TV ratings for vice presidential debate lowest since 2000
It was the smallest audience for a vice presidential debate since 2000, when 29 million people watched Dick Cheney and Joe Lieberman square off.
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Former employee files sexual harassment suit against Emmis
The plaintiff, a former digital content manager at WFNI-AM 1070 “The Fan,” said Emmis didn’t do enough to respond to her complaints after she alleged two of the station’s producers were harassing her.
Gannett, Tronc could be nearing $673 million merger
Gannett Inc., publisher of The Indianapolis Star, has been actively pursuing an acquisition of the Chicago-based newspaper chain formerly known as Tribune Publishing, but has thus far been rebuffed.
iHeart replaces country format with hip-hop at FM 98.3
Fifteen months after buying the former Disney radio station at 98.3 FM and changing it to country, iHeart Radio is pulling the plug on the boot-stomping format. It couldn’t match the ratings of the market’s two country stalwarts.
Smulyan extends deadline for Emmis buyout offer again
In a letter to a special committee of the board of directors, Smulyan said he looks forward “to further discussions with the committee and its financial advisor and legal counsel to complete a mutually acceptable transaction.”
NCAA shakes up ad strategy
The NCAA for the first time this year debuted an ad campaign in the fall rather than during the Final Four basketball tourney. The NCAA has also turned to celebrity endorsers.
Fox59 morning anchor to depart, planning to start family
After years of maintaining a long-distance relationship with her husband, Kristin Kane has decided to leave the Indy market.
Veteran TV reporter Jim Shella to retire from WISH, ‘Indiana Week in Review’
Shella will cap his 40-year career with coverage of the 2016 election, saying it is a “really good time to sign off.”
The Interview Issue: Jim Shella
WISH-TV political reporter Jim Shella has spent 40 years in the news business—most of it at the Indiana Statehouse—and 25 years as host of “Indiana Week in Review” on WFYI.
The Interview Issue: Terri Cope-Walton
In 2013, Terri Cope-Walton—a broadcast journalist almost by accident—became Indianapolis’ first black television news director. She compares a news show to a picnic: It’s only good if there are a variety of options to consume.
Smulyan extends offer to take Emmis private
CEO Jeff Smulyan, who had given the board until Friday to decide whether to accept his $4.10-per-share offer to take the company private, has extended the offer to Sept. 30.
Ex-Subway pitchman blames parents for victim’s problems
Jared Fogle, imprisoned for child pornography and sex abuse, said parents of one of his female victims—who are suing him for damages—are to blame for what he describes as the girl’s “destructive behaviors.”
IndyCar’s Hinchcliffe taking a risk on ‘Dancing’ stage
James Hinchcliffe, one of the most personable and marketable drivers in the IndyCar Series, is looking forward to competing on”Dancing With the Stars,” even though it’s not exactly in his wheelhouse.
WISH-TV general manager exiting as acquisition looms
Les Vann is leaving after two years on the job and as WISH’s parent, Media General, is in the midst of being acquired. He was named “General Manager of the Year” in January by a trade publication.
Digital marketer turning heads with rapid rise
At age 25, Patrick Sells is founder and CEO of a namesake company that has become one of the city’s biggest and fastest-growing digital marketing firms.
Butler communications exec to join Speedway team
Moving from academia, Matt Mindrum’s immediate priorities will include the marketing campaign for the 2017 Indy 500 and promoting the IndyCar series.
Andy Mohr, Avon schools forge naming-rights agreement
The 10-year sponsorship deal, approved by the Avon School Board of Trustees, names Andy Mohr as the district’s exclusive “automotive partner.”
Holcomb keeps low profile in first month as GOP guv candidate
Lt. Gov. Eric Holcomb’s campaign says it will start running TV ads soon, and that it’s been using phone banks, door-to-door efforts and social media to reach voters. Democrat John Gregg has been advertising aggressively.
Smulyan’s plan to take Emmis private faces opposition
Investor Tim Stabosz, who owns 150,000 shares of Emmis stock, called Jeff Smulyan’s plan to take the company private “a slap in the face.”
Emmis chief makes another run at taking media firm private
For the third time in a decade, CEO Jeff Smulyan is making an offer for the outstanding shares of Emmis Communications Corp., which runs radio stations and magazines in Indianapolis and major U.S. markets.