a quirky, emotional style that your listeners and co-workers find
infectious?
Do you have the experience, passion, curiosity, and awareness to win on one of
America's finest stations?
Heritage Market Leading Hot AC WMEE is in search of morning talent to continue
our journey to the next level. This is a great gig! All the tools are here: 50K
signal, a real promotions budget, family friendly environment and a strong
support staff! This is a position for those who understand leadership and know
how to "Dance in the End Zone"! Federated Media is a family owned; Indiana
based company, and was recognized in Radio Ink by Dave 'Giff' Gifford as one of
the top thirty US 'Radio Companies Worth Working For!' Check out what we do at
wmee.com.
No beginners, fallen stars or baggage handlers. Professionals only please!
Please send CD & resume to:
Rob Kelley - FM Operations Manager
2915 Maples Rd.
Fort Wayne, IN 46816
Or email package to rkelley at federatedmedia dot com. No phone calls
please. EOE
Artistic Media Partners is looking for a Station Manager for South Bend's #1
station and the home of Notre Dame Football, U93 (WNDV). Responsibilities
include overall station management, motivating staff, setting and obtaining
sales goals, marketing and promotions, hiring, training, and long-term
planning. If you have three or more years of sales management experience and
would enjoy working closely with the University of Not re Dame, this position
might be right for you! Artistic Media is an EOE. Qualified candidates should
send resume to Greg De Rue, 3371 Cleveland Road, Suite 310, South Bend, IN
46628 - or via e-mail to greg at u93 dot com.
Crossroads Communications is looking for promotions staff, telemarketers, local
board ops, and weekend on air talent for all its stations. Anyone with interest
should forward on air/promotional interest to
Chris Carter OM
1301 Ohio Street
Terre Haute, IN. 47807
Sales Telemarketing
Doug Edge GM
1301 Ohio Street
Terre Haute, IN. 47807
No telephone calls please. Women and Minorities are strongly encouraged to
apply. Crossroads Communications is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
The Indianapolis NBC affiliate, WTHR is looking for a content-driven producer
to lead six hours of live coverage on Weekend Sunrise. This producer should
have the ability to juggle breaking news, as well as have an acute interest in
sports and community events. We need a self-starter who is organized and has
the ability to use all the tools. You will direct a large staff including
anchors, contributors, assignment editors, reporters, photographers and a
writer to support the number one weekend morning newscast in Indianapolis.
A Bachelor's degree and a minimum of 3 years producing in TV news preferred.
Qualified candidates please submit your resume to:
WTHR-TV
Human Resources Job #26-674
1000 N. Meridian St.
Indianapolis, IN 46204
or e-mail to resumes at wthr dot com.
WTHR is an EOE.
That's it for this issue. See you in a week!
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All pages Copyright Blaine Thompson. Articles, photos, corrections, and
other contributions should be
e-mailed to the editors.