By: Mike Rhodes—
Carmel, IN—The Indiana Broadcasters Association presented their 30th Annual Spectrum Awards on Friday, November 3, 2017 in ceremonies held in Carmel, IN.
The Indiana Broadcasters Association is an alliance of more than 300 member radio and television broadcasters, united to serve their audiences throughout the Hoosier state. The IBA advocates for member stations, offers FCC inspection programs, provides scholarships to college students, hosts career fairs throughout the state for members to recruit new employees, and represents the broadcasting industry before the Indiana General Assembly and to Washington, D.C. policymakers.
The IBA’s Spectrum Awards recognizes the “Best in Broadcasting” over the past year, and Muncie was well represented with multiple honors.
Brian Casey. Photo by: Mike Rhodes
Brian Casey, morning on-air talent with WMXQ (MAX Classic Rock) won Radio Station Broadcast Personality of the Year for Radio Market 2.
Jay Garrison, WMXQ (MAX Classic Rock) and Simon Hoying (WLBC) were finalists—a clear sweep for the entire category by Woof Boom Radio on-air talent. In addition, Steve Brown (WERK-FM) was a finalist in the “Best Radio Commercial” category and Zach Johnson was a finalist in the “Best Sports” broadcast category for WHBU.
WLBC 104.1FM won a Spectrum Award for Local Community Involvement, Radio Market 2. The award was accepted by Steve Lindell, vice president and director of operations. In addition, WLBC was a finalist for the Station of the Year award, Radio Market 2.
Steve Lindell accepts the Local Community Involvement Award. Photo by: Mike Rhodes
In addition to the awards won by WLBC and Brian Casey, two prominent Muncie residents were honored at the awards. Professor Emeritus of Ball State University and former IBA President, Dr. Joe Misiewicz received the IBA’s Tom Severino Leadership Award. The Tom Severino Leadership Award was established by IBA in 2009 in memory of Tom Severino, an executive with Emmis in Indianapolis, who during his career, set the standard for leadership in and out of the broadcast community.
Dr. Joe Misiewicz at the IBA Awards. Photo by: Mike Rhodes
Former ABC reporter/anchor and Ball Endowed Chair Emeritus in Telecommunications at Ball State University, was recognized with the IBA’s Lifetime Achievement Award. The award recognizes individuals for exceptional meritorious service, contributions to or achievements in the field of broadcasting in Indiana over the course of a career.
Steve Bell at the IBA Awards. Photo by: Mike Rhodes
Sean Mattingly, director of technical operations at Woof Boom Radio was also honored during special ceremonies in a separate IBA engineering track. Sean received an inaugural “Saved My Bacon” Award for doing exceptional engineering tasks during the year. Awardees were nominated by IBA-member station owners and general managers. Wording on the award reads as follows:
In recognition of outstanding engineering work done over the past year, including long hours, keeping equipment running under difficult conditions and strained budgets, and going “above and beyond” to keep stations on the air, the Indiana Broadcasters Association recognizes you with the 2017 “Saved My Bacon” Award.”
The award was sponsored by the Indiana Pork Producers. In addition to a framed certificate, the winners received a pound of fresh smoked bacon.
Sean Mattingly. Photo by: Steve Lindell
A few additional photos from the event can be seen below. Photos by: Mike Rhodes
