Evan Smith Steps Down as President of TEXAS MONTHLY; TM Vet Elynn Russell Promoted to President

INDIANAPOLIS, July 17  /PRNewswire/ -- Emmis Publishing, a wholly owned subsidiary of Emmis Communications Corporation (NASDAQ:EMMS) today announced that Evan Smith is stepping down as President/Editor-in-Chief of TEXAS MONTHLY to become CEO of the Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan public media organization. He will remain involved with the magazine as a consultant and will continue to host Texas Monthly Talks as editor emeritus.

Elynn Russell, Executive Vice President/Advertising-Administration and a 30-year veteran of the magazine, has been promoted to President of TEXAS MONTHLY.

"I owe Evan my deepest gratitude for his many contributions through the years," said Gary Thoe, President of Emmis Publishing. "Under Evan's expert leadership, TEXAS MONTHLY enjoyed commercial success and critical acclaim. Winning two National Magazine Awards for General Excellence in the last six years and fourteen more nominations over the last nine is testament to Evan's literary strength. We're pleased that he will continue his involvement and equally pleased that we didn't need to look far for his replacement as President."

Russell joined TEXAS MONTHLY in 1977. Since then, she has served in various business capacities including Advertising Planning Director and Senior Vice President of Operations. Russell has overseen sales operations countrywide and managed human resources. She is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin.

"Elynn's solid background and experience at TEXAS MONTHLY makes her the right choice," Thoe said. "Excellent leadership skills have earned Elynn the respect of the entire staff, and I am confident that TEXAS MONTHLY will continue to flourish under her direction."

"Elynn is a terrific colleague and a terrific leader," outgoing President Smith said. "She knows so much about the inner workings of TEXAS MONTHLY due to her long tenure. She's protective of the journalism, but she's also savvy about the ways in which we serve our advertisers. She'll be a great steward of the brand."

Lorelei Calvert, who came to TEXAS MONTHLY in 1987, has been promoted from Executive Vice President/General Manager of the magazine to Chief Operating Officer. April Hinkle, Publisher, David Barr Dunham, Publisher/Development, and Jake Silverstein, Editor, comprise the TEXAS MONTHLY leadership team.

"TEXAS MONTHLY is led by a seasoned group, with Lorelei, David, April, and Jake alongside Elynn," Thoe said. "The excellence that readers and advertisers expect--and that is a hallmark of TEXAS MONTHLY--will endure."

Emmis Communications - Great Media, Great People, Great Service

Emmis is an Indianapolis-based diversified media firm with radio broadcasting and magazine publishing operations. Emmis Publishing includes Los Angeles Magazine, Texas Monthly, Indianapolis Monthly, Orange Coast, Cincinnati Magazine, Atlanta Magazine, and Country Sampler. Emmis owns 20 FM and 2 AM domestic radio stations serving the nation's largest markets of New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago, as well as St. Louis, Austin, Indianapolis, and Terre Haute, Ind. Emmis also owns a radio network, international radio stations, regional and specialty magazines, and an interactive business. 

DATASOURCE: Emmis Publishing



CONTACT:  Gary Thoe, President, Emmis Publishing, [phone]

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