LOCAL STATIONS OPERATING UNDER NEW INDY 500 LANDSCAPE

     Indianapolis TV stations are seeing a shift in advertising
dollars due to the Indy car feud which resulted in a competing
race being run in Brooklyn, MI, on the same day as the Indy 500.
According to the INDIANAPOLIS NEWS-STAR, WIBC-AM reports May
revenues are off 20% -- slightly less than $200,000 -- due to the
competing races.  But WIBC's experience "appears the exception
rather than the rule," according to Steve Hall in Indianapolis.
WRTV GM John Long reports that the national advertisers that have
abandoned the Indianapolis market (such as Target Stores) have
been replaced with local sponsors blocked from local airwaves
during past years.  Long:  "We're billing about the same amount
as last year."  Another factor working in TV's favor is increased
coverage on preparations for both races.  WBIC's shortfall also
could be attributed to the Pacers' short playoff run
(INDIANAPOLIS NEWS-STAR, 5/23).