Whitewater Broadcasting at it again

[RandyKlemme]

Congrats to David Rodgers for signing papers to purchase WKWH-FM in Rushville with part of that 17 mil that he got for selling WIFE-FM. So not only Connersville is without a TRUE FM station....Rushville will have an FM station that will be geared towards Connersville, many times can't be picked up in Connersville very well, and will be losing a majority of the Rushville sports broadcasts. From what I understand plans are is to carry the Connersville games on 94.3 and ONLY when there is not a conflict, will a Rushville game be carried.

It's amazing how someone without any background in radio can screw so much up for two communities that relied so much on their local radio station...

Here is another good one from so-called station manager Jerri Pruet's desk....Super Oldies 1580 will once again be hosting the COLGATE COUNTRY SHOWDOWN this year. Ms Pruet said she was changing the format for the 'baby boomers' and reportedly said that she really didn't care for country music.

The contract for the Country Showdown must be hosted by a COUNTRY MUSIC RADIO STATION.....oops Super Oldies is NOT a country station when I last checked.....they are only doing it because it is one of the two things they had left that made any money for the AM Station............the showdown and the radio auction (which btw was a MAJOR flop this year)

So a big THANK YOU to David Rodgers on behalf of all of the citizens of Connersville and Rushville for screwing things up. Wish he would take his 17 mil and move back to Connecticut!

 

[hipporadio]

Why is it I’m feeling like I’m in a Napa Valley California dream with endless bottles of wine—or should I say “WHINE”?

Frankly, I’m getting tired of seeing this station “trashed” by former disgruntled employees clinging to country music [in an area served by about a half-dozen similarly-formatted stations]; boys’ basketball [an option doomed on local radio a decade ago when “genius” at the IHSAA chose to end Indiana’s tradition of “classless” sports at the high school level]; and a recent concern with “community service” [when near-total apathy in those towns toward “local radio” has been a historic reality]. While every person has a preferred radio format/music genre, and they are entitled to such—no credible performance judgment should be based on that bias. Observing the current WIFE formatics and execution by an obviously-dedicated staff leads me (and many more-learned others) to conclude that this very-demure AM station clearly out-performs many larger stations and easily achieves its BEST on-air presentation in its nearly SIXTY-YEAR history!

While I have been a “50,000-watt critic” of the transaction that moved the 100.3 FM channel 60-miles to the “under-served and non-urbanized community of Norwood, Ohio”—my bane has been appropriately-aimed at the FEDERAL REGULATORS who seem routinely-oriented to “rubber-stamp” these shameless misadventures since a certain group of politicians rode off the ranch into DC about six years ago. Hurtful criticism and/or blame [for what amounts to a misguided corporate “cluster mentality” in large markets] heaped upon “so-called station manager Jerri Pruet”; hard-working and capable PD Bob Wills [sometimes immaturely referred to here as “the janitor”]; and even WIFE’s owner, David Rodgers, is inappropriate. In terms of the latter—WHO of US could sanely decline 18-mil for a license of marginal performance knowing that the FCC is off on yet another “coffee break”—one they’ve taken on over a hundred other similar occasions!

As for the former WRCR (now WKWH—the namesake of a rural electric coop)... Aside from a brief “novelty period” after its sign-on in the summer of 1972, that station has been a questionable concern at best. Before one points to its alleged early billing success; consider the reports that its initial ownership actually identified many local advertising targets and made them “mini partners” in that enterprise... The obvious occurred. The station was later sold for TOO high a price; and the benefits of that “arrangement” did not transfer to later “victims”. Its most idealistic and community-involved owner was Louis Dissinger (sorry if I misspelled). He met with what I mentioned above—general apathy toward local radio and an economy in decline. The rest is history, and now David Rodgers appears to be the beneficiary of a “fire sale”.

Interestingly, I don’t see the usual pre-approval LMA in place on this deal—so “speculation” is JUST THAT [Jerri Pruet hasn’t even moved her second desk into the building on N. Perkins St. yet]. It’s a fantasy to speculate that a facility that barely places 70 dBu over the COL (from the northwest) is headed even further east for clock radios purchased at the Connersville WalMart. So what of this premature ej********* concerning certain high school sports franchises? What would the 1580 frequency seriously hope to gain—a few friends and family of team members living in tiny Glenwood, Fairview, and the rural environs of far-west Fayette County? What I wouldn’t mind hearing is a possible SuperOldies AM/FM simulcast to extend reach and add the niceties of stereo FM to an already-fine effort [PLEASE just allow "bob-on-the-job" to choose and set-up the processing]. As for hijacking Rushville’s valuable and highly relied upon “Buddy” [in the shadow of “Hank” and WFMS]—I’m having a problem “center-tuning” that characterization!

And while we’re on the subject of broadcasters poaching FM frequencies—what about radio operators who poach an entire community for little more than a fast sales benefit? The big red “OFF” button was barely pressed for the final time at the WIFE-FM transmitter before the opportunistic (and very-tacky) “Has your WIFE left you?” billboards sprung up at several Connersville locations courtesy of Richmond’s WQLK—a station with a negligible prior civic commitment to Connersville. IF WQLK’s activities there were of a virtuous nature—GREAT; but to date, the extent of its interaction has been limited to construction of a downtown Connersville sales office and a heavily-discounted remote at a church festival timed to cast a shadow on WIFE’s involvement in a high profile community event that 96.1 was not “invited” to attend.

The real mystery here is the fate of Shelbyville’s 1520; now in the WKWH Rushville building—long-impaired by its narrow directional pattern, and now-nuked by the I-BUZZ HD modem of adjacent-channel 50kW WCKY (1530) just an hour down I-74 in Cincy. It appears that Rodgers passed on that “gem”... Maybe Bob Hawkins wisely talked him out of that one

 

[RandyKlemme]

HIPPO....apparently you are in SOUTH CAROLINA and those of us that REALLY know what is going on live on the front lines here in Indiana....Many of your comments are WAYYYYY off base, but that's ok because YOU are the radio professional and as you say I am the disgrubtled "former employee". I speak for the citizenry of this area and many others that have worked at the Connersville station over the last 60 years.

David Rodgers is a crook, sounds like a crook when he talks with his nasally tone and is NOT liked by many in the community of Connersville.

As for WQLK, they are broadcasting almost every week in Connersville and I applaud them for seeing the potential of Connersville and are at least attempting to bring local programming BACK to Connersville on the FM...and YES I am also a former Brewer Broadcasting employee if you want to know HIPPO....

Keep your Napa Valley comments to your self since South Carolina is the home of those things also known as roosters

 

[hipporadio]

Keep your Napa Valley comments to your self since South Carolina is the home of those things also known as roosters

WHAT ??? Pardon me, while I leash my pet Rooster—and head-off to haze Gators... OOPS [sorry]—they’re a “well-protected species” in the land of shrimp, grits, ‘n goobers. What seems to be MUCH-LESS protected is an abundance of small-market and Oldies radio in SC! Ask “fans” in Greenville-Spartanburg about Entercom’s pathetic treatment of Oldies on “The 103s”; any Charlestonian about CCU’s recent case of “musical chairs” on heritage WXLY [now sounding like a jock-less and confused “Jack”]; or upscale Hilton Head—which recently lost its “boomer station” to a mindless montage of disco and sap-AC [now trailing the 213-watt Mexican AM station in the latest ARB]. VERY FEW of these small AND larger-market entities even approach the on-air level of little ‘ole SuperOldies 1580... And “cultural stereotypes” aside—we’re not talking about a region that pales in ANY WAY to the cornfields and hog lots of eastern Indiana!

David Rodgers... is NOT liked by many in the community of Connersville.

It’s not at all unusual for some in a small community to resent one (especially a broadcast license-holder) that enjoys a “fat” pay-off. As far back as two years ago, many regular and reasonable posters to this board asked the very simple two-part question in regards to the WIFE-FM move to the Cincinnati market: “Did ANYONE in Connersville attend a city council meeting to complain; and did ANYONE there file comments with the FCC?” Honesty demands an answer with two big “NOs”—and a former (and respected) WCNB station manager even sits in a prominent chair on that city’s governing body! If the “blame game” remains relevant, please focus your attention on the REAL culprit(s)—not the easiest target in one David Rodgers—who (in reality) was that station’s most aggressive and committed operator.

As for WQLK, they are broadcasting almost every week in Connersville and I applaud them for seeing the potential of Connersville and are at least attempting to bring local programming BACK to Connersville on the FM...

I’m happy that The BBC on Tingler Road has managed to put a fresh face on an empty Central Ave. storefront; trade out some office digs at Rosa’s; and find willing accomplices in the form of a few retailers ready to enjoy a specially-discounted “Richmond remote rate-card” once a week in Connersville! In reality—that’s the oldest pig-in-the-pen. One should not confuse “easy money” and the bonus of rubbing salt in Mr. Rodgers’ “PR dilemma” as “local programming BACK to Connersville on the FM”. I (also) have had some experience with The BBC... To know them is to understand them—and their root-level motivations.

 

[radioho]

So a big THANK YOU to David Rodgers on behalf of all of the citizens of Connersville and Rushville for screwing things up. Wish he would take his 17 mil and move back to Connecticut!

I assume you yourself tried to purchase the station? And if you did you'd let others dictate how/when/where you can use the signal? AND you'd let others dictate how you can profit (use the signal)? I think not.

 

[Timewarp]

Guys! Once upon a time, small town radio did well. It was supported by mom and pop
businesses who needed advertising.

Then along came super stores into the small towns. They didn't need advertising.
They put out of business the mom and pop stores who supported the mom and piop
radio stations.

So now let's put the blame where it belongs, on those who shop at the super stores
to save a buck.

Oh yes! Looks like it's you and me.

 

[RandyKlemme]

Hippo must be GOD.....

Let's see....

A) Yes it's a free country...Rodgers owns the frequency and can do with what he wants

B) YES it's a free country...and I have the right to complain about the hundred or so people over the years that built WCNB-WCNB/FM and most recently WIFE...

C) We had people that wanted to buy the station locally, HOWEVER Rodgers said he wouldn't sell it to anyone locally

D) The Connersville City Council couldn't do anything even though one of the Councilman was a former WCNB employee...Council has also turned to WQLK for alot of their news and publicity

E) Nearly 80-90% of the commercial breaks are now from advertisers from Richmond or agencies...meaning very little advertising dollars are picked up in town for WIFE-AM. The advertsing purchased is most likely being bought through the Richmond station as a block buy of all three towns (Richmond, Connersville and Winchester)...needless to say...he is losing money....

What's really funny is when you sit at a corner and listen to car radios as they drive by and see what type of music or what stations they are listening too.....IT SURE ISN'T GOLDIE MOLDIES LOL

 

[radioho]

and will be losing a majority of the Rushville sports broadcasts. From what I understand plans are is to carry the Connersville games on 94.3 and ONLY when there is not a conflict, will a Rushville game be carried.

Then you and your buddies should broadcast all the Rushville games on the internet. If the local community DOES want to hear the local sports - then they should also be willing to pay for the sponsorship (considering the local station isn't selling in the area - as you stated earlier).

Sounds like a perfect solution for your local radio dilemma!

 

[redduck]

My God!!!!! For once I agree with radioho. Internet Radio is the perfect spot for local sports broadcasts. I'm serious! I have always found that, for some reason, the folks on internet stations actually give local sports alot better shake than regular radio. I'm flummoxed as to why. Maybe they care more?

 

[radioho]

My God!!!!! For once I agree with radioho. Internet Radio is the perfect spot for local sports broadcasts. I'm serious! I have always found that, for some reason, the folks on internet stations actually give local sports alot better shake than regular radio. I'm flummoxed as to why. Maybe they care more?

Because almost EVERY "county" radio station uses the same old former-coaches, players, etc. that know the game (maybe), but are not broadcasters.

Internet broadcasters are usually the ones PAYING for the equipment, airtime, etc., and are usually BROADCASTERS!

 

[hipporadio]

Once upon a time, small town radio did well. It was supported by mom and pop
businesses who needed advertising.

Then along came super stores into the small towns. They didn't need advertising.
They put out of business the mom and pop stores who supported the mom and pop
radio stations.

Timewarp hit the nail perfectly! There is NO special or unique quality to living “on the front lines here in Indiana” [i.e. Connersville]... There easily are a THOUSAND “Connersville(s)” coast-to-coast—complete with their Wally-Worlds, disappearing industrial jobs, and resident radio stations left scrambling for vital revenue. BTW; decreased station cash-flow and the often soon-to-follow "head-scratching buy-outs" for the mere paper license ARE NOT limited to cities of ten-to-thirty-thousand people. Emmis’ WQCD New York may be nearing a record-shattering 200-mil sale—despite years of lowered and disappointing cash flow. Just when one begins to believe that “the marketplace” is about to force a “correction”—along comes yet another flirtation with “fantasy”—or is it “insanity”?

It would not be a wild stretch to characterize in a similar way, Radio One’s fantastic offer [to David Rodgers] a few years back to acquire, move, and substantially downgrade the license of WIFE-FM. Given the economic realities at play in Connersville, and the station’s less-than-stellar past membership in the broadcast fraternity—it’s natural to understand why their owner was a willing player in the pursuit.

Former employees who have parted ways with WIFE, fail to acknowledge TWO very relevant points before they launch themselves into hurtful and less-than-credible rhetoric directed personally at Mr. Rodgers and his current management staff [most-likely at that station to pursue a simple livelihood].

FIRST: Despite another poster’s slanderous characterization of David Rodgers as “a crook”—neither he nor his company have violated ANY civil or criminal statutes. Last time I checked—to be accurately labeled “a crook” required such a violation and successful prosecution. His operation and transactions have received “the blessing” of the FCC thru the instrument of their very-routine approvals of EVERY petition and application he has made on behalf of Whitewater Broadcasting. While I may not fancy the Commission’s departure from their long-standing historical priorities in the face of obvious political pressure from the apologists for large corporate radio—I must credit Mr. Rodgers for running a spotless ship, and agree that his sales transactions were presented with full candor and passed all scrutiny by the Federal regulators.

SECOND: Upon the sale of WIFE-FM, David Rodgers pledged a locally-centered full-service “oldies” format on an improved AM facility [that had slumbered in simulcast for over 25-years]. Here’s the scorecard:

—“SuperOldies” debuted Memorial Day weekend of 2006, and has continuously tweaked and improved itself over the year since. In reality, the format is far from the typical constipated corporate-directed “jukebox” that typifies most “GOLDIE MOLDIE” stations. It is 70s-centric (not 50s and 60s) and leans pop-rock (not “bubble-gum” or Do-Whop). In fact, it more resembles a living/breathing version of “Jack”.

—Despite the instant assumption that this station would be banished to a PC in the WKBV (Richmond) broom closet—it passed its first anniversary as a live and local station with DJs on duty from 5AM to 7PM—ASTONIOSHING given its low-power stand-alone AM and small market status! David Rodgers and his staff deserve their greatest percentage of earned-credit for this real anomaly alone. It would have been so easy (and cheap) to flip-on the “bird” or kick the hard-drive into round-the-clock auto-pilot. Find another station under the same circumstances in a similar market that wouldn’t “settle” also—you’d be searching in near-vain.

—WIFE has maintained a full-service approach... It’s “team” morning show is tasteful and well-presented. Neither participant (PD Bob Wills and News/Sports guy Brent Briscoe) are “entry-level kids”—they are talented middle-age ADULTS, and have even earned the respect and repeated attention of Indiana’s Governor [who recently freed himself to provide an entire quarter of “color” with Briscoe’s PxP of a holiday high school basketball tourney]. How many of us could add such to our resume?

—Rodgers fully delivered on his promise to improve [more accurately—rebuild] the AM technical facility. He engaged one of the finest engineers in the state [with uncanny abilities in AM radio—these days in short supply]; and the result is audio quality that is second-to-none and a sound that defies the station’s tiny 250-watt power. Again, find another similar station—yet another search in near-vain!

It appears that Mr. Rodgers has lived up to ALL his early promises. Long ago, I lost count of the owners who were “all talk and little action”. These days, nearly ALL the “smack” seems to bellow from the bodies of those former WIFE employees who just can’t seem to move on. Their only “broadcast talent” seems to be in name-calling [i.e. “so-called Station Manager”; “PD/Station Janitor”; “crook”; and “(must be) God”]. Over a year has passed—isn’t it time to GET OVER IT!

 

[Timewarp]

David Rodgers did what he had to do to survive. With the money from the FM sale,
he can keep the quality of radio in Fayette and Rush Counties high.
He must love radio to have staffed the AM in Connersville as he has. He must love
radio to have bought the old WRCR in Rushville. The sale of 100.3 may have saved the
people of Rushville and Connersville from the bird or a computer hard drive.
Good luck to You, David Rodgers! You have proven that you love radio more than
money. Small towns deserve radio stations too. And those who do it have a special love.
Good Luck to all of you at WIFE!

 

[Triple T]

I'm now retired from radio. I found out the hard way that radio is a cut throat business. The last two years i spent at WCNB/WIFE was quite an experience to say the least. The Ginsu knife company would have been proud. A station that was once a family, has been destroyed by three individuals who know nothing about radio.. Dr. Phil would have a real field day with these folks. I don't care now what happens to WIFE, life goes on. I wish the WCNB calls would have remained.

 

[SteelersBRSeven]

If I ever win the lottery I am buying WhiteWater broadcasting and making G1013 a rap station and firing all the dj's!

 

[Triple T]

: The best station old Dave owned is now in Norwood Ohio. I guess he knew what he was doing when he sold it to Radio One for 18 million. Too bad he only gave RSE Broadcasting a yard sale price for WKWH 94.3 . I wonder if he will change the calls to WFYU .

 

[RandyKlemme]

Terry---let's just say one word

HONYOKS

 

[Triple T]

: LMAO Randy,but you are right. I heard through a WIFE employee today that PD Bob (Wills) Brown fired Jacob Thomas. Thomas's last day is tomorrow july 20th. Thomas was the last of the former WIFE Fm Jocks . There is only one more employee who has 40 years there and Randy you know him very well, will he be next ? Stay tuned.

 

[RandyKlemme]

It doesn't matter much anymore. I have learned that anyone with time that was still there got a VERY NICE piece of the pie when Rog sold the station for 17-18 mil. Why not let him go too.....he has been down there the longest and with Rog---time served and loyalty means absolutely NOTHING to him

 

[iisajesusfreak]

David Rodgers did what he had to do to survive. With the money from the FM sale,
he can keep the quality of radio in Fayette and Rush Counties high.
He must love radio to have staffed the AM in Connersville as he has. He must love
radio to have bought the old WRCR in Rushville. The sale of 100.3 may have saved the
people of Rushville and Connersville from the bird or a computer hard drive.
Good luck to You, David Rodgers! You have proven that you love radio more than
money. Small towns deserve radio stations too. And those who do it have a special love.
Good Luck to all of you at WIFE!

Please, oh, please, tell me you are being very, very sarcastic.