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Indiana RadioWatch
Serving Hoosier Broadcasters Since 1998
4 April 2022
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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.
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Here's the latest news. Let's start with Nielsen, which released their Spring 2022 radio market rankings by population.
Indianapolis remains #39.
Fort Wayne remains #116.
Evansville remains #163.
South Bend drops three to #184.
Terre Haute remains #209.
Muncie-Marion remains #216.
Northeast
Adams' CHR/WJFX (107.9fm, New Haven) and AC/WWFW (103.9fm, Fort Wayne) PD Robbie Mack exits. Mr. Mack also hosted afternoons on 'Hot 107.9.' Mr. Mack joined the Adams cluster in 2014, after Adams closed on their multi-million-dollar deal to acquire several Fort Wayne radio stations.
Mr. Mack will move to College Station, Texas as PD/afternoons at Bryan Broadcasting's KNDE ('Candy 95')
Gray Television's ABC affiliate/WPTA-TV (Channel 21, Fort Wayne) and Northeast Indiana Public Radio's WBOI (89.1fm, Fort Wayne) will begin a partnership. This partnership will put 'ABC21' Chief Meteorologist Matt Leach and his team's weather forecasts during the local segments of 'Morning Edition'. Beginning in June, WBOIs broadcasters will add local arts, cultural, and entertainment scene news on ABC21's weekday nightly news at 7:00pm and during ABC News Saturday Morning newscasts.
Where Are They Now? Former WOWO News Director Darrin Wright will begin later this month in middays at KBKB-FM and nights on KGRS-FM in the Burlington, Iowa market.
Northcentral
Gray Television's NBC affiliate/WNDU-TV (Channel 16, South Bend) welcomes News Director Kent Harrell. Mr. Harrell last worked for nearly five years as News Director at WDJT-TV in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Mr. Herrell succeeds Kate Glover who became News Director for Grey's new sister station KCTV-TV in Kansas City, Missouri.
Goshen College's AAA/WGCS (91.1fm, Goshen) announces their 2022-2023 leadership, under Goshen College Assistant Professor of Communication and WCCS GM Jason Samuel.
Student Station Manager: Amelia Lee
Program Director: Seth Smith Kauffman
Music Director: Tyson Miller
News Director: Alyssa McDonald
Sports Director: Dante Stanton
Director of Local Content: Liam Morris
Producers: Gabe Kermode, Collin Echols, and Cormac Koop Liechty
Northwest
Today, Northwest Indiana Public Broadcasting's NPR-Variety/WLPR (89.1fm, Lowell) rolls out a new midday lineup. Let's break this down:
• On Point debuts at 9:00am Central. 1A previously aired at this time.
• The Takeaway debuts at Noon Central. All IN ceased last week.
• The World debuts at 2:00pm Central.
• Today, Explained debuts at 6:00pm Central. All Things Considered previously aired at this time.
• Regionally Speaking, a local hour-long news program adds Friday at 11:00am Central, which means it's on every weekday at 11:00am Central.
Finally, here's the entire WLPR schedule.
Central
Today, Emmis' N-T/WIBC (93.1fm, Indianapolis) adds Casey Daniels to co-host the new 'Kendall and Casey Show', airing 9:00am until Noon. The show succeeds the 'The Mock 'N Rob Show' co-hosted by Rob Kendall and 'Mock' (Miriam Weaver).
Ms. Daniels last programmed WFGR-FM in Grand Rapids, Michigan, but has Hoosier broadcasting experience in both Indianapolis radio, and in South Bend radio and TV.
Cumulus Media promotes Christopher "Boomer" Layfield to OM of their six station Indianapolis cluster. This promotion gives Mr. Layfield programming leadership over the former Entercom-owned radio stations that joined Cumulus in 2019: Sports/WXNT (1430am, Indianapolis), CHR/WZPL (99.5fm, Greenfield), and AC/WNTR (107.9fm, Indianapolis). Mr. Layfield joined Cumulus in 2018 (IRW 04/09/2018).
Speaking of Cumulus, they named Jimmy Steele as the new PD of CHR/WZPL (99.5fm, Greenfield). Mr. Steele begins on Monday April 18. Most recently, he was OM for Cumulus' Mobile, Alabama cluster, and PD of their CHR/WABD and N-T/WXQW. Over a 35-year career, Mr. Steele worked as:
• PD WRFY/WRAW(AM)-FM Reading, Pennsylvania.
• SVP/Programming iHeart/Salisbury & Ocean City, Maryland.
• OM/PD Saga/Columbus, Ohio.
• OM Clear Channel/iHeart San Diego, California.
• RVPP Clear Channel Columbus, Ohio, and their Central Ohio regional market.
• PD WNCI/Columbus, Ohio.
• PD WRVW/Nashville, Tennessee.
• PD WKSE/Buffalo, New York.
• PD WZEE/Madison, Wisconsin.
Circle City Broadcasting's CW affiliate/WISH-TV (Channel 8, Indianapolis) reporter Sierra Hignite will exit the station. Ms. Hignite joined WISH-TV in March 2019.
Here's a three-part Where Are They Now?
1. Former Backyard Broadcasting Anderson/Muncie VP/Market Manager and former iHeart/Indianapolis market manager Brett Beshore becomes Senior VP/Market Manager of the Alpha Media cluster in Dayton, Ohio.
2. Former WTHR-TV News Director (and before that, WISE-TV/Fort Wayne News Director) Kathy Hostetter will become VP/GM of WJZ-TV in Baltimore, Maryland. Ms. Hostetter begins there on Monday April 25.
3. Former then-WNOU (93.1fm, Indianapolis) night host JD Greene becomes OM at Leighton Broadcasting's St. Cloud, Minnesota cluster.
Westcentral
Midwest Communications' Classic Rock/WWVR (98.5fm, Paris, Illinois) welcomes Fife to mornings (7am until Noon). Fife has worked at radio stations in Michigan and Wisconsin.
Speaking of Midwest, their CHR/WMGI (100.7fm, Terre Haute) adds coverage after losing their tower in mid-December last year. WMGI and sister Country/WTHI-FM (99.9fm, Terre Haute) now operate from the same tower site with a combiner. WMGI has a temporary transmitter in place, which allowed them to increase power to about 25% of their licensed 50kW.
In other Terre Haute radio news, the former 500 foot for American Hope Communications' Religious/WPFR-FM (93.7fm, Clinton) was intentionally dropped in late January. American Hope Communications has a CP to move WPFR-FM's antenna to another tower approximately 3 miles southeast of the original site.
Nexstar NBC affiliate WTWO-TV (Channel 2, Terre Haute) and Mission Broadcasting ABC affiliate WAWV (Channel 38, Terre Haute) weekday morning and noon meteorologist Savanna Brito exits. Ms. Brito joined the stations in September 2020 after working as a reporter and producer for WIFR-TV in Rockford, Illinois.
Southeast
This morning, Mike Rowe debuted in mornings (6am until 10am) at SummitMedia's Classic Rock/WSFR (107.7, Corydon). Mr. Rowe moves from programming and mornings ('Mike and Kerrie in the Morning') at WVLK ('Cat Country 105.5'). Before that, he worked for iHeart, programming and doing afternoons at WNRW ('98.9 Radio Now') along with nights at Country 97.5 WAMZ.
Southwest
Weigel Broadcasting ('TV-49, Inc.') signs on WZDS-LD (Channel 5, Evansville). Broadcasting on RF Channel 18, WZDS-LD airs:
.1 Heroes & Icons
.2 Start TV
.3 Movies!
.4 Decades
The antenna is on Allen Media Broadcasting's WEVV-TV (Channel 44, Evansville) tower on the northeast side of Henderson, Kentucky.
Ron Spaulding died last month. He owned the News Now Dubois County website, but also had a career in broadcasting. After graduating from Vincennes University in 1984, he worked for WEHT-TV (Channel 25, Evansville) rising to newsroom assignment editor. Then, it was off to WBDC (100.9fm, Huntingburg) where he did sales and marketing for over 25 years. He started the News Now Dubois County website in 2016. Ron was 57. Here's the complete obituary.
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 3: In 1973, Channel 38 in Terre Haute signs on as WIIL-TV. Today, it's WAWV-TV. In 2003, then-WHPP (106.3fm, Columbia City) flips formats from Rhythmic ('ClickHop.com') to throwback ('Rewind 106.3').
April 4: In 1922, 920am in West Lafayette signs on as WBAA, and still is. WBAA is Indiana's oldest continually operated radio station. In 2005, WOWO(AM) (1190am, Fort Wayne) adds HD Radio.
April 5: In 1948, 1580am in Connersville signs on as WCNB. Today, it's WLPK. In 1965, 98.3fm in Peru signs on as WARU-FM. It later moved to 98.5fm, and today, it's WMYK. In 2004, Fort Wayne's WNHT-FM (96.3fm, Churubusco) flipped formats from CHR ('Hits 96.3') to Rhythmic CHR ('Wild 96.3').
April 6: In 2009, WFFT-TV (Channel 55, Fort Wayne) launched a 10PM newscast, anchored by Jim Blue.
April 7: In 1998, 104.3fm in Charlestown signs on as WBLO. Today, it's WAYI.
April 9: In 2004, what was then WYLT (103.9fm, Fort Wayne) flipped formats from Hot AC to Pop CHR, but remained 'My 103.9.' In 2006, WKBV/Richmond broadcaster Phil Stigleman died. Age 79. In 2018, Joe McConnell died. Age 79. Mr. McConnell worked at WBAA/Lafayette, then-WFAM-TV/Lafayette, and WTHI(AM), WTHI-FM, and WTHI-TV/Terre Haute.
Employment Opportunities
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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) 2022, Blaine E. Thompson
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=============== Indiana RadioWatch ===============
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