Awards

IU Indianapolis Spirit of Philanthropy Award - 1995

About Emmis Broadcasting Company

One of the nation’s most respected media companies, Emmis Communications owns radio, city/regional magazine, online, and mobile operations in large and medium-sized markets throughout the United States. Emmis (the Hebrew word for “truth”) went public in 1994 and now owns and/or operates the 9th largest radio portfolio in the United States based on total listeners.

Emmis is consistently recognized for its unique people-centric culture that emphasizes innovation and creativity. The Company has been named one of Fortune’s “100 Best Companies to Work For” and has been recognized as a Best Place to Work.

Emmis launched in 1979 when founder and Chairman Jeffrey Smulyan purchased WSVL, a small and largely unused FM station in Shelbyville, IN. From the outset, Smulyan’s intent was to build a tower near Indianapolis and broadcast a competitive signal into the market. After two years of difficulty and delays, Smulyan’s vision was realized when the station went on the air July 4, 1981 with new call letters WENS and the station was an almost instant hit with an adult contemporary format, creative marketing and on-air talent that included David Letterman.