Reporter, #IBJtech newsletter author

Technology, venture capital, media and marketing

Schoettle grew up in Indianapolis, graduating from Southport High School and Indiana University. He then departed on a tour of middle Indiana, reporting for papers in Greenwood, Frankfort, Columbus and Franklin before landing at IBJ in 1998. At his previous jobs, he spent a decade as a political and government reporter. Beyond writing, Schoettle’s passions include animals and wildlife, watching all manner of television and long-distance cycling and running. Though he put away his trumpet many years ago, he remains an avid music fan. Schoettle shares his home in Southport with his wife, Elizabeth, three salty dogs and three sweet cats. Preferring to live in a “park-like setting,” one of his primary goals each spring and summer is to see how seldom he can mow his front lawn.

Articles

Colts’ suite holders devise ways to maximize boxes’ value

In a meeting that had more X’s and O’s than Indianapolis Colts Coach Tony Dungy’s game-day war room, FedEx District Sales
Manager Doug Knowles and his lieutenants decided which clients and prospective clients would be invited to the FedEx suite
which game, which FedEx employees would accompany them, and what ancillary activities would be planned.

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Running Co. takes aim at sporting-goods giants

Retired Olympic distance runner Bob Kennedy and his business partner, Ashley Johnson, have expanded their Running Co. to four
stores. The most recent expansion is their boldest yet, pitting them against mall giants Dick’s Sporting Goods, The Finish
Line and Foot Locker for supremacy among south-side runners and walkers.

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Cumulus is keeping format change a secret: Emmis and Radio One continue transitions

Several central Indiana radio stations will ring in 2008 with new formats and on-air talent, and new marketing campaigns bellowing the changes to listeners and advertisers. One station is keeping its plans secret, fearful of an industry domino effect if its strategy leaks out. There’s plenty at stake. Listener ratings for the first quarter of 2008 will be watched closely, local media buyers said, and could affect spending later in the year. A t l a n t a -…

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Colts announce final gate sponsor for new stadium

A day after the team clinched its division championship on the field, the Indianapolis Colts front office scored its final gate sponsor for the new Lucas Oil Stadium. The Colts today announced a multi-year deal to make Sprint the stadium’s east gate sponsor. Though terms of the deal were not revealed, Colts officials told IBJ […]

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MZD makes major changes, but keeps moniker: Name of subsidiary Telematrix could evaporate

In recent months, MZD Advertising has landed six new clients, launched three new divisions and opened two new facilities. Despite the retirement of two of the three partners that make up the ad agency’s acronym moniker, MZD will not have a new name. When Harry Davis retired this year-following Robert Montgomery’s 2005 retirement-some within the industry speculated that remaining namesake principal Allan Zukerman might choose to change the firm’s name. “We have a lot of equity built up in that…

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Local chocolate firm leads organic pack: Endangered Species enjoys soaring sales, employment

While Hershey, Pa., may be considered the chocolate capital of the United States, Indianapolis is home to one of the fastest – growing and most fascinating makers of the sweet treat. Though it was founded in Oregon in 1993, Endangered Species Chocolate Co. has achieved most of its growth since being acquired and transplanted to Hoosier soil in 2005 by Wayne Zink and Randy Deer. Curt VanderMeer joined the company shortly after it came to Indianapolis; he became the third…

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Century-old manufacturer cleans up on dirty water

One hundred and one years ago, Cole Stickle convinced the Langsenkamp family to help him start a company based on a
technology few understood–turning water into steam power. Five generations later, the 15-employee operation continues to
thrive.

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Stadium adds Gregg to sponsorship roster

While the Indianapolis Colts steamroll their way toward the playoffs, the team’s sales staff is racking up its own successes. Today, Colts officials announced another multi-year, multi-million-dollar sponsorship deal for Lucas Oil Stadium, which is set to open next fall. Officials for locally based HHGregg Inc. announced at a press conference at the team’s 56th […]

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IMS may host airplane race

Speedway officials are in discussions
to bring an airplane race to Indianapolis. The Red Bull Air Race World Series is a 5-year-old airplane race circuit that combines
the intrigue of a high-wire circus
act, thrills of an alpine ski race, and cutting-edge technology of Formula One auto racing.

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Indianapolis getting new mini marathon

Community Health Network and Comcast Cable have signed on to sponsor a half-marathon scheduled for May and marketed as an alternative to those shut out of the popular Indianapolis 500 Festival Mini Marathon. The Mini, which is held May 3, is sold out with 35,000 entrants. Event organizers also are challenging those registered for the […]

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WFYI-TV adds digital channels

WFYI-TV Channel 20 has quietly launched two public television channels, but a third station that’s about to launch should
pack the biggest punch. The Indiana Channel will feature an all-local lineup, including extensive live coverage of the Indiana
General Assembly, judicial proceedings, and arts and cultural programming.

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Castroneves barn storms TV ratings

Indy Racing League driver Helio Castroneves wasn’t the only winner during Tuesday’s Dancing with the Stars finale. The two-hour show posted an overnight 23 rating, with a 32 share, making WRTV-TV Channel 6 the most-watched ABC affiliate in the country, according to New York-based Nielsen Media Research. The show’s ratings were higher than any other […]

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WXIN to simulcast morning news on WTTV

Starting Jan. 2, the morning newscast on WXIN-TV Channel 59 will be simulcast on its sister station, WTTV-TV Channel 4. While other central Indiana affiliates offer a blended local and national morning newscast, WXIN is the only station to offer an all-local weekday news show. The local “Fox 59 Morning News” airs from 6 a.m. […]

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Union files grievance over firing of Star editorial writer: Editor stands firm in swift action following racial slur

The Indianapolis Newspaper Guild Local 70 filed a grievance Nov. 9 on behalf of fired Indianapolis Star editorial writer RiShawn Biddle. Guild officials expect to meet with Star management this month to discuss Biddle’s dismissal. Biddle was fired Oct. 31 by the Star for using a racial slur in reference to City-County Council President Monroe Gray in an online blog. “We’re acting to protect the contract, and due process,” said Abe Aamidor, a Star reporter and guild president. “We’re not…

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WISH-TV launches YouTube channel

WISH-TV Channel 8 today launched a dedicated channel on the growing Internet site YouTube.com., which is owned by Google Inc. and has become the Web’s biggest video search engine. WISH’s parent company, Rhode Island-based Lin TV Corp., made the same move for its stations in Grand Rapids, Mich.; New Haven, Conn.; and Providence, R.I. Lin […]

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CIB President Glass to resign

Capital Improvement Board President Fred Glass plans to announce his resignation at a 4 p.m. CIB meeting today. Glass’ resignation will be effective Dec. 31. Glass was appointed to the CIB by Democratic Mayor Bart Peterson in January 2000, and was elected president during his first meeting. “I always said the mayor’s last day would […]

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WTHR general manager departure a stunner

Neither side is talking, but one thing is certain: The removal of the 13-year WTHR veteran known for a sometimes-testy temperament
comes at a crucial time for the local television station.

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Billboards enter digital era

Remote-controlled digital billboards are revolutionizing the outdoor advertising industry nationwide, but a city prohibition
against the medium is preventing a rollout here.

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