End of an Era: WTHI's Bailey Steps Down, Weber and Conner Step Up

End of an Era: WTHI's Bailey Steps Down, Weber and Conner Step Up

Dave Bailey to end 38 year career at WTHI in Terre Haute

INDIANAPOLIS, Feb. 8 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Dave Bailey, vice president/general manager of WTHI/WWVR Television and Radio in Terre Haute, Ind., has announced his retirement effective March 4, 2005. Todd Weber, currently WTHI-TV's general sales manager, will become the television station's vice president/general manager, while James Conner, currently station manager for WTHI-FM and WWVR-FM, will become the radio stations' vice president/general manager.

"Dave and WTHI are synonymous," Emmis Television President Randall Bongarten said. "His leadership at the station and commitment to his community are models for all of us, and we're confident that Todd Weber will continue in that leadership role."

Bailey began working at WTHI-TV as a full-time employee in 1966 while completing his degree in business management at Indiana State University. During his tenure at WTHI-TV, he has worked in engineering, marketing, promotions and sales. In 1987 he was named vice president/general manager of WTHI-TV. In 1997, he picked up the additional responsibilities of overseeing the operation of the two radio stations. Bailey continued to oversee the three operations after the stations were sold by Wabash Valley Broadcasting to Emmis Communications in 1998.

Weber joined Emmis as an account executive in 1987 and was named General Sales Manager of the station in September 2002. He is a graduate of Eastern Illinois University.

Conner joined WTHI in 1995 as general sales manager after stints at other Indiana radio stations. He was named stations manager of WTHI/WWVR in 1997. He is a graduate of the University of Indianapolis. "James has been a tremendous asset in the growth of the stations and has already proven himself to be a leader in our Radio division," said Rick Cummings, president of Emmis Radio.

Emmis Communications - Great Media, Great People, Great Service (R)

Emmis Communications is an Indianapolis-based diversified media firm with radio broadcasting, television broadcasting and magazine publishing operations. Emmis owns 23 FM and 2 AM domestic radio stations serving the nation's largest markets of New York, Los Angeles and Chicago as well as Phoenix, St. Louis, Austin, Indianapolis and Terre Haute, IN. In addition, Emmis owns a radio network, international radio stations, 16 television stations, regional and specialty magazines, and ancillary businesses in broadcast sales and book publishing.

Certain statements included above which are not statements of historical fact, including financial data for quarters or other periods that are not yet completed and statements identified with the words "continues," "expect," "will," or "would" are intended to be, and are, identified as "forward-looking statements," as defined in the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Emmis to be materially different from any future result, performance or achievement expressed or implied by such forward-looking statement. Such factors include, among others, general economic and business conditions; fluctuations in the demand for advertising; increased competition in the broadcasting industry including the implementation of competing formats in large markets; changes in the costs of programming; changes in interest rates; inability to close pending acquisitions or to grow through suitable acquisitions, including the desired radio; future terrorist attacks or other large-scale disasters; and other factors mentioned in documents filed by Emmis with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the current report on Form 8-K/A, July 15, 2002. Emmis does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements.


Source: Emmis Communications

CONTACT: Jodi Wright of Emmis, +1-317-684-2971

Web site: http://www.emmis.com/


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