Indianapolis, IN
WRTV’s new owner promised more news. It fired the staff. | Opinion
Circle City Broadcasting promised to serve the public, then gutted a newsroom after the federal government gave it a pass to violate an antimonopoly law.
What’s going on in Indy TV news? Layoffs, mergers and consolidation
After completing its acquisition of WRTV, Circle City Broadcasting has laid off what’s reported to be a significant share of the station’s staff.
Circle City Broadcasting, the parent company of WISH-TV and WNDY-TV, closed on a deal to buy WRTV for $83 million earlier this week. The deal went through after the federal government gave it a pass to violate an antimonopoly rule, claiming it would serve the public interest.
Mass layoffs at WRTV immediately followed. That’s bad for local journalism and is not in the public interest of Indianapolis viewers.
Circle City can’t blame finances for the layoffs
Immediately after Circle City Broadcasting purchased WRTV, former staff members reported on social media that they were fired along with a large portion of the WRTV staff.
Kyle Mounce, a meteorologist, said “the staff at WRTV was shown the door today.” Chief Meteorologist Todd Klaassen confirmed “essentially the entire staff was let go.” Nico Pennisi, a downtown Indianapolis community reporter, and Nicole Griffin, an anchor, both confirmed on social media it was their last day at WRTV.
There’s no doubt that broadcast media is facing a crisis of shrinking ratings. That has led to financial issues, consolidation and layoffs in the past.
However, Circle City Broadcasting made it very clear in FCC filings one of its main reasons for purchasing WRTV was to use the ABC affiliate to access advertising revenue. WRTV is also a higher-ranked station in the Indianapolis media market than Circle City Broadcasting’s own WISH-TV or WNDY-TV.
If the station has higher ratings and more access to advertising revenue, there’s no legitimate financial reason for laying off staff.
If around a dozen physical and digital print media publications can find ways to innovate and sustain themselves in Indianapolis, despite technological advancements and without treating their employees like indentured servants, so can broadcast media.
Circle City Broadcasting’s anticompetitive behavior
In Circle City Broadcasting’s case, the consolidation and mass layoffs reflect a troubling pattern.
The company has forced WISH-TV employees to sign wildly restrictive non-compete clauses, banning them from working in nearly any form of media — including social media and podcasts — for a year after leaving the station.
While such clauses are legal for now, they aren’t moral or consistent with free-market economics. The Indiana General Assembly recently invalidated similar types of agreements between hospitals and physicians.
The exchange between Circle City Broadcasting and E.W. Scripps, the former owner of WRTV, furthered both companies’ efforts to secure local media monopolies.
E.W. Scripps sold WRTV to help fund the reacquisition of 23 ION-affiliated stations it divested in 2021 to comply with FCC ownership rules. The company said it will “seek waivers from the FCC to the extent such rules are still in effect.”
Local news monopolies aren’t in the public interest
Circle City Broadcasting said it is committed “to investing the resulting increased revenue into the Stations to deliver even greater local news, sports, and public affairs programming.”
The company’s actions contradict that commitment. Circle City Broadcasting may as well have just bought the naming rights to the station or secured an affiliation agreement with another large media company.
That could have helped grow local journalism. Instead, a part of it was destroyed.
Dujuan McCoy, owner of Circle City Broadcasting, in a statement responding to a post I made on X claimed “following our initial transition, WRTV-ABC will increase to more than 30 hours of live local news and entertainment programming per week — distinct and separate from the 90 hours of WISH-TV’s content that we currently air.”
That would be seven more hours per week than WRTV was broadcasting before, according to McCoy — but it’s not consistent with immediately laying off the station’s staff, and it’s unclear how he plans to deliver on that promise with a decimated newsroom. More newscasting doesn’t equate to more original local journalism.
The work of journalists — discovering new information, elevating community voices and bringing attention to hyperlocal issues that would otherwise not be heard — cannot be replaced.
Contact Jacob Stewart at 317-444-4683 or jacob.stewart@indystar.com. Follow him on X, Instagram and TikTok.
Concert tickets, rather notoriously, aren’t cheap these days. Luckily, central Indiana has plenty of live entertainment to offer that won’t drain your bank account.
Summer means free concert season, and there are ample opportunities to catch plenty of shows no matter your preferred genre. Rock, pop, jazz, classical, international music and tribute bands galore are set for local stages all season.
Pull up a lawn chair or grab a picnic blanket for more than 100 free concerts in Indianapolis, Fishers, Noblesville, Carmel, Greenwood, Plainfield, Mooresville, Kokomo, Rushville and more.
Festival and one-off show dates
- June 20: Bloombox Festival, with bands, vendors and artists creating original works. Harrison Center, 1505 N. Delaware St. harrisoncenter.org/bloombox
- July 3-4: CarmelFest, with a parade and festival that includes two days of live concerts. In and around Carter Green and Civic Square in Carmel. carmelfest.net/event-schedule
- June 18-20: Haynes Apperson Festival, with acts including Kool & The Gang and Foghat. Foster Park, 721 W. Superior St. in Kokomo. haynesappersonfestival.org
- July 14-15: Symphony in the Parks, with Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra at Ellenberger Park on July 14, 5301 E. St. Clair St and at Garfield Park on July 15, 2345 Pagoda Drive. tinyurl.com/437kfpr6
- Aug. 27 and 28: Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra at Taggart Memorial Amphitheater at Riverside Regional Park on Aug. 27, 1856 Burdsal Pkwy. At Holliday Park on Aug. 28, 6363 Spring Mill Road. Register for tickets: icomusic.org/shows
- Sept. 11: Opera in the Park, with Indianapolis Opera and guests, honoring the 25th anniversary of 9/11 and the 250th anniversary of the U.S. At MacAllister Amphitheater at Garfield Park, 2345 Pagoda Drive.
- Sept. 26: Garfield Park Art + Music Festival, with live music, food and more. MacAllister Amphitheater at Garfield Park, 2345 Pagoda Drive.
Groovin’ in the Garden at Easley Winery
205 N. College Ave. Full schedule and more information: easleywinery.com
Concerts are from 2-5 p.m. Saturdays in June and July. Feel free to bring your own food or order it there. Seating runs out quickly, so bring your own chairs. Highlights:
- June 6: Island Breeze
- June 27: Black Velvet Duo
- July 25: Two for the Show (pop and rock from the 1960s and 70s)
Levitt Vibe Indianapolis Music Series
Contemporary Art Museum of Indianapolis campus, 1125 Cruft St. Full schedule and more information: bigcar.org/project/vibe
Multi-genre concerts are from noon to 3 p.m. on the first or second Sunday of each month through November. Schedule of headliners:
- June 7: Brandon Meeks
- July 12: Glyders
- Aug. 9: Rob Dixon and Trilogy
- Sept. 13: Natural Information Society
- Oct. 11: Sofia Rei
- Nov. 8: Good Flying Birds
The Alley at The Cabaret
The Alley at Library Square, beside The Cabaret at 924 N. Pennsylvania St. More information: thecabaret.org.
7:30 p.m. on several Fridays in August. Reservations required for limited table seating. No reservations needed for patrons bringing lawn chairs.
- Aug. 7: Mariah Ivey, Troy Thomas with TruMusiq
- Aug. 14: Steve Allee
- Aug. 21: The Band Downstairs, Pavel and Direct
- Aug. 28: Stephanie Allen-Stevenson and Composition
Indy Parks concert series
At different parks across the city. Check parks.indy.gov/free-concert-series for times, locations and the full schedule. Highlights:
- June 10: Premium Blend (Eagle Creek Beach)
- June 14: Lester Johnson and Sandy Lomax (Watkins Park)
- June 18: PsyWrn Simone (Riverside Park)
- June 25: CRP Music featuring Rob Dixon and Okara Imani
- June 26: Shawn McGowan (Broad Ripple Park)
- July 7: Cathy Morris (Wes Montgomery Park)
- July 14: Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra (Ellenberger Park)
- July 16: Clint Breeze (Martin Luther King Park)
- Aug. 9: Hip-Hop Anthology (Garfield Park)
- Aug. 15: Indy Ballet (Riverside Park)
- Aug. 28: Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra (Holliday Park)
Fishers Community Concert Series
Nickel Plate District Amphitheater, 6 Municipal Drive in Fishers. Full schedule and more info: fishersparks.com
Concerts on Tuesdays in June and July. All concerts begin at 7 p.m. Patrons can bring chairs, blankets and food.
- June 9: Living Proof
- June 16: Blue Water Kings
- June 23: Toy Factory
- June 30: Karma
- July 7: Big Rosco and The Hammers
- July 14: The Doo Band
- July 21: The Flying Toasters
- July 28: Stella Luna and The Satellites
Concerts at the Commons
First Merchants Pavilion at Federal Hill Commons, 175 Logan St. in Noblesville. Full schedule and more info: noblesvilleparks.org
Concerts are at 7 p.m. on some Saturdays from June through September.
- June 13: EMO KIDS
- June 27: Southern Accents
- July 25: The Silver Bullet Experience
- August 15: Rod Tuff Curls and The Bench Press
- August 29: Dusty Millers No Fences Garth Brooks Tribute
- September 12: Hyryder
Dillon Park Summer Concert Tour
Dillon Park, 6351 Midland Lane in Noblesville. Full schedule and more info: noblesvilleparks.org
Concerts are at 7 p.m. on most Thursdays in June and July.
- June 18: Groove Smash
- July 9: Toy Factory
- July 16: Indigos Band
- July 30: Jai Baker 3
Summer Family Concert Series at the Gazebo
Carmel Gazebo, 1 Civic Square in Carmel. Full schedule and more info: carmelgazeboconcerts.org
Concerts are at 7 p.m. Wednesdays through Sept. 9. Highlights:
- June 10: My Yellow Rickshaw
- June 24: 45RPM
- July 15: Cook and Belle
- Aug. 5: Rick K and The Allnighters
- Aug. 19: The Woomblies Rock Orchestra
- Sept. 9: Endless Summer Band
Late Night on Main
Carmel Arts & Design District, East Main Street and North Rangeline Road. carmelporchfest.org
Concerts start at 6 p.m. unless otherwise noted.
- June 20: Jai Baker
- July 18: Blair Clark and The Fun Factor Band
- Aug. 15: Dude!
- Sept. 20: Carmel Porchfest (noon-6 p.m.)
Entertainment at Depot Street Park
Depot Street Park, 251 Depot St. in Greenfield. parksingreenfield.com
Concerts start at 6 p.m.
- June 12: The Flying Toasters
- June 25: Hard Day’s Night
- July 10: James Taylor Tribute and Sounds of Summer
- July 24: The Woomblies Rock Orchestra
- Aug. 7: Chris Collins: A John Denver Tribute
- Aug 21: No Fences
Live at the Rails
Depot Street Park, 251 Depot St. in Greenfield. parksingreenfield.com/live-at-the-rails
Concerts start at 6 p.m.
- June 13: The Kings of Queen
- July 18: Thunderstruck (AC/DC Tribute)
- Aug. 15: Boys in the Band (Alabama Tribute)
- Sept. 5: Shadow of a Doubt and A Springsteen Celebration
- Sept. 19: Moving in Stereo and E5SC4P3
Mallow Run Winery’s Picnic Concert Series
Mallow Run Winery, 6964 W. Whiteland Road in Bargersville. Full schedule and more info: mallowrun.com
Many shows are free through Sept. 19. Music starts at 6 p.m. for the following. Highlights:
- June 13: Shining Star
- June 20: Hairbangers Ball
- July 11: Bon Journeyed
- Aug. 1: The Doo!
- Aug 22: The Nauti Yachtys
- Sept. 12: Midtown Madmen
Music in the Park
Blue River Memorial Park, 725 Lee Blvd. in Shelbyville. shelbyparks.com.
Concerts begin at 7 p.m., mostly on Fridays through Sept. 12.
- June 26: Boys in the Band (Alabama Tribute)
- July 12: Sam Morrison Band (Southern Rock Explosion)
- July 31: Matt Mason
- Aug 7: Captain Mike and the Shipwrecked (Jimmy Buffett Tribute)
- Sept. 12: 84 and Excitable (Van Halen and Def Leppard Tribute)
Greenwood Summer Concert Series
Greenwood Amphitheater in Craig Park, 300 S. Washington St. in Greenwood. Full schedule and more information: greenwood.in.gov
7 p.m. on most Saturdays through Aug. 8.
- June 6: Big Rosco and The Hammers
- June 13: Cosmic Situation
- June 20: The Woomblies Rock Orchestra
- July 11: Blue River Band
- July 18: Cornfield Mafia
- July 25: Tastes Like Chicken
- Aug. 1: The Big 80s
- Aug. 8: Soul Street
Greenwood Park Mall Summer Concert Series
1251 U.S. Hwy 31 North in Greenwood. More information: simon.com
Concerts start at 6:30 p.m. most Thursdays.
- June 11: Dream Slice
- June 18: Tastes Like Chicken
- June 25: Blue River Band
- July 9: The Big 80s
- July 16: Back2Mac
Beech Grove Concert Series
Sarah T. Bolton Park, 1300 Churchman Ave. in Beech Grove. More information: beechgroveconcertseries.nicepage.io
Concerts start around 7 p.m. every other Thursday from June-August. Highlights:
- June 11: Train Wreck
- July 9: The Doo
- Aug. 6: Small Town
- Aug. 20: Cornfield Mafia
Franklin Parks’ Summer Concert Series
DriveHubler.com Amphitheater at Youngs Creek Park, 237 West Monroe St. in Franklin. More information: franklinparks.org
Concerts start at 7 p.m. Highlights:
- June 6: Dusty Miller Band
- July 3: Blue River Band (38th Infantry Division Band at 5 p.m.)
- Aug. 14: Absolute Queen
- Sept. 26: Clayton Anderson at the Fall Festival
Hummel Park Concert Series
Hummel Park Performing Arts Center, 5373 S. Sugar Grove Road in Plainfield. More information: guilfordtownship.com
Concerts start at 7 p.m. (unless otherwise noted) mostly on Saturdays from June-September.
- June 13: Victims of Love (Eagles tribute)
- 5 p.m. July 4: Big Rosco and the Hammers, food and fireworks
- July 25: No Fences (Garth Brooks tribute)
- Aug. 8: Parrots of the Caribbean (Jimmy Buffett tribute)
- Aug. 29: Sounds of Summer (Beach Boys tribute)
Live by the Levee Summer Concert Series
Riverside Park Amphitheater, 302 S. Riverside Drive in Rushville. More information: rushvilleamphitheater.com
Concerts start at 7 p.m. (unless otherwise noted) on several Saturdays from June-September. Highlights:
- June 20: IPOP (DJ-style approach)
- July 11: Gabriel Sanchez (Prince Experience)
- Aug. 15: The Springsteen Experience
- 6:30 p.m. Sept. 19: On the Border (Eagles tribute)
Kokomo Summer Concert Series
Kokomo Performing Arts Pavilion at Foster Park, 721 W. Superior St. in Kokomo. Full schedule and more information: visitkokomo.org
Concerts start at 5 p.m. See website for future announcements.
- June 13: Grateful Grass
- July 11: Hippies & Cowboys
Mooresville Summer Concert Series
Pioneer Park, 1101 Indianapolis Road in Mooresville. Full schedule and more information: mooresvilleparks.com
Concerts start at 7 p.m. on some Thursdays through August.
- June 11: Cook & Belle
- July 16: Big Rosco and the Hammers
- July 30: Soul Street
- Aug. 6: The Revelators
- Aug. 20: Tastes Like Chicken
This Indy newsletter has the best shows, art and eats
Contact IndyStar reporter Domenica Bongiovanni at 317-444-7339 or d.bongiovanni@indystar.com. Sign up here for the newsletter she curates about things to do and ways to explore Indianapolis. Find her on Facebook, Instagram or X: @domenicareports.
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — NTT IndyCar Series driver Christian Rasmussen is staying with ECR.
The team announced on Thursday morning that Rasmussen will remain the driver of the No. 21 car for the 2027 season and beyond as part of a multi-year agreement.
“I’m excited to extend my partnership with ECR for 2027 and beyond. I’ve enjoyed my time with the team so far and believe in the future of ECR,” Rasmussen said in a press release. “We have undergone a lot of changes over the last couple years, and it has been a privilege to witness them firsthand, and to play a part in them. I’m confident that together we will continue to take ECR to its fullest potential.”
Rasmussen is currently in his third season driving for ECR. He raced only road and street courses, along with the Indy 500, during the the 2024 season. He then became a full-time driver for the team in 2025.
Rasmussen earned his first IndyCar victory for ECR last year when he won at Milwaukee Mile.
“We are very excited to finalize this extension with Christian,” ECR co-owner and CEO Ed Carpenter said in the press release. “Maintaining continuity with our driver lineup is something we feel that is an important element for ECR to reach its full potential. We have watched Christian develop over the past two seasons and firmly believe that the future is bright for Christian and ECR.”
Rasmussen drives the No. 21 for the team, alongside Alexander Rossi. Rossi drives the No. 20 for the team full-time.
It’s been a tough season for Rasmussen, who currently sits 24th in the IndyCar standings. His best finish is 14th, which occurred at Phoenix in March. He was actually a threat to win that race, but damage on his car late in the race led to a finish outside of the top ten.
“Christian has shown incredible talent, dedication, and adaptability since joining ECR,” ECR owner and chairman Ted Gelov said in the news release. “Nothing has changed our minds in that regard. Seeing Christian and the entire ECR organization battle adversity and emerge strong has strengthened our belief in him and this team. Extending our partnership with Christian ensures that we continue building momentum with a driver who understands our team’s vision and culture. The best is yet to come for Christian and ECR.”
Rasmussen is hoping to show once again how strong he is on short ovals this weekend when the series visits World Wide Technology Raceway. The Bommarito Automotive Group 500 takes place Sunday at 9 p.m. EDT.
-
Entertainment2 minutes agoSAG-AFTRA members approve deal with major studios
-
Lifestyle8 minutes agoL.A. Affairs: What a Facebook Marketplace pickup taught me about grief and starting over
-
Politics11 minutes agoL.A. city attorney likely to be first incumbent ousted in primary in nearly 100 years
-
Sports23 minutes agoVegas’ Brayden McNabb takes a puck to the face, forced to leave Game 2 of Stanley Cup Finals
-
World31 minutes ago‘Red meat is a dream’: Iran inflation hits highest level since World War II
-
News56 minutes agoPlatner Faces New Accusations Of ‘Toxic’ Relationships After Sexting Scandal
-
Los Angeles, Ca2 hours agoNB 405 Freeway closed near LAX after pursuit ends in gunfire
-
Detroit, MI3 hours agoJudge blocks steam line project on Lafayette Park property
