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Indiana RadioWatch
Serving Hoosier Broadcasters Since 1998
26 January 2021
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Good Evening,
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, VIRTUAL NEWS 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 VIRTUAL NEWS CENTER™ can help you.
Now, off to the latest news.
Northeast
Quincy Media may sell their company, which includes TV stations in 16 different media markets, along with an Illinois AM/FM radio station and two newspapers. In Indiana, they own WPTA-TV (Channel 21, Fort Wayne) which has ABC, NBC, and MyNetwork TV affiliations, CW affiliate/WISE-TV (Channel 33, Fort Wayne) with six additional subchannels, and South Bend's WSJV-TV (Channel 28, Elkhart) with seven different subchannels.
Federated Media's Classic Hits/WFWI (92.3fm, Fort Wayne) adds Darrin Wright behind the microphone from Noon until 3:00pm. Mr. Wright continues as News Director for sister N-T/WOWO (1190am, Fort Wayne) and W298BB (107.5fm, Fort Wayne).
Former WJFX (107.9fm, New Haven) DJ 'Spitfire' (Jesse Almanza) died last week in a bicycle accident. He was only 39 years old. He started at 'Hot 107.9' and worked his way up to full time there in the 2000s when Oasis Radio Group owned the station.
Drew Frey joins as a reporter for Heartland Media's FOX affiliate/WFFT-TV (Channel 55, Fort Wayne).
Where Are They Now? Former Fort Wayne broadcaster (then-WYLT, then-WNHT) McConnell Adams ('Man @ Large') now works for Townsquare Media in Lansing, Michigan, and just became their cluster OM ('Director of Content').
Northcentral
Federated Media's Urban AC/WUBU (106.3fm, South Bend) welcomes PD and early afternoon host Dedrick Hendrix. Mr. Hendrix last worked for Federated's Fort Wayne cluster in a variety of roles.
We missed it at the time, so we will note that Kadie does nights at Sound Management's CHR/WNDV (92.9fm, South Bend). Also, Brad King joins the cluster (production and some on-air work). Mr. King previously worked for both Federated/South Bend-Elkhart and Schurz Communications (Mid-West Family Broadcating now owns the Schurz's/South Bend radio stations.)
After 3 years, Sinclair's CBS and FOX affiliate/WSBT-TV (Channel 22, South Bend) reporter Brie Isom exits and moves to Jacksonville, Florida, where she becomes a reporter for WJXT-TV.
Northwest
Anne Brown exits as weekday morning and noon meteorologist at Allen Media Broadcasting's CBS affiliate/WLFI-TV (Channel 18, Lafayette). Ms. Brown will move home to Tulsa, Oklahoma and join Scripps' KJRH-TV as their weekend morning meteorologist.
Where Are They Now? Former WAZY APD/MD/Night host Joe 'Brady' Blum now does afternoons at WNYL (Alt 92.3) in New York City.
Eastcentral
Steve Shank started working weekends at WKBV (1490am, Richmond) in 1966. He left for the Army and returned to WKBV after just under two years. When he returned, he hosted 'Trading Post' into the 1980s. He also worked at what was then WRIA (101.3fm, Richmond) for several years. Lately, 'The Captain' (as he was known) worked overnights and covered many local breaking news events (1968 Richmond Explosion, Blizzard of 1978, 9/11, etc.) Mr. Shank died on January 16 at age 72. Here is the complete obituary.
Central
Last year, Paul Mendenhall announced he would retire from Sarkes Tarzian's AAA/WTTS (92.3fm, Trafalgar). He retired earlier this month. Let's detail his career.
Mr. Mendenhall worked for 40 years in Indianapolis radio starting at Carmel High School's WHJE (91.3fm, Carmel), what was WHYT (1110am, Noblesville), WXLW (950am, Indianapolis), and WERK (990am, Muncie). In 2001, Mr. Mendenhall joined WTTS (IRW 12/22/2001). Last year, the Indiana Broadcasters Hall of Fame welcomed him to their ranks. (IRW 09/27/2020)
Succeeding Mr. Mendenhall in mornings is Matt Pelsor. Mr. Pelsor last worked for Metropolitan Indianapolis Public Media's NPR affiliate/WFYI-FM (90.1fm, Indianapolis) and hosted 'All In'. Before WFYI, he worked for iHeart/Indianapolis (when it was Clear Channel) in a variety of roles.
TEGNA's NBC affiliate/WTHR-TV (Channel 13, Indianapolis) reporter/anchor Matt McCutcheon exits and joins Beckman Coulter Life Sciences as their Global External Communications Manager. Before Indianapolis, Mr. McCutcheon worked in Louisville, Kentucky (for both WLKY-TV and WAVE-TV) and in Fort Wayne (for WANE-TV). He graduated from Franklin College.
Camila Fernández joins Circle City Broadcasting's CW affiliate/WISH-TV (Channel 8, Indianapolis) as a bilingual reporter. Ms. Fernández last worked in Salisbury, Maryland as an anchor/reporter at WMDT-TV.
On February 1, Urban One's CHR/WNOW-FM (100.9fm, Speedway) will move the syndicated Tino Cochino Radio from afternoons to mornings.
A former Emmis Broadcasting executive recently died. Martin Greenberg was 79, and once served as Emmis Broadcasting International president. While there, Emmis Broadcasting International expanded into central Europe, including Hungary and Belgium. Here is the complete obituary.
Former WTLC-FM (105.7fm) PD Fred Moore recently died in Memphis, Tennessee from COVID complications. He was 68 years old. He went to Indianapolis Shortridge High School and then worked briefly in St. Louis radio, before programming a new radio station: WLTH (1370am, Gary). Then, it was off the Indianapolis, where he became WTLC-FM PD (when the WTLC call letters were on 105.7fm) in 1977. After Indy, he worked at WDIA in Memphis. Here's the complete obituary.
Warren Central High School's Variety/WEDM (91.1fm, Indianapolis) welcomes new PD Adam 'Kash' Kashner. On February 1, he begins at Warren Central, along with teaching Communication & Radio students. Mr. Kashner last worked for Cumulus (PD/middays at WXBM in Pensacola, Florida). Before Florida, Mr. Kashner worked for Cumulus/Indianapolis (WFMS, WJJK) and will do part-time work for them.
Where Are They Now? Former WHHH/WNOW-FM PD Leo Baldwin joins Entercom to program their KYKY and KEZK in St. Louis, Missouri.
Westcentral
In 1966, Dave Bailey began his broadcasting career while still taking classes at Indiana State University. In 1987, he became VP/GM at WTHI-TV (Channel 10, Terre Haute) and added radio station GM responsibilities for sister stations WTHI-FM (99.9fm, Terre Haute) and what was then WWVR (105.5fm, West Terre Haute). He retired in 2005 (IRW 02/12/2005). Sad to report that Dave died of COVID last Wednesday. He was 76 years old. Here is the complete obituary.
Southeast
SummitMedia Louisville Chief Engineer Greg Hahn tells IRW that Classic Hits/WSFR (107.7fm, Corydon) returned to full power after a Halloween 2019 tower collapse. (IRW 10/31/2019)
Alpha Media's Urban/WGZB (96.5fm, Lanesville) already returned to full power. The smaller tower will be taken down later this year.
Southcentral
White River's Country/WKKG (101.5fm, Columbus) PD/Morning host Robert Freeman exits and joins WDKN in Dickson, Tennessee. In 2018, Mr. Dickson joined WKKG from WDKN. (IRW 05/10/18)
Succeeding Mr. Freeman as PD/morning host at 'Indiana Country 101.5' is Bradley Minnis ('Big Rick Daniels') who moves across town from Reising Radio Partners’ Country/WYGB (100.3fm, Edinburgh).
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.
January 24: In 1924, 1280am in Fort Wayne signs on as WCWK for owner Chester W. Keen. Today, it's on 1250am as WGL. In 2014, Withers Broadcasting Company founder W. Russell Withers Jr. died. Age 77.
January 25: In 1971, Channel 40 in Indianapolis signed on as WURD-TV. Today, it's WHMB-TV. In 2002, 106.7fm in Hicksville, Ohio signed on as WFJZ ('Fort Wayne's Jazz'). Today it's WFGA.
January 26: In 1993, former WOWO DJ Manthis Manchikes ('Pete Mathews') died. Age 71. In 1998, New owners Moody Radio (owned and operated by Moody Global Ministries) purchased WHUT(AM)/WXXP-FM and flipped formats to Christian teaching and talk, and call letters to WGNR(AM)/WGNR-FM.
January 27: In 2004, former Fort Wayne DJ Charlie Willer ('Charlie Franklin') died. Age 50.
January 28: In 2008, 95.3fm in Brookston (Lafayette) changes call letters from WLFF ('Wolf') to WBPE ('Bob Plays Everything').
January 29: In 2005, veteran Chicago and Fort Wayne station owner Frank Kovas died. Age 81.
January 30: In 1975, 104.9fm in Columbus signed on as WWWY. Today, it's WINN.
Employment Opportunities
Sound Management is looking for a Program Director and On-Air Personality for two of its three stations located in South Bend, Indiana (The home of the University of Notre Dame). Detail oriented candidates need to be able to develop and execute over-the-air and digital promotions, train and motivate team of experienced broadcast professionals, produce imaging, manage CHR music and work well within a tight knit family-owned business.
If you think you have what it takes, please send your resume to arthur@artisticradio.com. Sound Management is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
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Midwest Communications, Inc. is searching for a creative individual for our Evansville based radio stations, WIKY, WSTO, WABX and WLYD-FM Radio. This individual will write scripts, work with the sales and air staff to create ads that help maximize sales, produce high quality commercials/demos and also work with clients.
Must be proficient in writing radio copy, understand digital production and network/internet interface, be able to work well under pressure, be organized and meet deadlines. Must be able to perform independently and in a team environment.
Proven problem solving and time management skills are required as well as strong oral and written communication skills. This person must be able to learn and work with various software programs. Responsibilities may include on-air shift and voice-tracking as determined by the Operations Manager.
We offer a competitive salary and a full benefits package.
If this sounds like you, send your cover letter, resume and three examples of work written and produced by you to VP/Market Manager Tim Huelsing at tim.huelsing@mwcradio.com or mail to Tim's attention at Midwest Communications, Inc., 1162 Mt. Auburn Road, Evansville, IN 47720.
Midwest Communications, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer by choice.
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Are you direct and convincing when you know it's right for the client? Do you naturally earn trust with the people you meet? Do you always live up to your commitments, even if it requires going the extra mile? Do you consistently out produce others with whom you work?
Federated Media is looking for bright, resourceful, highly motivated and committed individuals who will generate business by creating customized marketing solutions through Radio and Digital campaigns. This position requires the ability to set appointments, find key marketing challenges, and present solutions that get results to all types of local businesses.
To qualify, candidates must exhibit strong interpersonal skills, problem solving ability, attention to detail, creative thinking skills and credibility. Candidate must also be computer literate and have excellent prospecting and organization abilities.
Federated Media provides extensive marketing and sales training through The Radio Advertising Bureau and The Center for Sales Strategy. Digital Training and Digital Services are provided through Federated Digital Solutions.
REQUIREMENTS:
*Marketing degree or a minimum of 3 years selling experience
*Dependable transportation, valid driver's license and proof of insurance required.
*Proficient in Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, and Power Point.
*Ability to learn various software systems quickly.
*Knowledge of Digital Marketing preferred.
Send resume & cover letter to: greatjobs@federatedmedia.com or to the General Sales Manager listed below. Federated Media is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Tim Skibbe, GSM, WTRC-FM, WAOR-FM, WTRC(AM) tskibbe@federatedmedia.com
Emily Wideman, GSM, WRBR-FM ewideman@federatedmedia.com
Kathy Uebler, GSM, WBYT-FM kuebler@federatedmedia.com
Stephanie Michel, GSM, WUBU-FM smichel@federatedmedia.com
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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.
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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.
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That's all for this issue. Thank you for your continued support.
=============== Indiana RadioWatch ===============
Indiana RadioWatch is (c) 2021, Blaine E. Thompson
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