Emmis Communications is a media conglomerate based in Indianapolis, Indiana. The company owns radio stations and magazines in the United States, Hungary, Slovakia and Bulgaria. In 1980 Emmis Broadcasting founder Jeffrey Smulyan purchased his first radio station, WSVL-FM Shelbyville, IN. In July 1981, Smulyan moved that radio station's tower and transmitter closer to Indianapolis, changed from country music to adult contemporary and renamed it WENS. The station's quick success led him to purchase other radio stations throughout the country. Around 1984 the company bought Magic 106 in Los... Angeles, California. Then L.A. Lakers player "Magic" Johnson was an early spokesperson for the station. In early 1986, Emmis changed Magic 106 to Power 106 KPWR. Also in 1986 the company's expansion grew as they purchased WAPP-FM and WHN in New York as well as WAVA-FM in Washington D.C. from the Doubleday Broadcasting Company. Both KPWR and WQHT would pioneer the rhythmic format and go on to be the two flagship radio properties of Emmis. Emmis acquired five NBC radio stations in 1988 but sold two to avoid a duopoly.
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| NASDAQ symbol: | EMMS |
| Headquarters: | Indianapolis, Indiana |
| Annual revenue: | $333,870,000 |
| Net income: | $-300,270,000 |
| Operating income: | $-333,670,000 |
| Market cap: | $140,000,000 |
| Industries: | Broadcasting, Radio Broadcasting Stations |