WISH, Radio Station Set News Partnership

CW affliliate WISH Indianapolis (DMA 28), owned by Nexstar Media Group, and WIBC-FM there, owned by Emmis Communications, join forces today in a newsgathering partnership.

“We are excited to partner with such an iconic radio news operation,” said Randy Ingram, WISH vice president and general manager. “Like WISH-TV, WIBC is a legacy news station which has been a staple in Central Indiana for decades. While this relationship is a good for both of our newsrooms, it’s the local news consumers who will most benefit from these two premiere news organizations working together.”

“WIBC has a serious commitment to local news,” said Bob Richards, Emmis Indianapolis VP and market manager. “We are thrilled to work with a TV station that is equally passionate about local coverage. This partnership is a natural.”

WIBC and WISH will share both content and coverage. The WISH news team will have access to WIBC news stories, staff, analysists and hosts, along with the resources of Emmis’ Network Indiana.

Likewise, WISH news, sports, traffic and Storm Track 8 weather forecasts will be heard on the radio station. WIBC will also simulcast WISH’s 5-6 a.m. Daybreak newscast every weekday.

“We are already planning for some joint projects that will make this TV-radio partnership unique to the market,” said David Wood director of programming for WIBC.

Beyond the news exchange, the stations will collaborate on other projects such as the WIBC Radiothon, WISH Tree and Tweet for Toys, 4th of July Downtown Freedom Blast and The Zone Friday Night Football coverage.