Ownership
STAR 88.3 is owned by STAR Educational Media Network, a not-for-profit 501(c)3 entity that was formed in the Spring of 2009. Prior to the sale of the station in October of 2009, Star 88-3 was owned by the Indiana District-Lutheran Church Missouri Synod for 23 years. They knew the potential for the station's growth, but also recognized the opportunity to increase support for its missions programs and decided to sell the station. After much prayer and searching, the STAR 88.3 Management Team seized the opportunity, formed the new company and began the work on buying the station. In June of 2009, an offer was accepted to purchase the station. After FCC approval and other legal matters, the transfer of ownership took place on Friday October 30, 2009.
Meet the Management Team of STAR Educational Media Network
 | Melissa Montana is a well-known radio personality, motivational speaker and high-performing businesswoman. She received the 2009 national Rob Gregory Award for outstanding community advocacy. Serving as General Manager of STAR 88.3, she accepted the Gospel Music Association and Christian Music Broadcasters 2009 Station of the Year national award, which was televised, live on The Dove Awards. Melissa has been featured in "Today's Christian Woman" for her adoption story and as founder and host of the annual Adoption Celebration. She is a popular host for functions which have included the annual Chamber of Commerce Regional Meeting, the Athena Awards, The Pure Fashion Show, the Women's Safety Summit, the YMCA's Youth Awards, and the Franciscan Center's Fundraising Banquet. She was honored with 21 Alive's "Women in Leadership Award." Melissa's greatest joy in life is being a mom to her daughter LaShay born in Guatemala. Recently, in an alliance with Huntington University, Melissa, as CEO and president, formed STAR Educational Media Network, Inc., and won the bid to purchase STAR 88.3. |
 | Don Buettner, Executive Vice President of Operations oversees and updates everything that goes out over the airwaves, all of the songs, and every aspect of production. In addition, for ten years, he hosted a weekly program called, 'The Heart of Worship', heard nationally on nearly 100 stations. That show became, 'Don Moen & Friends' which is now heard on over 200 stations around the world. "My heart has always been for people to experience the presence of God is a transforming way, to influence people by what they hear in our music and programs. I take STAR 88.3's positive influence very seriously because I truly believe in making Fort Wayne (and the surrounding area) a better place to live and raise a family." |
 | As Executive Vice President of Development, Richard Cummins oversees STAR Educational Media Network's advancement and business strategy. Richard has published regional magazines including the Fort Wayne Business Journal, Fort Wayne Woman Magazine and Sandbar. He also created and hosted community awards programs including the Future 40, Top Docs, the CARE Awards and the Best Places to Work in Northeast Indiana. Richard has served on area non-profit boards including Invent Tomorrow, The Northeast Indiana Corporate Council and was a founding board member of Young Leaders of Northeast Indiana. Richard joined the staff of Star 88.3 with a desire to spread the message of hope. Richard enjoys coaching a fast pitch softball team and leading a small group at church. |
Huntington University has enjoyed the ministry of WLAB and STAR 88.3 for a long time. University staff have volunteered at the station and have supported the ministry because they have been influenced by it and have believed in the need for and value of its unique mission. So when the opportunity came to partner with the station and help create a vision for the future, Huntington University came to the table with people to serve on the board of directors and with financial support to help purchase the station. STAR 88.3 will promote their name for years to come. |
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