Good Morning:
If you attended the IBA conference, and want to contribute a comment for an upcoming IRW, please e-mail me.
Northeast
Nexstar CBS affiliate/WANE-TV (Channel 15, Fort Wayne) changes their subchannel lineup by dropping Antenna TV. Last Wednesday, WANE-TV moved ION Television to their .2 subchannel, and added Laff to their .3 subchannel and Escape to their .4 channel. Katz Broadcasting owns both Laff and Escape. IRW hears that the other network affiliates in town heard from former northeast Indiana Antenna TV viewers, anxious to see Antenna TV on their television sets again.
Central
It was early 2015 when Cumulus Media flipped formats from CHR ("i94") to Classic Hip Hop, as "93.9 The Beat," under PD Jay Michaels. The station performed remarkably well: it soared to first place in their first full ratings period and The New York Times profiled "93.9 The Beat" as an example of success in that niche format.
All of that ended last week, when Cumulus flipped formats to Christmas ("North Pole Radio 93.9.") No word yet on what format will appear after the holidays, and no word yet on the fate of the airstaff lineup. PD Jay Michaels continues programming North Pole Radio 93.9 and sister Classic Hits/WJJK (104.5fm, Noblesville). Of note, they flipped to Christmas before Emmis' AC/WYXB (105.7fm, Indianapolis), which typically goes all Christmas each year. Finally, a ratings observation: Last year, when "B105.7" went all holiday music, they earned a 17.7 share in the ratings.
The Emmis/Indianapolis GM chair hasn't seen too many occupants over the last 30+ years: Christine Woodward-Duncan, the late Tom Severino, Charlie Morgan, and Chuck Williams (ed. note: I hope I didn't forget anyone). Emmis hired Mr. Williams in August 2016 after Charlie Morgan took over Emmis' New York City cluster. Before joining Emmis, Mr. Williams was GM at Radio One/Indianapolis for over a decade. Last Friday, Emmis announced that Chuck Williams left Monument Circle. Emmis also promoted VP/Programming Bob Richards to VP/GM, and promoted DOS/Music Taja Graham to VP/DOS for their Indianapolis cluster. Charlie Morgan brought Bob Richards to Emmis in 2009, after both men worked for what was then Susquehanna/Indianapolis (now Cumulus). Ms. Graham joined Emmis in 1996 and briefly stepped away for another job, before rejoining Emmis in the summer of 2003.
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's something we need to add to the "calendar," please let us know. Please e-mail us if you have updated information.
November 19: In 2007, WIAU (95.9fm, Franklin) flips format from oldies ("Gold 95.9") to talk, as WFDM ("Freedom")
November 20: In 1989, 107.9fm in Washington signed on as WAMW-FM, and returned to those call letters in October 2001.
November 21: In 1953, Channel 33 in Fort Wayne signed on as WKJG-TV (for founder William Kunkel, then-publisher of the Fort Wayne morning newspaper: The Journal Gazette). Today, it's WISE-TV. In 1960, 1550am in Morganfield, Kentucky signed on as WMSK (for the towns of Morganfield and Sturgis in Kentucky). Today, it's WUCO. In 2011, Indiana Public Radio (WBST) Production Manager Brian Eckstein dies. Age 40.
November 22: In 1923, 1270am in Evansville signed on as WGBF ("G.B. Finke Furniture Company"). WGBF moved to 1280am in the 1940s. About 20 years ago, the WGBF call letters returned to 1280am (remember WWOK?). In 2012, former WOWO/Fort Wayne PD John Picano dies. Age 60.
November 23: In 1953, 1570am in Frankfort signed on as WILO, and still is.
November 24: In 1972, 107.1fm in Lowell signed on as WLCL. Today, it's WZVN. In 1976, 89.1fm in Chesterton signed on as WDSO. It's now on 88.3fm, but remains WDSO ("Duneland School Organization"). In 2003, Tim Huelsing becomes GM at South Central/Evansville (Now Midwest Communications). In 2006, WAWC flips formats from AC ("Hoosier 103.5") to Country ("Willie 103.5"). In 2010, longtime Lafayette DJ "Fred Stuart" (Dennis Risk) dies. Age 55. In 2016, Fort Wayne Komets broadcaster and WOWO Sports Director Bob Chase dies. Age 90.
November 25: In 2005, former WMEE/Fort Wayne midday personality Phil Lindsey dies.
Employment Opportunities
WBCL in Fort Wayne, Indiana, is starting an Urban Gospel and Praise online station. This will not be another online jukebox. This station will have the same mission as WBCL with the same personality-oriented and community-driven mindset.
We need our first full time employee to be someone who has a passion for interaction with listeners on-air and in person within the African American community.
You must:
• Have at least three years of on-air terrestrial radio experience
• Strong social/digital media skills
• Experience with scheduling music using MusicMaster software
• Extensive audio production experience using Adobe or similar software
• Be willing and able to host the am drive slot (6am to 10am weekdays)
• Have complete and enthusiastic buy-in to our mission
• Know this music format on a deep level
• Be very comfortable interviewing people from all walks of life for live shows and longer pre-recorded interviews
• Look forward to being the initial champion of this station to the public
• Understands how and able to create fun, entertaining, local radio
Please send your resume and mp3 demo (your name included in the file title) with aircheck cuts showing your skills -- include specifically your interaction with listeners. Email to employment@wbcl.org or mail to: Human Resource, WBCL Radio, 1115 W Rudisill Blvd, Fort Wayne, IN 46807.
WBCL Radio Network is a listener-supported Christian radio network located in Fort Wayne, Indiana (license is owned by Taylor University). Mission Statement: The mission of WBCL is to communicate God’s redemptive love and truth through captivating media that inform, entertain, challenge, inspire and encourage.
That's all for this issue. Thank you for your continued support.
=============== Indiana RadioWatch ===============
Indiana RadioWatch is (c) 2017, Blaine E. Thompson
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