After years of pruning, Emmis ready for reinvention
CEO Jeff Smulyan says he still loves radio, but the 72-year-old pines to own businesses that have real growth potential, rather than fighting over nickels and dimes in a stagnant industry.
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Former rock DJs ‘Hammer and Nigel’ on ratings roll
While “The Hammer and Nigel Show” is flourishing now, WIBC-FM 93.1 took a big risk in 2016 putting the two former rock ’n’ roll disc jockeys at the helm of a news-talk program, the station’s bread and butter.
WFYI will end ‘No Limits’ radio show; new show with host Matt Pelsor on tap
Host John Krull announced on the air Tuesday that the twice-weekly radio show will end on July 11. That makes way for a new program, “All In,” that will be hosted by WFYI’s Matt Pelsor.
Emmis makes deal to sell two New York stations, form new public company
Emmis Communications said it is selling two of its three New York City radio stations to investment firm Standard General. In return, Emmis will receive $91.5 million in cash plus a significant share of a new public company that will own the two stations. Emmis stock soared after the deal was announced.
Emmis sells six radio stations in Austin, Texas
The sale represents almost half of the radio stations controlled by Indianapolis-based Emmis Communications Corp. and leaves the company with radio holdings in only two markets.
Indianapolis Monthly to vacate longtime offices, make way for STAR Bank on Circle
The bank will use the three-story building that fronts Monument Circle for lending offices and a branch location. The magazine’s staff plans to move into the adjacent headquarters for Emmis Communications.
WFYI names public broadcasting veteran to replace Lloyd Wright
After a six-month national search, WFYI Public Media has named Greg Petrowich as new CEO.
Former Indianapolis sportscaster Chet Coppock dies after car accident
Longtime sportscaster Chet Coppock devoted most of his career to Chicago but spent much of the 1970s in Indianapolis.
Veteran morning broadcaster O’Brien parts ways with Hank-FM
Dave O’Brien, a staple on local morning radio since 1996, is no longer with WLHK-FM after station owner Emmis Communications opted not to renew his contract.
Radio-station acquisitions give Cumulus big boost
With its pending acquisition of three Entercom Communications Corp. stations, Cumulus Media Inc. is set to become the biggest, most-listened-to radio company in the Indianapolis market.
Owner axes two prominent on-air personalities at WNTR, WXNT
A sports talk show host and drive-time disc jockey were among a dozen employees let go Tuesday as radio giant Cumulus prepared to take over the Entercom stations.
Cumulus plans to move Entercom radio studios but keep formats for now
Listeners won’t immediately detect changes at top 40 WZPL-FM 99.5, adult contemporary WNTR-FM 107.9 and sports-talker WXNT-AM 1430, which Cumulus media has agreed to acquire.
Cumulus bolsters its local position with acquisition of 3 radio stations
Cumulus has made a deal to trade a station in New York and two stations in Springfield, Massachusetts to Entercom Communications in exchange for three Entercom stations in Indianapolis, including WZPL-FM 99.5.
Indiana public broadcast stations adding staff, expanding news programming
Thanks to $1.7 million in new grants, WFYI and the eight other Indiana Public Broadcasting stations that make up IPB News will soon be beefing up their statewide news coverage.
UPDATE: Radio host Michael Grady leaving local sports-talk show
Michael Grady, a former sports reporter at WRTV Channel 6 and public address announcer for the Indiana Pacers, has co-hosted the “Grady & Big Joe Show” for eight years. Station owner Emmis has already lined up a replacement.
Broadcaster Taylor promoted to permanent ‘Voice of the Colts’
Taylor, who has been with the Indianapolis Colts in various roles since 2012, moved into the play-by-play spot on radio broadcasts last season after the abrupt retirement of Bob Lamey.
Emmis has profitable quarter as radio advertising picks up
The Indianapolis-based media company reported a profitable third quarter despite a decline in revenue resulting from the sale of several radio stations.
IBJ’s most-read list of 2018 includes stories about Amazon, restaurants, broadcasters
A story that provided a behind-the-scenes glimpse at the region’s efforts to lure Amazon’s HQ2 to Indianapolis topped the list.
Emmis cuts 35 employees involved in NextRadio, TagStation operations
Indianapolis-based Emmis Communications announced in October a decision to “dramatically reduce” the operations of NextRadio and TagStation after tens of millions of dollars in losses.
‘Bob & Tom’ signs programming extension with 13 iHeartMedia stations
“The Bob & Tom Show” has aired weekday mornings on the iHeartMedia stations involved in the deal for at least 15 years.