As commercial stations sputter, WFYI hits the gas
The city’s public radio and television stations are more than holding their own, even as their commercial brethren continue to suffer from a now-5-year-old economic swoon.
Media & Marketing
Articles
Tribune Broadcasting and DirecTV reach 5-year deal
DirecTV subscribers in 19 U.S. markets, including Indianapolis, have regained access to a host of channels that had been blacked out since Sunday because of a contract impasse with Tribune Broadcasting.
Emmis sues Hungary for political interference in radio bids
Hungary is being sued for political interference in awarding radio licenses, renewing doubts over press freedoms in the nation as the government tries to convince the European Union that it respects media independence.
Wall Street observers blast Emmis plan to ax preferred shares
Emmis Communications Corp.'s effort to strip its preferred shareholders of their rights and avoid forking over about $10 million in unpaid dividends is drawing sharp criticism from top market observers, including a columnist for The New York Times.
Tribune Broadcasting says no DirecTV deal
Tribune Broadcasting said there's been no settlement with DirecTV Inc. in their contract negotiations, which means DirecTV subscribers in 19 U.S. markets, including Indianapolis, have lost access to certain programming.
Ex-grocery exec Danny O’Malia providing service advice to sports franchises
Danny O’Malia, longtime leader of his family’s Indianapolis-based grocery store business, now offers his customer-service-driven advice through his own consulting firm.
Deal puts Farm Bureau’s name on downtown concert venue
Farm Bureau Insurance is putting its name on outdoor concert venue The Lawn at White River State Park under a sponsorship agreement with event promoter Live Nation Entertainment, the companies announced Tuesday.
‘Repo Games’ TV show to feature Indiana contestants
Anderson will be heavily featured in a game show that gives residents who are facing a repossession a chance to have their vehicle paid off on the spot by answering questions correctly.
Emmis asks judge to rule on legality of stock plan
The Indianapolis media company has filed a lawsuit that could prevent preferred shareholders from mounting a court challenge of the plan that would strip them of their right to collect millions of dollars in dividends.
Pacers George Hill, Paul George launch fan zone, TV show
The duo partnered with Gatorade on the promotion, one of the benefits of which is the opportunity to buy a special five-game ticket package.
Star union gains raises, can’t stop job cuts
After a months long Save The Star campaign, the Indianapolis Newspaper Guild last week ratified a contract guaranteeing its members raises of between 2 percent and 4 percent. But the union lost the fight to save local design jobs.
Supporters say fines will give teeth to Indiana access law
A bill approved by lawmakers allows judges to order civil fines of up to $500 against open-records law violators. Gov. Mitch Daniels has until Tuesday to decide whether to sign the bill into law.
Local newpaper publisher rolls out Zionsville edition
Pushed by advertiser demand, a local company this month is launching a weekly newspaper in Zionsville. Current Publishing now will have started five newspapers in five years despite a difficult environment for newspapers.
Colleges ramp up Statehouse media coverage
Student-reporting programs at Franklin College, Butler University aid cash-strapped newspapers statewide.
Motorsports marketing firm launches strategy division
The move by Zionsville-based Just Marketing International reflects growing client demand for measuring return on investment from motorsports sponsorships.
Emmis vote could deal blow to preferred shareholders
Emmis Communications is calling a special meeting where investors will be asked to eliminate the right of preferred stockholders to receive millions of dollars in dividends. The firm also seeks approval for a reverse stock split that would prevent a looming NASDAQ delisting.
Local graphics firm Pratt acquired by Minnesota company
Pratt Corp., a 66-year-old Indianapolis-based retail graphics firm that saw ambitious expansion plans come up short during the recession, has been acquired by Vomela Group of St. Paul, Minn.
USA Track & Field repeals controversial rules
USA Track & Field has repealed restrictions on uniform advertising that angered athletes across the country, but it remains to be seen whether athletes will take advantage of their renewed freedom.
Will Manning remain an Indianapolis icon? It’s his call
While Manning will likely always be remembered as an Indianapolis Colt, his time as informal city representative is over, according to sports marketing experts. And it will be up to Manning whether he resumes the association after his retirement.
Local businesses open wallets for tornado relief
Spurred by fundraising campaigns by local television stations, more than $1 million has been raised to help victims of last week’s devastating tornadoes in southern Indiana. In addition to doing a good thing, the stations are getting a marketing boost from their efforts.