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WTHR general manager dies suddenly

 IBJ Staff
March 9, 2010
Keywords
Communications, Media & Marketing, TV Stations, WTHR
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Jim Tellus, the 47-year-old general manager of local NBC affiliate WTHR-TV Channel 13, died suddenly this week.

The television station issued a brief statement this afternoon confirming his death. Spokesman Jeff Dutton said Tellus was supposed to attend WTHR owner Dispatch Broadcast Group’s monthly board meeting Tuesday in Columbus, Ohio.

His body was discovered in his hotel room, according to locally based TV agent Rick Gevers’ Web site. Authorities believe he died of a heart attack.

Tellus’ colleagues were informed of his death Tuesday afternoon.

“He was a good guy,” Dutton said. “Everyone is in shock.”

Tellus joined WTHR as news director in December 2006 and was named general manager in January 2008.

He came to WTHR from KOMO-TV in Seattle, where he had been news director since November 2001. Before arriving in Seattle, he was news director at WVEC-TV in Norfolk, Va., and at KSNW-TV in Wichita, Kan.

He is survived by his wife, Kathy, and their four children.

Funeral arrangements are pending.


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  • Ah, crayons? OK.
    ShaneMarch 12, 2010 1:42 AM
    So anyone who thinks a particular rare known person is such a pivotal figure in a community is actually more important than the value of his/her own family, friends' lives really tickles me.
    Reply to CommentFlag Comment
  • Just Wondering
    BillyJoeBobMarch 10, 2010 5:46 PM
    This comes a week after WTHR hammered the Daniels administration with an awesome piece exposing the phony claims made by IEDC.

    Just saying...
    Reply to CommentFlag Comment
  • Loss of a Leader
    JumpMarch 10, 2010 4:53 PM
    I met Jim Tellus personally, but only once. I still have his business card. We met at a gathering of community leaders who were brought together to discuss a particular issue important to the Downtown business community. I was very impressed with Mr. Tellus after this one-time meeting. He had a true passion for making greater Indianapolis a place where businesses can thrive, and the lives and livelihoods of citizens can be improved. He was a true leader in the community. When he engaged in a discussion, it was from a position of thoughtfulness. Even though he lived in Indianapolis a relatively short time, he was very engaged in the business community, arts, sports, and charitable endeavors. When a community loses a business leader like him, we should pause for a moment to recognize the loss of intelligence, vision and kindness. He will be missed.
    Reply to CommentFlag Comment
  • Shane Doesn't Get It
    Boomer IndyMarch 10, 2010 3:08 PM
    Let's keep it simple. Maybe I should get some crayons and draw a picture for Shane. This is a business journal. Mr. Tellum was a respected leader in the business community. He died suddenly. If your relatives are leaders in the business community, they might get an article in here when they die, too. Hopefully the moderator gets rid of this ridiculous thread.
    Reply to CommentFlag Comment
  • Don't get it
    ShaneMarch 10, 2010 12:55 PM
    sfjff and MikeW... you both don't get my point. So what's the point of arguing with you two since you are clearly ignorant of what I am talking about. Put yourself in someone else's position to UNDERSTAND their point of view, rather than be single minded.
    Reply to CommentFlag Comment
  • business
    MikeWMarch 10, 2010 10:15 AM
    This is a Business Journal. He was major Business for Central Indiana. He managed one of the better stations around here. They have a profound impact on the community and this individual is partly responsible. THAT is why this is a news story and is included in this Business Journal. Is WTHR not a Business?
    Reply to CommentFlag Comment
  • Shane
    sfjffMarch 10, 2010 8:07 AM
    That's two of the RED ones and three of the BLUE ones, not the other way around! Mixing up your meds make you surly!
    Also, if your time is so important, maybe you shouldn't be wasting your time on the internet.
    Reply to CommentFlag Comment
  • ?
    ShaneMarch 10, 2010 3:42 AM
    Don't know him, so why should we be sad? Will my own relatives be talked about on here? Don't really see the relevancy of this one person's death has to do with the validity of our time and attention.
    Reply to CommentFlag Comment

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