Again, Happy 45th, WBRI!

[MightyFrenchman]

I said it before earlier this year, but happy 45th anniversary to 1500 AM, WBRI Indianapolis! Since 1964 WBRI has had the same call letters & the same commercial Christian teaching program format. The station doesn't beg its listeners for money. Its success is based on listener response to the programmers on the station. And after 45 years the programmers stick with the station because WBRI's listeners support the programs. And kudos to WBRI station manager, Keith Smiley!

 

[mouseman]

Keith Smiley is a first class guy! He's a hard worker, runs this local office on a shoe string and virtually by himself. Yet this station has one of the highest power ratios of revenue generated vs. ratings in the market. No, the on air product doesn't appeal to the masses, isn't necessarily good radio, doesn't add quality jobs to our industry, but the money's there from all the outreach programs purchasing time slots - they do what they do well; operate a profitable business. Block programming sales - local and network [Wilkins also sells network programming slots across 9-10 markets they own] - it's really kinda genius. No ratings worries. No overhead. Almost no staff except to load programming blocks, and FCC due diligence. And actually, that 1500 frequency is one of the better AMs in the market [even as a daytimer only] - it would be tempting to program it something mainstream, but the business operation would be much harder. Too bad there aren't other groups [other than all the religious groups, congregations, churches] that you could tap to purchase as much block programming as religious groups do. An all financial station sold in block programs? Other than the vast perspectives regarding religious beliefs, money might have as much appeal but there's probably not enough block programs to be sold - seems like you will never run out of churches so it's all good for WBRI. Keith, you the man! [And by the way, those cardigan sweater vests still look good dude]