|
|
Indiana RadioWatch
Serving Hoosier Broadcasters Since 1998
13 April 2022
|
Good Morning:
Let's start this issue with an advertorial:
The pandemic has created many changes and disruptions. We have been told that SAFE AT HOME is one of the best ways to ensure social distancing, even as the state tries to reopen. Yet with fewer people in their cars, radio listening has INCREASED in many markets.
Between on-air ratings and online streaming metrics, the proof is undeniable: people are yearning for local information, delivered by people they know, like and trust. Another lesson from safe distancing: whether radio or TV, consumers empathize with anchors, reporters and entertainers working from locations other than their studios.
That is where VIRTUAL NEWS CENTER™ can help. Current economic interruptions make it difficult for local stations to provide the kind of quality information and talent that consumers and advertisers' demand. And now, your biggest competition is most likely their cell phone!
Why does my station even need local news?
Research shows that the not-so-secret ingredient to radio success is content that is 'local, local, local'. However, economic pressures have forced many stations to rely on only a national news network, eliminate a news presence all together ceding local information to other technologies. Whether you have a Music Station focusing primarily on drive-time updates, or a News/Talk format demanding round-the-clock updates, relevant local information is a critical key to keeping your audience. Markets with electronic ratings measurement have found that their news and information segments are among the highest-rated minutes of the hour. This, in turn, adds value to news sponsorships.
Why should I outsource my station's news?
For too many radio operations, recent events have made it more challenging to justify the cost of even one full-time news staffer. But when you share the cost with other stations, everybody has better quality at far less expense. Each VIRTUAL NEWS CENTER™ anchor has years of industry experience and your anchor (or anchors if you like) will be exclusive to your stations. Plus, they sound like they are part of your staff.
How can you know what's going on in my market?
Of course, VIRTUALNEWS CENTER™ can do the normal beat calls and web site checks. We also get on relevant email and fax distribution lists for your station. In a Corona world, we've seen that technology makes it simple for virtually every staffer to work from outside the building. In many situations, traffic and billing is handled somewhere else, and now you can have a larger sounding newsroom and not worry about all the issues that go along with a local hire.
Want to learn more?
Go to virtualnewscenter.com or call CEO Joel Dearing at 877-470-6397 to learn how VIRTUALNEWS CENTER™ can help you.
----------
Two announcements before we start:
If you're going to NAB in Las Vegas, and you're interested in baseball, there's several of us planning on going to a Las Vegas Aviators minor league baseball game. Please e-mail me TODAY if you're interested in joining us.
Also, before we jump into the news, I'm working on updating my contact list for all of you. If you'd like, please send me your contact information. I'm also working on updating a list of Indiana radio stations that use HD radio, and the details on any subchannels as well. Again, please send me an e-mail.
Northeast
Gray Television's ABC affiliate/WPTA-TV (Channel 21, Fort Wayne) weekend anchor and reporter Arielle Cadet exits 'ABC21'. The Georgia native and University of Missouri graduate joined 'ABC21' in April 2020. She will soon join a Greensboro, North Carolina TV station.
Northcentral
Gray Television's NBC affiliate/WNDU-TV (Channel 16, South Bend) GM John O'Brien exits and joins as GM of sister WAVE-TV in Louisville, Kentucky. Mr. O'Brien joined WNDU-TV 14 years ago.
Where Are They Now? Former Sound Management/South Bend OM and WNDV-FM morning host Aaron ‘Goose’ Seller now does mornings (5:30am until 10:00am) at WDRQ in Detroit ('Goose & Renee').
Eastcentral
Hoosier AM/FM’s Classic Hits/WBAT (1400am, Marion) files an application to diplex their signal from one of their sister Sports/WMRI (860am, Marion) towers. This change means WBAT would drop their power from 1,000 watts to 650 watts (day and night) on a taller and more efficient tower. WMRI will remain as is: 1,000 watts during the day and 500 watts at night with a directional antenna pattern.
Central
Blessed Beginnings Broadcasting filed a zoning application to rezone land to build six AM radio towers. Those towers would replace the ones that formerly broadcast Emmis' WFNI (1070am, Indianapolis), which went dark last August. If approved, the 75 acres of land in Lebanon would have 200-foot-tall AM towers built. BBB would then purchase the 1070am license from Emmis. After BBB filed their application, an online group 'No 1070 Towers!' appeared, saying they're a group of neighbors who don't want the towers. The local Board of Zoning Appeals met Wednesday April 6 and struck down the application. "There doesn’t seem to be any benefit to Zionsville, there certainly doesn't seem to be any benefit to Perry Township," Vice Chair Larry Jones said, according to the Lebanon Reporter newspaper. "Regardless to the amount of radiation or whatever, it's common knowledge that AM is truly a bit of a dinosaur. The petitioner has not shown a need other than their own personal want and it hasn’t been accepted by anyone to date."
BBB owns:
News/WGL (1250am, Fort Wayne) and FM translator W288EI (105.5fm, Fort Wayne)
Oldies/WIOE (1450am, Fort Wayne) and FM translator W284CH (104.3fm, Fort Wayne)
Oldies/WIOE-FM (101.1fm, South Whitley)
BBB President Brian Walsh told IRW that he's working on other options.
Mike Lopez will be the next Assistant News Director under News Director CJ Hoyt at Nexstar's FOX affiliate WXIN-TV (Channel 59, Indianapolis) and CBS affiliate WTTV-TV (Channel 4, Bloomington)/WTTK-TV (Channel 29, Kokomo). Mr. Lopez moves to Nexstar from the Managing Editor role at Graham Media's KPRC-TV in Houston, Texas. He once worked across town in Indianapolis as an Executive Producer at WISH-TV (Channel 8, Indianapolis) when it was a CBS affiliate.
In March 2017, Matt Shafer Powell joined as Chief Content Creator for Metropolitan Indianapolis Public Media NPR affiliate/WFYI-FM (90.1fm, Indianapolis) and PBS affiliate WFYI-TV (Channel 20, Indianapolis). Recently, Michigan Radio announced they will hire Mr. Powell as their new PD. Based the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan Radio operates five stations across the state, under the leadership of Executive Director and GM Steve Schram. According to his LinkedIn, Mr. Powell began his radio career with the original Adams Radio Group at what was WLAV(AM) (1340am, Grand Rapids, Michigan), and what still is WLAV-FM (96.9fm, Grand Rapids, Michigan).
Westcentral
Veteran Terre Haute broadcaster Julie Henricks joins Nexstar NBC affiliate WTWO-TV (Channel 2, Terre Haute) and Mission Broadcasting ABC affiliate WAWV (Channel 38, Terre Haute) as morning meteorologist, and host of 'Good Day Live' on WTWO-TV.
Southeast
Johnny Maze takes afternoons at SummitMedia's Classic Rock/WSFR (107.7, Corydon). Mr. Maze most recently worked for iHeart as PD/afternoons at WTAK and PD of WQRV-HD3 ('Alt 92.9') both in the Huntsville, Alabama market.
Southwest
Where Are They Now? Former WSTO night host Jason Knight now is PD/nights for WVAQ in Morgantown, West Virginia, and will soon add afternoons for sister Country/WKAZ in Charlestown, West Virginia.
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 is something we need to add to the calendar, please let us know. Please also e-mail us if you have updated information.
April 10: In 2012, Ken Trimble ('J. Paul Roberts') died. Age 69. He was GM and did morning drive at WKID in Vevay, Indiana. In 1967, 105.5fm in Auburn signs on as WIFF-FM. Later on, 105.5fm, Auburn moved to 102.3fm. Today, it's WGBJ. In 2010, WAWK (1140am, Kendallville) signs on FM translator W238BH (95.5fm).
April 11: In 1968, 100.1fm in Carrollton, Kentucky signs on as WVCM. It later moved to 95.3fm. Today, it targets Madison, Indiana with a country format, as WIKI. In 2003, WKRY (88.1fm, Versailles) began airing a Southern Gospel format.
April 13: In 1953, WSKS ('Wabash School Kids' Station') 91.3fm, licensed to Wabash (and owned by Wabash High School) signs on the air with 10 watts. In 1983, 100.1fm in French Lick signs on as WFLQ (and still is). In 2016, WCVL (1550am, Crawfordsville) signs on an FM translator: W221CS (92.1fm, Crawfordsville).
April 14: In 2003, WGLL (1570am, Auburn) signs on after six months of silence.
April 16: In 1967, 95.3fm, then licensed to Monticello signs on as WVTL. Today, it's WBPE, licensed to Brookston.
Employment Opportunities
Lakeshore Public Radio – 89.1 FM (WLPR-FM) is seeking a talented part-time on-air announcer for Morning Edition, for local news, traffic, and weather.
Responsibilities:
Live on-air board operation for morning network news magazine. Switch programming functions from network to local programming; accurately and seamlessly segue from content shared by all stations to content specific to individual stations. Read and write weather, traffic, and other announcements. Troubleshoot technical difficulties.
Generate journalism content (both interviews and other reporting) in concert with the news team. Meet regularly with news and contribute to editorial plans.
Value, contribute to and sustain Lakeshore Public Radio’s commitment to a culture of belonging that sees our culture’s history of power and privilege and seeks to balance that with inclusion of many diverse experiences and perspectives.
Preparation for daily show—familiarity with local markets served. Review top stories, prepare rundowns and digest of national and local program elements. Record any elements needed for individual stations. Revise and update weather forecasts, traffic, and any shared continuity. Work with news team to accommodate daily news features, daily changes in program schedules including breaking news, addition of new elements, etc.
Flexibility to cover and assist with other shifts, radio operations, and breaking news/events including evening and weekends.
Participate in stations’ fundraising endeavors as needed, especially semi-annual public radio fund drives. Serve as ATC representative at stations’ events.
Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
At least two years of professional on-air experience in a similar drive time host or reporter position.
Bachelor’s degree in broadcasting or journalism or related field.
Public Radio experience preferred.
A working understanding of public radio content and style, including strong writing skills.
Strong radio board operation skills.
Strong audio production, and digital editing skills with audio editing software, Adobe Audition preferred.
Proficiency in using Windows computer software, internet skills, Audiovault broadcast automation system, NewsBoss writing software, and high level of technical competency.
Sophisticated knowledge of national, regional, and local current events and politics, in keeping with National Public Radio standards, is expected by the audience.
Ability to follow the broadcast clock.
Lakeshore Public Media is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
You'll find the job submission requirements & how to apply at this link.
----------
Lakeshore Public Media, which operates Lakeshore PBS and Lakeshore Public Radio, is the public broadcasting entity for NW Indiana & Chicagoland. Our mission is to enrich the lives of Region residents through lifelong learning, the celebration of human diversity and engagement in civic concerns. We strive to bring our listeners and viewers the best of PBS and NPR programming along with in-depth local and world news, talk, music and more.
Communications Coordinator Job Description:
This is an entry-level position within the Development Department designed to assist with a range of communication needs including but not limited to research, writing, content development, and media relations. All to support the station’s fundraising efforts as well as its mission to inform, inspire and entertain the communities we serve.
The Communications Coordinator Responsibilities:
Write and distribute press releases while developing and maintaining press lists and media relationships.
Help develop and execute communication and marketing strategies that strengthen Lakeshore’s brands across internal and external audiences.
Assist with the creation of content for various efforts including letters, on-air scripts and one-sheets.
Develop, execute, and monitor processes to collect feedback from our audiences as well as the community.
Assist with grant research and grant writing.
Represent Lakeshore Public Media at community events.
Work closely with the Membership Manager to support the organization’s membership and fundraising efforts.
Communicate programming opportunities for Lakeshore Public Media productions with program directors in the NPR and PBS systems.
Perform other duties as assigned by the VP of Development.
Experience/Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required.
Exceptional writing, editing and communication skills.
Efficient computer skills including the use of Microsoft Office programs.
Photography experience and knowledge of editing software such as Photoshop is preferred.
Ability to work on a broad spectrum of projects, excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
Hours:
The Communications Coordinator will work Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. with a 60 minute break for lunch. Additional or shifted hours may be required occasionally.
Salary/Income: The Communications Coordinator is a full-time, salary position. Eligible for paid vacation after three months.
To Apply: Please email resume and cover letter to jobs@lakeshorepublicmedia.org. No phone calls please. EOE
----------
Reising Radio Partners – Multimedia Journalist
If you thrive in a hands-on multi-media environment and have a knack for connecting with your local community to gather and share news on-air and online, we want to hear from you! The ideal candidate will have at least 2 years of reporting experience. To be considered, email your resume, examples of online and written stories plus an MP3 of your best work to careers@qmix.com
Expectations include:
- Responsible for gathering, writing, and voicing daily Newscasts on QMIX/KORN/MOJO/WJCP
- Write, produce, maintain, and upload LocalNewsDigital.com daily
- Gather and produce soundbites for all newscasts.
- Update Local News Digital social media pages daily.
- On-call for Breaking News situations 24/7 and responsible for coordinating that information to air and be published online
- Staff all necessary weekly and monthly Government and Education meetings
- Maintain relationships with local Law Enforcement agencies and other key contacts in the community
- Manage and coach the News staff by performing air-check sessions with all on-air News staff at least once per month
- Share new stories from Local News Digital on appropriate station social media pages as needed
- Work with Operations Manager to keep the Public File updated
- Maintain Community Calendar
- Maintain PSA’s on all stations
- Attend all station events including, but not limited to QMIX Musical Fireworks, KORN Musical Fireworks, QMIX Girly Golf, and Women’s Expo
- Carry out assignments given by Operations Manager, and Program Directors as needed
Reising Radio Partners is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
----------
Adams Radio Group has an opening for an experienced programmer to take the lead of CHR WJFX (HOT 107.9) in Fort Wayne.
This person will also be responsible for a daily airshift (currently afternoons) on HOT 107.9.
Applicants must have a passion for, and an understanding of the CHR format in 2022 and its' listeners. WJFX is programmed to reflect the musical tastes of Fort Wayne and is currently ranked #1 in several key demos.
The person who is hired should be creative, fresh, local in their content, engage with listeners across multiple platforms. MusicMaster knowledge is a plus.
Adams Radio Group Fort Wayne features 6 local radio brands. In addition to CHR, we have: Classic Rock, Country, Adult Hits, Hip-Hop, and Adult R&B. Our outgoing PD also programmed WWFW, our Adult Hits station. Programming responsibilities of more than one station will be considered.
You could match any of these. If you are:
- Looking to make your next move to a better market with a good quality of life...
- An MD elsewhere, who has some experience and is ready to take your first programming job...
- Working for a company where you only implement corporate programming...
- On the beach...
...then this might be the job for you.
Applicants should have a minimum of 2 years programming experience, or similar.
To apply, please include:
- Resume
- Cover letter telling us why you are a fit for HOT 107.9
- Recent aircheck
- Social Media examples
Send materials to Operations Manager JJ Fabini: jjfabini@argfw.com
No phone calls. Adams Radio Group is an EOE.
----------
Federated Media, a family-owned radio group in Northern Indiana, is looking for an entry level Broadcast Engineer for the Fort Wayne radio market. We are looking for someone that is proficient in maintaining computer hardware and software in a Microsoft network environment. That same person needs to be able to handle some basic electronic troubleshooting to fix other radio broadcast problems. The radio industry today is all computer driven but we still have radio personalities that we need to communicate and work with daily. The ideal candidate not only can ‘speak geek’ they must work well with others. The Fort Wayne market consists of a large studio facility and 7 transmitter sites with 12 towers. Because it is a large operation, all candidates must be highly motivated, responsible, able to work unsupervised, and can pay attention to details. Candidates must also have dependable transportation, valid driver’s license, and proof of auto insurance.
If you think you are qualified, please fill out an application or send us your resume to:
Federated Media
2915 Maples Road
Fort Wayne, IN 46816
Atten: Market Chief Engineer
Email resumes to: mdavid@federatedmedia.com
Federated Media is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
----------
Legendary Midwest News/Talk station, WOWO 1190 AM & 107-5 FM is searching for its next great News Director.
Preferred candidates should have a strong understanding of local news reporting, a background in news programming and experience as a news anchor; the capability of great news writing, presentation, and on-air execution; an ability to work well with others and lead a news team with ethics and integrity, while holding others accountable as we strive to bring local news issues, current events, and politics to the WOWO Land. Digital integration is a must!
WOWO is a top-rated station in Fort Wayne with a storied heritage as one of America’s last bastions of independent ownership. You will have all the tools you need to achieve anticipated growth.
The candidate we chose will be joining the Fort Wayne Morning News Team as News Anchor from 5am-9am, so you will need the ability to work those hours. We welcome all applicants, regardless of experience but WOWO is a Legacy Radio station, previous Marconi Winner and 2021 Winner of The IBA Spectrum Award for Station Of The Year, so our standards are high.
If you feel you have the talent and can prove it to us, we want to hear from you. Confidentiality assured. E-mail resume and all relevant materials to ragz@federatedmedia.com
Federated Media is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
----------
Radio Forecast Network, a nationwide network that provides weather forecasts for stations in the United States, Canada and the British Virgin Islands is currently looking for announcers to read forecasts and sponsor information. Most lists are between 11 and 18 stations and will fit your availability. You will need a computer, microphone, and audio editing software. Working for RFN, you earn trade dollars to buy the things you need personally, or for business purposes if you own a business. Choose from the member lists and marketplace ads found in the trade exchanges we deal with. This list of businesses (some of which may be in your area) who are members, are paid in trade exchange dollars through organized barter exchanges. It's a great way to stay connected with the radio industry, and to earn some extra money in your free time. For more information, click this link.
----------
Kensington Digital Media is seeking an experienced professional to join our team as a News and Content Director.
Our stations include 107.3 WRSW, Willie 103.5, News Now Warsaw 1480-AM & 99.7 FM (all in Indiana), and Hippie Radio 94.5 and 100.7 WHIN 1010 AM (in Tennessee); in addition to a highly visited news website. The position is based in Warsaw, IN.
Duties include gathering and preparing daily news, anchoring live newscasts on air, producing locally based public affairs programming and other news related vignettes throughout the day. Applicants should also be interested in attending local news worthy events. A strong understanding of social media and online presence is also requested.
Equal Opportunity Employer. Send resume, writing samples and audio mp3 of newscasts/news reporting (if available) to Operations Manager Kris Lake at klake@kensington.media.
----------
If you enjoy making someone’s day and spreading positive vibes first thing in the morning, this position has your name on it! Hot AC Z92.5 in Kokomo, IN has an immediate opening for a morning show co-host and Director of Digital Content for the cluster. You’ll become part of 'Z-Breakfast' on one of the top stations in the market. Each morning you’ll be responsible for producing compelling and engaging content for both on-air and online platforms. You’ll share positivity with our listeners each day and just have fun! We take our mission of 'Turn Up The Feel Good' very seriously. Life’s too short not to laugh and just feel awesome! In addition to being part of a dynamic morning duo, you’ll also take lead on our digital platforms for all three stations in the cluster, which includes an Active Rock and Sports station. Skills? Time behind the microphone preferably as part of an on-air team, production, creative writing, website maintenance, creating social media content (beyond just posting or reposting), blogging, podcasting, and working with graphics. We’re looking for someone to lead us into the future. If this gets you excited, please email MP3 samples (no cloud links please) of on-air work along with any podcasting or production audio. Included in your package should be a cover letter and samples of social media engagement that you’ve custom generated. Send material to our Operations Manager, Stevie Riggs: stevie@rock985.com. Hoosier AM/FM is an EOE.
----------
WITZ FM, WQKZ FM and WITZ AM 990 & 99.1 FM Radio Juan in Jasper, Indiana has an opening for a full-time account executive. You will be taking over an established client list. Sales and marketing will be the main focus of this position but if you have other related broadcast experience, it would be helpful. Copy writing and production skills are important. You must be a motivated self-starter and understand the importance of building and maintaining client relationships. Social media and website sales will also be part of this position. We will train the right person. Our stations are members of the Indiana Broadcasters Association with full access to Local Broadcast Sales P1 Training. If you’re looking for a great opportunity with an award winning radio station that’s been a major part of the local community since 1948 then send your resume to Gene Kuntz, P.O. Box 167, Jasper, IN 47546 or email gkuntz@witzamfm.com. Jasper On The Air is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
----------
WNAP, The Buzzard, seeks the right person or people for our stations as we develop Underwriting Sales. Our format is a fun Oldies presentation with sarcasm and tongue in cheek delivery. Our stations include: 56-year-old 990 WNAP Muncie and translator 101.5 W268BJ; WNAP-FM 88.1 Morristown, Indiana; 91.7 W219DO Edinburgh, Indiana, and WNPP Cole Indiana.
This is an outside position. Cities to be served include Muncie, Indianapolis, Greenfield, Shelbyville, Rushville, Anderson, Noblesville, and many others. If you have a history in customer service and want to help us grow, contact Martin Hensley at hensleym31@aol.com. New Beginnings Movement, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
----------
Are you a salesperson with a positive attitude who hates to lose? Our Kokomo and Marion radio groups both have immediate openings for our next multi-media sales superstars! We're looking for team players who are a whiz with technology, and previous sales experience, a knack for developing new business and creativity are all a plus. If a competitive salary plus commission, benefits, and extras get your attention, contact us today! Hoosier AM/FM, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and maintains a drug-free workplace. Please send resume to Joel Pyle at jpyle@star1069fm.com.
----------
Locally owned and operated WGCL (98.7 and AM 1370) and Rock 96-1 The Quarry are looking for both full-time and part-time account executives to help develop commercial, non-traditional, and digital revenue. Successful candidates:
• Have had success in selling their particular industry
• Possess a solid work ethic and are self-motivated
• Understand what it takes to develop and nurture mutually beneficial business relationships
In this non-corporate, Bloomington-based position, you'll help local businesses grow through the power of advertising on WGCL, Rock 96-1 The Quarry, and WTTS (92.3). You'll also have the opportunity to sell a vast array of digital products through our new ST Digital arm. Whether you're looking for a full-time career or a part-time opportunity, we will craft and customize the right scenario for the right candidate.
Send an introductory email along with your resume to dmyers@wgclradio.com. Sarkes Tarzian, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
----------
That's all for this issue. Thank you for your continued support.
=============== Indiana RadioWatch ===============
Indiana RadioWatch is (c) 2022, Blaine E. Thompson
Indiana RadioWatch may not be reproduced, transmitted, or distributed in any way, shape, or form without the permission of the copyright holder (Thompson, above)
Indiana RadioWatch subscriptions are free. To subscribe, send an e-mail to irw@well.com and we'll add you. After publication, we archive Indiana RadioWatch on the Indiana Radio Archive at indianaradio.net. Please e-mail us your news stories and employment opportunities.
=============== Indiana RadioWatch ===============
|
|
|
|
|
