Indy Radio: David O'Brien OUT At Country WLHK

Dave O'Brien

Country WLHK 97.1 Hank FM has parted ways with on-air personality Dave O'Brien, who debuted as a morning host when the station launched in March 2005.

Emmis Communications, WLHK's owner, wished O'Brien future success in a statement emailed to IndyStar.

"Yesterday we notified Dave O'Brien that his contract was not being renewed," the company stated. "This was a difficult decision; Dave has been a valued member of the Emmis family for some time."

O'Brien worked for three Emmis stations: WNOU (2001-03); WENS (2004) and WLHK. His Indianapolis radio career began at WRZX-FM (103.3) in 1996.

He partnered with fellow on-air personality Ed Wenck at WRZX, WNOU, WENS and WLHK. Their show was billed as "Wank & O'Brien" until 2010, when Wenck — who no longer works in radio — shifted to Emmis station WIBC.

Hank FM is locked in a perennial duel with WFMS 95.5 FM.

According to February rankings by Nielsen Audio, WFMS ranked No. 6 in audience size for all Indianapolis listeners and WLHK ranked No. 7. O'Brien told IndyStar his show ranked No. 3 among local listeners ages 25-54.

He's a five-time nominee in the category of large market personality of the year at the Academy of Country Music Awards.

Emmis also unveiled a change across the hall at Sports WFNI 1070 AM / W296BB 107.5 FM .

The Fan.  Jeff and Big Joe will be mooving to mornings 7am-10am starting May 6, replacing ESPN's Wingo and Golic.  Their timeslot on The Fan will be covered by ESPN's Dan Le Batard Show.

The "Jeff & Big Joe Show" launched in January replacing the "Grady & Big Joe Show".