Indianapolis…Emmis Communications Corporation (Nasdaq: EMMS) today announced that Judy Ellis, Senior Vice President and New York City Market Manager, has notified the company that she will not seek to renew her contract beyond its February 28, 2003 expiration date.
Rick Cummings, President of Emmis Radio, noted that Ellis’ departure marks the conclusion of an accomplished 17 years of leadership in one of radio’s most demanding environments. “Judy has operated one of the largest and most successful clusters in American radio,” Cummings said. “We are indebted to her for her many years of service and her countless contributions to Emmis.”
“The Emmis New York properties are an amazing place to work because of the remarkable, creative and innovative team. Thanks to their hard work and dedication, we faced a direct format competitor – and won,” said Ellis, who joined Emmis in August of 1986 when the company purchased WQHT-FM from Doubleday Broadcasting Company. “Emmis has been a tremendous company to work for, giving me the opportunity to manage one of the greatest radio groups in America. Now we’ll focus on a smooth, successful transition for three of New York’s premier radio properties.?
Ellis will continue her duties and stay involved through the transition and be available to provide consulting services to Emmis beyond the transition. A search for her successor will begin immediately. “Because this is one of the country’s top radio groups, we are confident that the best candidates will quickly make themselves available,” Cummings said.