WTTS

Infobox Radio station
name = WTTS


area = Central & South-Central Indiana
city = Indianapolis / Bloomington
frequency = 92.3 MHz
branding = WTTS
slogan = World Class Rock
airdate = 1960
class = Grandfathered Class B
erp = 37,000 watts
haat = 332 m
format = Adult Album Alternative
owner = Sarkes Tarzian, Inc.
webcast = [http://cluster.sbr.liquidcompass.cc/Live_WTTS Listen Live]
website = [http://www.wttsfm.com/ wttsfm.com]
callsign_meaning =

WTTS is an FM radio station broadcasting from Indianapolis and Bloomington, Indiana at 92.3 FM. The station's format is classified as "Adult Album Alternative," or "Triple A." WTTS uses the phrase "World Class Rock" to describe their music mix. WTTS plays a variety of music from the mid-1960s to the present, with a multitude of musical genres, including acoustic, reggae, classic rock, blues and new music. In 2001, WTTS was one of the first American radio stations to play music by the artists John Mayer and Norah Jones, both of whom later went on to become Grammy Award winners.

History

WTTS remains locally and independently owned by Sarkes Tarzian, Inc. The company is named after its founder, an Armenian immigrant who came from an engineering background. He put his first station, WTTS-AM on the air in 1949. WTTV-FM (now WTTS) began broadcasting a big band format in 1960. In the mid-70s, the call letters were changed to WGTC-FM (which stood for Good Time Country) and the station adopted a country format. In 1986, WGTC-FM, became WTTS-FM. WTTS-FM's country format changed to an AOR format (under the "Power 92" moniker) in 1988.

In 1992, WTTS transformed into a progressive rock, or Triple A, station and remains so to this day. The station broadcasts from the state's largest radio transmitter tower, located in Trafalgar, Indiana.

WTTS staff and programming

The WTTS staff includes:
* Paul Mendenhall, Morning Show host (5:30am-10am), a 25-year veteran of Indianapolis radio.
* Brad Holtz, WTTS Program Director since 2002, hosts middays from 10am-3pm.
* Laura Duncan, WTTS Assistant Program Director/Music Director hosts afternoon drive from 3pm-7pm.
* Bill Flint hosts the evening shift (7pm-Midnight), including the Cage Match, a nightly version of "Battle of the Bands."
* Todd Berryman, morning show news, the Morning Music Mindbender quiz feature and the OverEasy program (see below under "Special Programs").
* Erin Masterson, Craig Shank, and Diane Daily are heard on the weekends at WTTS.

In 2004, WTTS introduced the Phil the Listener Show, hosted by longtime listener Phil Stoerk. The show featured an eclectic mix of rock and aired monthly on WTTS. Phil died at the age of 54 on March 9, 2008.

Special programs on WTTS include:

* OverEasy, Sunday mornings from 7am-11am (Laid-back World Class Rock)
* The Groove Show, Saturday nights from 10pm-Midnight (jam bands, funk, reggae)
* Little Steven's Underground Garage, Sunday nights from 8pm-10pm
* e-Town, Sunday nights from 10pm-11pm
* House of Blues Radio Hour, Sunday nights from 11pm-Midnight.

WTTS promotions

In 2005, WTTS introduced Studio 92, a state-of-the-art performance and recording studio in downtown Indianapolis. At Studio 92, national artists come face to face with 92.3 VIPs and WTTS listeners. Artists who have played in Studio 92 include Marc Broussard, David Gray, Los Lonely Boys, Goo Goo Dolls, Widespread Panic, Jet, John Butler Trio, Umphrey's McGee, Amos Lee, and more.

WTTS also hosts a series of Private Concerts and Emerging Artist Concerts. Artists involved over the past seven years have included KT Tunstall, John Mayer, Buddy Guy, Big Head Todd & The Monsters, Bob Schneider, Sonia Dada, Five for Fighting, and more.

Twice a year, WTTS releases the New Music Sampler CD, distributed around the community for free. Each December since 1996, WTTS has released the Collectors Edition CD, this year highlighting live or acoustic World Class Rock recorded at WTTS and in Studio 92. Proceeds from the project have raised tens of thousands of dollars for worthwhile local charities throughout central and south-central Indiana.

On Sunday, July 15, 2007, WTTS celebrated its 15th anniversary of the current adult rock format with the sold out WTTS 15th Birthday Bash Starring Bob Dylan. The concert took place at the Lawn at White River State Park in downtown Indianapolis, and was preceded by the "Rath Before the Rock" party at the Rathskeller in downtown Indianapolis.

WTTS new media

WTTS interacts with listeners through its website. Listeners are invited to become part of the 92.3 VIP database, gaining access to special promotions and perks not offered on-air. WTTS also offers On-Demand, with exclusive downloads and podcasts of interviews and features aired on WTTS.

Listeners are also able to listen to WTTS live through the website, and 92.3 VIPs have access to the New Music Channel, streaming nothing but new rock.

External links

*FMQ|WTTS
*FML|WTTS