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Indiana RadioWatch
Serving Hoosier Broadcasters Since 1998
5 September 2019
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Good Evening:
First off, welcome to all our new readers. I typically publish IRW on Monday and Thursday. We're going to 'break format' tonight, but if you keep scrolling down (after you read the next part!), you will see our 'Employment Opportunities' section.
I've been pondering something lately. How do I make this publication more interactive? How do I get you (Yes, you!) to click the 'reply' button? Any and all ideas welcomed! (by the way, you can always reach me at irw@well.com)
And, here's a reprint a 2013 Q&A whre other broadcasting writers asked me questions. Who asked the questions?
Tom Taylor, Editor of Tom Taylor Now
Frank Saxe, Managing Editor/Newsroom of Inside Radio
Joel Denver, President, Publisher and Co-Founder of AllAccess
Perry Michael Simon, the News/Talk and Sports Editor of AllAccess
Kevin Carter, Senior Editor of RAMP ("Radio and Music Pros")
Scott Fybush, CEO of Fybush Media and editor of NorthEast Radio Watch
Mike Austerman, webmaster of Michiguide.com
Name: Blaine Thompson
Job Title(s): Editor and Creator, Indiana RadioWatch
Location: Fort Wayne, Indiana
In your opinion, what or who was the greatest influence on your intense lifelong interest in the radio industry? (Carter)
It's easy to catch the radio bug. I grew up with a 50,000 watt AM blowtorch in my town. When I was in elementary school, my parents took me to Disney World in Orlando, Florida. While driving back from Disney to the hotel, we listened to a Fort Wayne Komets game on WOWO. I still don't understand hockey.
What makes Indiana radio distinctive? (Fybush)
The minimal number of national group owners. I enjoy hearing the fruits of local strategic planning and programming decisions.
What do you listen to when you listen to the radio? (Fybush)
I listen across both radio dials. I have wide musical tastes and I'm a news junkie. I'll listen to both public radio and commercial radio. As I write this, I'm listening online to music from WFHB in Bloomington.
How has social media changed how you report on radio and television? (Austerman)
It's a nice 'tip sheet' for what's new.
Who are the broadcasters and/or writers that had the greatest influence on you? (Austerman)
Broadcasters: the late Bob Sievers (WOWO). Writers: Outside of radio, Mike Allen and the late Mark McCormick.
Where do you see Indiana Radio Watch in 5 years? (Austerman)
Maybe the IRW website will undergo a redesign by then? I'll publish more often, for sure.
What do you feel are the biggest challenges radio faces today? (Carter)
Creating quality content and serving the community and doing both while respecting the bottom line. Money doesn't grow on trees.
Thoughts on the importance of radio developing real talent again. (Denver and Simon)
We have a minor league, at the Mom and Pop (or smaller group owned) radio stations throughout the nation, and especially in Indiana. In Indiana, I've seen locally programmed stations in towns with populations under 20,000. And that radio station serves the community. Local news, local weather, local sports, high school play by play, local DJs. No canned satellite programming.
What do you do besides this business to keep your horizons broad? (Denver and Simon)
I'm a voracious non-fiction reader. I have several industry interests (Airlines, most notably), so I read and keep up with airline industry news. This helps me each year, when I fly to Las Vegas for NAB. I also played piano for ten years; maybe I'll pick that back up again?
What's one thing that radio no longer does would you like to see make a comeback? (Saxe)
That's a very good question. I'm a big fan of sung radio jingles, and I don't hear them as often anymore (I know several PDs who don't like jingles as radio station imaging. Sorry.)
Looking at the markets you cover, are there some formats missing - as in, you're surprised that such-and-such market doesn't have a particular format? (Taylor)
Looking around the state, I'm surprised by the lack of commercial News-Talk stations in some radio markets. Especially in one rated market.
Any guess on how many former radio pros are still on the sidelines? And are they waiting for a possible opening, or have some moved on, leaving radio? (Taylor)
I don't know the numbers in Indiana. I know people who left the radio business and became highly successful. Some are waiting on new challenges within radio. I've never found anyone a job here, but I always run employment ads, so I've found that opportunities exist.
What effect might the new wave of Low Power FMs have on the scene? (Taylor)
LPFMs should generate interesting content for a niche listenership. I have one just up the street from me (the transmitter is a block north of IRW Central; the studios are two blocks south of IRW Central).
Do you have any observations about simulcasting AM/FMs? Does the additional potential coverage make up for losing the revenue stream from the second station? (Taylor)
When content is key, the revenue stream should increase, thereby offsetting the revenue loss from the simulcast.
Have you seen success stories from AMs that get FM translators? (Taylor)
I don't study ratings or revenue, since I cover many unrated markets and revenue data is generally private. I've noticed a few FM translators that have increased the overall success of the AM radio station.
What does the Indiana radio scene really need, right now? (Could be relaxing ownership limits in the individual markets, a lighter regulatory hand from the FCC, or more stringent oversight, to bring out-of-tolerance stations back into legal operation.) (Taylor)
I'll copy from the given suggestions: I don't want to see any radio market "owned" by one owner. Let me give an example: A radio group owns 6 AM or FM radio stations, in a market of 30 radio stations. That leaves eighty percent of the radio market owned by different owners with different formats and different strategic visions.
What are the opportunities for Indiana radio, in 2014? (Taylor)
I'd vote for more compelling and local content. I'm not trying to disparage any radio station or format or owner. I'm just saying that keeping the content local should retain listeners.
Employment Opportunities
Federated Media is looking for a Program Director and on-air talent for Active Rock/WBYR in Fort Wayne. The ideal candidate will be able to come in and hit the ground running. We will provide you with all of the tools to succeed. We are looking for someone who is a great talent coach, not afraid to lead by example, creative yet detail oriented, and understands the importance of multi-platform branding—without losing focus on what’s coming out of the speakers. 3 years minimum experience required for consideration. Fort Wayne is a great place to call home and Federated Media is a great company to work for. If this sounds like you, email: Resume, Air-Check, and Programming Philosophy to: jallgeier@federatedmedia.com. Check out the station at 989thebear.com Federated Media is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
WICR Radio at the University of Indianapolis is accepting applications for a Director of Engineering. This is a full-time, exempt staff position. The Director of Engineering (DOE) oversees the technical operations of WICR-FM, its HD channels, and Internet streams. The position holder is also the Designated Chief Operator for WICR Radio according to the requirements of the Federal Communications Commission and, as such, is responsible for ensuring the station complies with applicable FCC rules and regulations. The DOE is responsible for developing short and long-term facility plans, recruiting and teaching a student staff, facilitating equipment maintenance, and providing technical support, as needed, for television and the communication department.
Three years of broadcast engineering or related experience is required. This includes experience with and knowledge of FCC Rules and Regulations as they pertain to licensing and operating a full-power FM/HD radio station, radio frequency transmission and reception systems; and computer networks, operating, and digital audio systems. Experience teaching/training/managing staff members on the proper operation of radio studio and transmission equipment is also required. Candidates must have obtained a bachelor's degree in communication, telecommunications, media or a related field.
To view the full advertisement and apply, visit hrjobs.uindy.edu. The University of Indianapolis is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, disability, citizenship status, military status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. The University of Indianapolis does not discriminate on the basis of sex in its educational programs and activities, including employment and admission as required by Title IX.
WROI/Rochester, Indiana is looking for a new morning DJ and News Director. Send your materials to tconrady@wsvx.com and put WROI in the subject line. WROI is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
DLC Media, Inc. in Terre Haute has an opening for Full and Part-time Account Executives. We operate 5 Metro radio stations: WAMB, WFNB, WVIG, WAXI and WZJK. Past sales experience preferred but not necessary.
We offer training and benefits. Learn more about our locally family owned company at dlcmediainc.com
Send a cover letter and resume to Dave Crooks dlc@dlcmediainc.com. DLC Media is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Producer
Do you have a passion for politics, local video programs and documentaries? Do you like taking storytelling to a new level? WNIT Public Television seeks a dynamic Producer specializing in politics and documentary production. You’ll produce Politically Speaking, a bi-weekly half hour program that takes an in- depth look at local, state and national issues impacting the area. You’ll also work with a team of talented production staff on local productions and documentary programs. A Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications or related field preferred. Full description of qualifications and duties is below.
Apply by sending a cover letter, resume, and a link or sample of your work to: maupperle@wnit.org, or mail to WNIT Public Television, Attn: Producer Search Committee, PO Box 7034, South Bend, IN 46634-7034. Please mention where you learned about this position. EOE. More about the job here.
Do you have INTEGRITY – PASSION – Innovation? Federated Media is accepting applications for a Production Director for our South Bend Radio Group. Seeking a person who will thrive in a culture that lives by the values listed above.
The successful candidate will have the ability to communicate effectively with many different types of social styles. They must have excellent writing and organizational skills and enjoy a fast-paced environment. This candidate will take pride in their work, realizing that their commitment to quality production makes a huge contribution to the cluster’s success.
As Production Director you will be responsible for, but not limited to: Directing and executing workflow of commercials from writing, voicing, producing, and editing. Assists Traffic Department and Sales in commercial placement and deadlines. Ability to voice track a shift and/or fill in for on-air personalities. Act as the liaison for clients in commercial and podcast recording and production. Creative thinking and marketing expertise are essential abilities in developing commercials and podcasts that get results for our clients. Previous Production experience preferred, as well as, working knowledge of vCreative, audio editing, traffic and radio automation software.
Interested? Send your resume, cover letter, and samples of commercial script written or produced commercials to Stephanie Michel at smichel@federatedmedia.com. No Phone Calls. Confidentiality assured. Federated Media is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
That's all for this issue. Thank you for your continued support.
=============== Indiana RadioWatch ===============
Indiana RadioWatch is (c) 2019, 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 ===============
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