FEBRUARY 15-21, 2016
Indianapolis TV stations have been thrown for a loop on two fronts: the addition of a fifth broadcaster with a full plate of news programming, and a new ratings system that has confused advertisers. Anthony Schoettle takes stock of the shifting TV landscape. Also in this week’s issue, John Russell checks in on the Harding Street Station as it burns its last nuggets of coal. And in A&E Etc., Lou Harry appreciates an Asian staple at Ramen Ray.
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CBS shift in 2015 rejiggers TV ratings
When CBS jumped from WISH Channel 8 to WTTV-TV Channel 4 last year, the latter added another 24.5 hours. That move, plus a new ratings system, led to a tumultuous year for local TV broadcasters.
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Entrepreneur goes national with Ninja Zone aimed at boys
Casey Wright has licensed Ninja Zone to 130 gymnastics clubs in 42 states enrolling 10,000 boys. She hopes to hit 500 gyms by the end of this year.
Read MoreIn-car data poised to rewrite rules of auto insurance
Two dozen auto insurers in Indiana already have launched at least small-scale usage-based insurance programs, according to the Indiana Department of Insurance.
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Angie’s List fate hazy if HomeAdvisor merger occurs
Angie’s List Inc. and rival HomeAdvisor both connect consumers and service providers, but their business models are very different. That adds a complicating wrinkle as speculation intensifies that HomeAdvisor’s parent will take another run at acquiring Angie’s List.
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New Conner Prairie CEO to focus on fundraising, drawing out-of-state visitors
Conner Prairie is well-known nationally to museum insiders. But new CEO and President Norman Burns II wants to make the historical park in Hamilton County a destination for more travelers, in part by getting the community to take ownership of the attraction.
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IUPUI leader wants more connection to city, employers
In his last job, Nasser Paydar helped write IUPUI’s new strategy. Now, six months into his role as the university’s chancellor, the mechanical-engineering-professor-turned-campus-administrator gets to implement it.
Read MoreSteak n Shake ups ante in cheap-food strategy
The burger chain in November announced that it recorded a 3 percent increase in same-store sales in the third quarter. It was the 27th quarter in a row in which same-store sales rose compared with the same period a year earlier—a stunning run of success in the topsy-turvy world of restaurants.
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INSIDE THE STATEHOUSE: Colleges won’t let go of donation tax credit
State Sen. Brandt Hershman, R-Buck Creek, didn’t mince words during a public hearing on tax issues last month. “I hate this credit,” he said bluntly. He was talking about the state college contribution tax credit, which rewards Hoosiers who donate money to Indiana colleges and universities. Hershman authored Senate Bill 309, legislation that—as introduced—would have […]
Read MoreTindley Schools CEO Marcus Robinson has resigned
Robinson had served at Tindley for 12 years and helped grow it from one school to six schools. But more recently, he had been under fire for using a company credit card to pay for top-tier hotels and first-class flights.
Read MoreDems object but Holcomb should be easily confirmed
Republicans don’t need Democrats’ help to confirm Eric Holcomb as lieutenant governor. They hold a huge majority in the Legislature—and it appears they support the governor’s choice to replace Lt. Gov. Sue Ellspermann.
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Bill could put crimp in farm-to-table poultry trade
The bill’s sponsors say its purpose is consumer safety. Small poultry producers contend it would hamstring their ability to compete in a marketplace dominated by large producers.
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Harding Street power plant’s move away from coal is watershed moment
Under pressure to meet stringent clean-air regulations, Indianapolis Power & Light Co. is converting the Harding Street plant to natural gas.
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EDITORIAL: Don’t turn Ivy Tech president search into charade
Too many Ivy Tech students drop out, and a recent report from the Indiana Commission for Higher Education found its graduation rates are far below the nationwide average for community college students.
Read MoreMAURER: Fogle judge put plea process in peril
Pitchman’s sentence poisons the well for future plea deals.
Read MoreHARRIS, RAUSCH & BROWN: Focusing on charter quality not new concept
Because of their commitment to quality, both Mayor Peterson and Mayor Ballard were recognized nationally for their stewardship of Indianapolis’ charter schools.
Read MoreHEMPSTEAD: Is Indianapolis ready for the Edge?
What’s critical about modern workspace is having enough technology-rich shared and collaborative spaces so you can do the work that needs to be done.
Read MoreKIM: We’re in a bull market for apocalyptic forecasts
There is no shortage of market pundits and others whose modus operandi is to play/prey on investors’ fears by painting a picture of impending doom and gloom, whether supported by the facts or, in most cases, not.
Read MoreBOHANON & STYRING: Look past class warfare to the real numbers
It’s an election year, so politicians talk a lot about taxes. Most candidates tell the middle class and poor they pay way too much in federal income taxes.
Read MoreHogsett deserves praise for halting Covanta deal
The decision to suspend the trash/recycling deal with Covanta shows the mayor is dedicated to responding to his constituents, doing business in the public view and doing what’s best for the long-term interests of the city.
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UPDATE: Carrier plans to lay off 1,400 Indy workers in Mexico move
Job losses in Carrier Corp.’s local manufacturing operations are expected to begin in 2017 and continue through 2019, the company announced Wednesday. An affiliated company also plans 700 job cuts in northeast Indiana.
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Two area companies to build new HQs in Fishers
Indianapolis-based Braden Business Systems plans to move to Fishers while Stanley Security will consolidate operations in the city, Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness announced Wednesday.
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Preservationist group lauds developer’s decision to save building
The firm that’s building 30 apartments near the Madame Walker Theatre is integrating the Willis Mortuary building into the project after initially planning to demolish it.
Read MoreBluebridge adds former ExactTarget exec, expands focus
Todd Richardson, who helped fashion ExactTarget’s culture as an executive vice president, said he hopes to reproduce that same “kind of magic” at Fishers-based Bluebridge.
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