The Indianapolis native bought Tribune Inc. stations to generate WISH-TV and WNDY-TV this year. He would still like to acquire a national network, he thinks, but nothing, and the next five years will be interesting.
You’ve been away from Indianapolis for a while. Was it always your long-term plan to come back and run television stations in your hometown?
I always knew I wanted to own television stations. I didn’t know when or how. I just knew I wanted to do it. When the opportunity came along, I was prepared to take advantage of it. Coming back to Indianapolis was always part of the plan. This is home. My family is here. My roots are here. It means a lot to be able to come back and invest in the community that helped shape me.
What were your first impressions of the stations you acquired?
The first thing that stood out was the talent and dedication of the people. There are some incredibly hardworking individuals at both stations. That gave me confidence that we could build something special. There are also opportunities for growth, particularly in how we serve the community and expand our local programming.
What changes have you made since taking over?
We’ve focused on increasing local content and making sure we’re telling the stories that matter most to our viewers. That includes more community-focused reporting and initiatives that highlight issues affecting Indianapolis residents. We’re also investing in our news operations and digital platforms to reach audiences wherever they are.
How do you view the role of local television today?
Local television is more important than ever. In a time when there’s so much information coming from so many sources, people still rely on local news for accurate, trustworthy reporting about their communities. We have a responsibility to inform, educate, and serve the public.
What are your long-term goals for your stations?
We want to continue growing our presence in Indianapolis and across the region. That means expanding our news coverage, investing in talent, and exploring new ways to connect with viewers. Ultimately, we want to be the go-to source for news and information in Central Indiana.
“I believe stations have done a fair job, but I think there’s an opening for better and more inclusive reporting in the multicultural arena. I don’t mind taking the lead on that.”
— DuJuan McCoy