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Indiana RadioWatch
Serving Hoosier Broadcasters Since 1998
21 February 2022
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Good Evening:
Welcome to all of our new subscribers. I've put an online archive of everything I've written. You might even find yourself mentioned!
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.
Remember our 'Radio Spotlight' interview section? It is a Q&A section, where we interview a current or former Hoosier broadcaster. If you would like a chance on the hot seat, please drop us a line.
Northeast
Federated Media’s CHR/WMEE (97.3fm, Fort Wayne) morning co-host Renee Cummings exits to be a stay-at-home Mom. Here's her video explanation. Ms. Cummings moved to morning drive on WMEE in 2020. New morning host John Davies is solo for now.
Since 1993, Jeff Neumeyer has worked at Gray Television's ABC affiliate/WPTA-TV (Channel 21, Fort Wayne). Mr. Neumeyer will retire from WPTA-TV. As a reporter, he's primarily covered crime, local government, and politics, among other assignments. 'ABC21' honored him during their newscast with this video.
Also, a former WPTA General Manager died. Barbara Wigham was 87 years old. Ms. Wigham started at WPTA in the 1970s and took the station from the proverbial 'worst to first'. Before joining '21 Alive' (as it was known back then), she worked for KTUL-TV (Tulsa Oklahoma) and WFAA-TV (Dallas, Texas). Here's the complete obituary.
Nexstar CBS affiliate/WANE-TV (Channel 15, Fort Wayne) reporter Briana Brownlee exits. Ms. Brownlee joined WANE 15 in September 2019 as both the weekday evening reporter and weekend morning live reporter. Before returning to her hometown of Fort Wayne, Ms. Brownlee worked for Gray Television as an anchor and reporter for their KEVN-TV in Rapid City, South Dakota.
Federated Media's N-T/WOWO (1190am, Fort Wayne) and W298BB (107.5fm, Fort Wayne) promotes Brian Davis from full-time news anchor to Assistant Farm Director, under Farm Director Rob Winters. Succeeding Mr. Davis in the newsroom will be Ian Randall, who has been with WOWO for several years.
In 1984, Barb Richards became part of the on-air DJs at Sarkes Tarzian's WFWQ (95.1fm, Fort Wayne). On September 5, 1985, WFWQ became WAJI ('Majic 95.1') and still is today. Ms. Richards retired from both the radio and from being the Marketing Director of the local Embassy Theatre Foundation.
At Majic 95.1, Ms. Richards rose to PD and programmed it until March 2012. Fort Wayne radio listeners also heard her during middays on Majic 95.1 for years.
The Moore Foundation's Religious/WGLL (1570am, Auburn) adds a FM translator on 103.1fm. W276DM is a 250-watt FM translator, and the antenna is on the WGLL towers, south of Auburn.
Star Educational Media Network's Contemporary Christian/WLAB (88.3fm, Fort Wayne) Marketing and Events Director Jared Nathaniel exits. Mr. Nathaniel joined 'Star 88.3' about a year ago. Star Educational Media owns these stations and translators:
WLAB (88.3fm, Fort Wayne)
WJYW (88.9fm, Union City)
WCKZ (91.3fm, Orland)
WEAX (88.3fm, Angola)
W204BF (88.7fm, Fort Wayne)
W209BA (89.7fm, Kendallville)
W215BB (90.9fm, Warsaw)
W260BR (99.9fm, Auburn)
W233AN (94.5fm, Richmond)
W247DN (97.3fm, Richmond)
Where Are They Now? Former WMEE (97.3fm, Fort Wayne) morning co-host Colin Lutz ('Colin Mathews') joins Cumulus' WLTO (102.5fm) in Lexington, Kentucky as their new PD.
Northcentral
Gray Television's NBC affiliate/WNDU-TV (Channel 16, South Bend) News Director Kate Glover exits and joins sister KCTV-TV in Kansas City, Missouri. Ms. Glover joined in 2017. Also, First Alert Chief Meteorologist Mike Hoffman retires after 27 years at WNDU. He is only the second Chief Meteorologist at WNDU in 55+ years. The station posted an online video honoring him.
Sinclair's CBS and FOX affiliate/WSBT-TV (Channel 22, South Bend) weekend sports anchor and reporter Samantha Waddell exits after just over a year. Ms. Waddell graduated from the University of Oklahoma and last worked at WFXR-TV in Roanoke, Virginia before joining WSBT 22.
Mid-West Family Broadcasting's Country/WQLQ-HD3 (99.9fm, Benton Harbor, Michigan) and FM translator W241AD (96.1fm, South Bend) add Jim Mackey to middays (11:00am until 3:00pm). Mr. Mackey once co-hosted mornings across town at Federated Media's Country/WBYT (100.7fm, Elkhart).
Speaking of Mid-West Family, their Classic Rock/WZOC (94.3fm, Plymouth) rebrands from 'Z94.3' to 'Quality Rock Z94.3', dropping the final pieces of classic hits branding.
Olivet Nazarene University earns a construction permit to build a new Class A radio station on 88.3fm, licensed to Kokomo. The call letters are WSSZ. Olivet Nazarene University owns several Indiana-based FM radio stations and translators:
WTMK (88.5fm, Wanatah) Contemporary Christian / 'Shine.FM'
WHZN (88.3fm, New Whiteland) Contemporary Christian / 'Shine.FM'
W207BF (89.3fm, Goshen) Spanish Christian AC / 'brilla.fm'
W208BF (89.5fm, Elkhart) Spanish Christian AC / 'brilla.fm'
Where Are They Now? Former ABC57 Assistant ND Greg DeBrosse will become the Director of Live Storytelling for The Weather Channel.
Eastcentral
Derric Watson joins the news team at Whitewater Broadcasting in Richmond. Also, Parker Webster now does play by play for Whitewater's Sports/WKBV (1490am, Richmond) and FM translator W265DN (100.9fm, Richmond).
Central
Nexstar's FOX affiliate WXIN-TV (Channel 59, Indianapolis) adds veteran investigative reporter Steve Brown to their team. Mr. Brown last worked in the same role at WGRZ-TV in Buffalo, New York, and has earned both regional Edward R. Murrow awards and a national Edward R. Murrow award.
Cumulus' CHR/WZPL (99.5fm, Greenfield), AC/WNTR (107.9fm, Indianapolis), and CBS Sports/WXNT (1430am, Indianapolis) OM JR Ammons exits, and becomes OM of the Audacy radio stations in Kansas City, Missouri, and PD of two of their radio stations.
Circle City Broadcasting's CW affiliate/WISH-TV (Channel 8, Indianapolis) re-launches their 30-minute newscast at 11:00pm weeknights. 'News 8 at 11' anchored by Phil Sanchez. The newscast also includes an exclusive segment 'UnPHILtered' which may be an interview segment, a debate segment, or a 'good news' story. Mr. Sanchez also anchors the 5:00pm, 6:00pm, and 10:00pm newscasts on WISH-TV.
Scripps' ABC affiliate/WRTV-TV (Channel 6, Indianapolis) welcomes Meredith Hackler as a reporter. Ms. Hackler last worked as an anchor and reporter for Allen Media Broadcasting's CBS affiliate/WLFI-TV (Channel 18, Lafayette).
Where Are They Now? Former WXIN-TV producer Emily Thompson earns a promotion from Assistant News Director to News Director at WPBF-TV in West Palm Beach, Florida.
Westcentral
Nexstar NBC affiliate WTWO-TV (Channel 2, Terre Haute) and Mission Broadcasting ABC affiliate WAWV (Channel 38, Terre Haute) promotes Nicole Krasean from morning anchor and investigative reporter to assignment manager.
Scott Huber and Johnny McCrory’s 3 Towers Broadcasting purchased AC/WREB (94.3fm, Greencastle) from Mark and Saundra Lange’s The Original Company for $330,000. WREB now airs 3 Towers' 'Giant FM' AC format.
DLC Media is the new radio play by play home for Indiana State University sports. Those broadcasts move over from the Midwest Communications/Terre Haute radio stations. DLC Media's Classic Country/WVIG (105.5fm, West Terre Haute) is the flagship station, carrying football, and men’s and women’s basketball and baseball,
At Midwest, they carried ISU sports since 2012 primarily on N-T/WIBQ (1230am, Terre Haute) and other cluster radio stations.
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.
February 20: In 2009, Bishop Levi E. Willis, Sr. died. Age 79. Bishop Willis owned several radio stations around the country, including WWCA (1270am, Gary). In 2015, Warren 'Doc' Arnett died. Age 93. Doc Arnett served as Chief Engineer for WBAT Radio for 54 years. In 1988, he helped put WCJC-FM on the air.
February 21: In 2008, JP Engelbrecht became CEO of South Central Communications. Mr. Engelbrecht's father (John D.) continued as Chairman of the Board and President. JP had been the VP/COO of the Evansville-based company since 2002, when he was age 22. South Central Communications owned five Evansville radio stations.
February 22: In 2000, Leslie Goodaker, CE of Owensboro's WOMI(AM) died. Age 90.
February 23: In 1961, 93.7fm in Seymour signs on as WJCD-FM. It's now on 93.9fm, licensed to Sellersburg, and it's WLCL. In 1992, WEVV-TV (Channel 44, Evansville) debuts local news. In 1999, former WIFE DJ Joe Hager ('Mutha Bear') died. Age 54. In 2002, WFMS afternoon host Kevin Tincher (C.K. Webb/'The Duck Man') died. Age 38.
February 24: In 1949, 1230am in Logansport signs on as WSAL, and remains so today. In 2014, Adams Radio Group announced the $2.9 million purchase of Summit City Radio Group and the $3.5 million purchase of Oasis Radio Group in Fort Wayne.
February 25: In 2000, WTRC (1340am, Elkhart) aired its last 'Sound Off'. Allen Strike hosted that longtime local talk show.
February 26: In 1965, 104.9fm in Hartford City signs on as WWHC. It later moved to 93.5fm, and today is WMXQ. In 2002, retired WOWO/Fort Wayne GSM Howard D. 'Tommy' Longsworth died. Age 93. In 2004, 90.5fm in Greencastle signs on as WSPV. Today, it's WQRA.
Employment Opportunities
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
Indiana RadioWatch may not be reproduced, transmitted, or distributed in any way, shape, or form without the permission of the copyright holder (Thompson, above)
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=============== Indiana RadioWatch ===============
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