‘No replacing Amos Brown’ says new host of WTLC afternoon show

When Indianapolis radio listeners tune in to WTLC-AM 1310 in the afternoons from now on, they will hear a new voice in the same time slot long filled by the late Amos Brown.

Michael Jones

The Rev. Michael K. Jones, pastor at Progressive Baptist Church, starts Monday as the permanent host of WTLC-AM’s afternoon show.

Indianapolis radio icon Brown died suddenly in November at age 64 following a more-than-40-year career in radio. He began his on-air career in 1976.

“There’s no replacing Amos Brown,” Jones said. “You just kind of come behind him. I don’t intend to be Amos because I can’t be, but I want to bring the same passion for this community."

Jones, 52, was one of a handful of people Brown called on when he took a rare vacation from his hosting role.

Radio One Indianapolis Vice President Deon Levingston was not immediately available Monday to reply to IBJ's request for comment about the appointment.

Jones said he expressed interest in the position after Brown passed away, with the intention of carrying on his legacy.

“He’s such an important person in my heart and in my life,” Jones said. “He was kind of a mentor and a coach for me."

Jones said he wants to provide a platform to talk about important issues and help build a better city "from the powerful to the poor.”

He said listeners can initially expect to hear his show explore public safety changes under new Mayor Joe Hogsett and education issues.

“You have a host with a slightly different perspective but the same passion,” Jones said.

Jones is the son of the late Indianapolis Urban League President Sam H. Jones, who was active in the civil rights movement and in trying to improve race relations. Jones said he was greatly influenced by his father and said his objective is to “build bridges" in the community.

Born and raised in Indianapolis, Jones is a graduate of Park Tudor School who went on to Harvard University to study economics. He earned his bachelor’s degree there before returning to Indianapolis and earning his master's of divinity from Christian Theological Seminary.

Various personalities have temporarily hosted the 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. show since Brown's death, WTLC officials said.