Indy Radio: Rusty Redenbacher OUT At WTLC-FM

Rusty Redenbacher

After being fired by WTLC-FM 106.7, Rusty Redenbacher says the radio station’s definition of frowned-upon self-promotion is difficult to reconcile with years he’s spent plugging the company in his multimedia life.

Rapper/songwriter/DJ/producer Redenbacher told indystar.com,  that WTLC management cited a “zero tolerance” policy when dismissing him for spinning the song “Sriracha” — a tune by Indianapolis band Cosby Sweater, featuring vocals by Redenbacher — during the Sept. 27 episode of “Club 106.7.”

It’s a conflict-of-interest no-no for a WTLC on-air personality to play a song that includes the personality as a performer. Redenbacher said Sept. 27 wasn’t the first time he included “Sriracha” as the closing song of three-hour mix show “Club 106.7.” Two months earlier, the tune was broadcast and it prompted no response from WTLC management.

Redenbacher —perhaps the city’s longest-running ambassador of hip-hop, thanks to his work with the Mudkids, Birdmen of Alcatraz and as a solo artist — worked 25 hours per week for WTLC, a station owned by Maryland-based Radio One. He learned of his dismissal on Oct. 1, a day when he did behind-the-scenes work for the Karen Vaughn Show and he programmed the “Drive at 5” music block.

Chuck Williams, Radio One’s vice president and general manager in Indianapolis, declined an interview request, citing Radio One’s policy of keeping personnel issues private.

According to Redenbacher, WTLC’s management also expressed disapproval for “Sriracha” because the song doesn’t fit the station’s classic R&B format. Redenbacher said he previously played Black Fabio’s “Black Fabio” — a 2011 track by an underground Indianapolis duo — on “Club 106.7” without reprimand. The “Club 106.7” playlist typically showcases vintage R&B, soul and hip-hop.

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