EMMIS BROADCASTING CORPORATION
DEF 14A, 1998-05-21
RADIO BROADCASTING STATIONS
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<PAGE>   1
 
                                  SCHEDULE 14A
                                 (RULE 14A-101)
                    INFORMATION REQUIRED IN PROXY STATEMENT
                            SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
 
          PROXY STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 14(A) OF THE SECURITIES
                   EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 (AMENDMENT NO.      )
 
Filed by the registrant [X]
Filed by a party other than the registrant [ ]
 
Check the appropriate box:
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                <C>
[ ] Preliminary proxy statement                    [ ] Confidential, for Use of the Commission
[X] Definitive proxy statement                     Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))
</TABLE>
 
[ ] Definitive additional materials
[ ] Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-11(c) or Rule 14a-12
 
                         EMMIS BROADCASTING CORPORATION
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                (Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    (Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)
 
Payment of filing fee (Check the appropriate box):
     [X] No fee required.
     [ ] Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and
0-11.
 
     (1) Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:
 
     (2) Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:
 
     (3) Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed
         pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (Set forth the amount on which the
         filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined):
 
     (4) Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:
 
     (5) Total fee paid:
 
     [ ] Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.
 
     [ ] Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act
Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid
previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number, or
the form or schedule and the date of its filing.
 
     (1) Amount previously paid:
 
     (2) Form, schedule or registration statement no.:
 
     (3) Filing party:
 
     (4) Date filed:
<PAGE>   2
 
                                      LOGO
 
                                                                    May 21, 1998
 
Dear Shareholder:
 
     The directors and officers of Emmis Broadcasting Corporation join me in
extending to you a cordial invitation to attend the annual meeting of our
shareholders. This meeting will be held on Tuesday, June 23, 1998, at 9:30 a.m.
at the Skyline Club, One American Square, Indianapolis, Indiana.
 
     One of the issues we will vote on this year is a proposed change in the
name of our company. As you can see from our new logo, above, we plan to change
our name to "Emmis Communications Corporation." This name change reflects the
growth and opportunity that have become Emmis watchwords. Our recent purchase of
the acclaimed Texas Monthly magazine and our pending acquisition of six
television stations help create a company diverse in media and spirit. We
believe our new name symbolizes a company which is uniquely poised for continued
expansion and profitability as we move into the new millennium.
 
     The formal notice of this annual meeting and the proxy statement appear on
the following pages. After reading the proxy statement, PLEASE MARK, SIGN, AND
RETURN THE ENCLOSED PROXY CARD TO ENSURE THAT YOUR VOTES ON THE BUSINESS MATTERS
OF THE MEETING WILL BE RECORDED.
 
     We hope that you will attend this meeting. Whether or not you attend, we
urge you to return your proxy promptly in the postpaid envelope provided. After
returning the proxy, you may, of course, vote in person on all matters brought
before the meeting.
 
     We look forward to seeing you on June 23.
 
                                          Sincerely,
 
                                          Jeffrey H. Smulyan
                                          President and
                                          Chairman of the Board
<PAGE>   3
 
                         EMMIS BROADCASTING CORPORATION
                             INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA
                    NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
 
     The annual meeting of the shareholders of Emmis Broadcasting Corporation
(the "Corporation") will be held on Tuesday, June 23, 1998, at 9:30 a.m. at the
Skyline Club, One American Square, Indianapolis, Indiana, to consider and to
take action on the following matters:
 
     1.    The election of six directors of the Corporation for terms of one
        year;
 
     2.    The approval of an amendment of the Corporation's Articles of
        Incorporation to change the name of the Corporation to Emmis
        Communications Corporation;
 
     3.    The approval of independent auditors; and
 
     4.    The transaction of such other business as may properly come before
        the meeting and any adjournments thereof.
 
Only shareholders of record at the close of business on April 29, 1998 are
entitled to notice of and to vote at this meeting and any adjournments thereof.
 
                                          By order of the Board of Directors,
 
                                          Norman H. Gurwitz
                                          Secretary
 
Indianapolis, Indiana
May 21, 1998
<PAGE>   4
 
                         EMMIS BROADCASTING CORPORATION
                     950 NORTH MERIDIAN STREET, SUITE 1200
                          INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA 46204
 
                                PROXY STATEMENT
 
     This Proxy Statement is furnished in connection with the solicitation by
the Board of Directors of Emmis Broadcasting Corporation (the "Corporation") of
proxies to be voted at the annual meeting of shareholders to be held on Tuesday,
June 23, 1998, and at any adjournment thereof. The approximate date of mailing
this proxy statement is May 21, 1998. The following is important information in
a question-and-answer format regarding the annual meeting and this proxy
statement.
 
Q: WHAT AM I VOTING ON?
 
     -  Election of six directors (Susan B. Bayh, Gary L. Kaseff, Richard A.
       Leventhal, Jeffrey H. Smulyan, Doyle L. Rose, and Lawrence B. Sorrel,
       with Susan B. Bayh and Richard A. Leventhal nominated to serve as the
       independent directors elected solely by the holders of the Corporation's
       Class A Common Stock)
 
     -  Change the name of the Corporation to "Emmis Communications Corporation"
 
     -  Approve the appointment of Arthur Andersen LLP as the Corporation's
       independent auditors
 
Q: WHO IS ENTITLED TO VOTE?
 
     Holders of either class of the Corporation's Common Stock, Class A or Class
B, as of the close of business on April 29, 1998 (the "Record Date") are
entitled to vote at the annual meeting. As of the Record Date, 8,469,666 shares
of Class A Common Stock and 2,560,894 shares of Class B Common Stock were issued
and outstanding.
 
Q: WHAT ARE THE VOTING RIGHTS OF THE CLASS A AND CLASS B COMMON STOCK?
 
     On each matter submitted to a vote of the Corporation's shareholders, each
share of Class A Common Stock is entitled to one vote and each share of Class B
Common Stock is entitled to ten votes. Generally, the Class A and Class B Common
Stock vote together as a single group. However, the two classes vote separately
in connection with (i) the election of directors, (ii) certain "going private"
transactions and (iii) other matters as provided by law.
 
     For this annual meeting, the Class A and Class B Common Stock will vote
together on all issues, except the election of directors where the holders of
Class A Common Stock are entitled to separately elect two of the Corporation's
directors. Each of these two directors must be an "independent director." An
independent director is a person who is not an officer or employee of the
Corporation or its subsidiaries, and who does not have a relationship which, in
the opinion of the Board of Directors, would interfere with the exercise of
independent judgement in carrying out the responsibilities of a director.
 
Q: HOW DO I VOTE?
 
     Sign and date each proxy card you receive and return it in the prepaid
envelope. If you return your signed proxy card but do not indicate your voting
preferences, we will vote FOR the three proposals on your behalf. You have the
right to revoke your proxy any time before the meeting by (i) notifying the
Corporation's secretary, or (ii) returning a later-dated proxy. You may also
revoke your proxy by voting in person at the meeting.
 
Q: WHAT DOES IT MEAN IF I GET MORE THAN ONE PROXY CARD?
 
     It means you hold shares registered in more than one account. Sign and
return ALL proxy cards to ensure that all your shares are voted.
<PAGE>   5
 
Q: WHO WILL COUNT THE VOTE?
 
     Representatives of First Union National Bank, the Corporation's transfer
agent, will tabulate the votes.
 
Q: WHAT CONSTITUTES A QUORUM?
 
     A majority of the combined voting power of the Class A and Class B Common
Stock constitutes a quorum for the meeting (i.e., counting one vote for each
Class A share, and ten votes for each Class B share, present in person or
represented by proxy).
 
Q: HOW MANY VOTES ARE NEEDED FOR APPROVAL OF EACH ITEM?
 
     There are different voting requirements for the various proposals.
Directors will be elected by a plurality of the votes cast at the meeting.
Consequently, the two Class A director nominees receiving the most votes of
Class A Common Stock will be elected Class A directors and the four other
nominees receiving the most votes of both Class A and Class B Common Stock will
be elected to fill the remaining director positions. Only votes cast for a
nominee will be counted. However, the accompanying proxy will be voted for all
six nominees listed on the proxy unless the proxy contains instructions to the
contrary. Proxies submitted by brokers that do not indicate a vote for some of
the proposals because the holders do not have discretionary voting authority and
have not received instructions from the beneficial owners on how to vote on
those proposals are called "broker non-votes." Broker non-votes, abstentions and
instructions on the accompanying proxy card to withhold authority to vote for
one or more of the nominees will result in those nominees receiving fewer votes.
 
     The amendment to the Articles of Incorporation changing the name of the
Corporation to "Emmis Communications Corporation" requires an affirmative vote
of a majority of the combined voting power of the Class A and Class B Common
Stock outstanding and entitled to vote as of the Record Date. Abstentions and
broker non-votes will have the same effect as votes against the proposal.
 
     The approval of Arthur Andersen LLP as the Corporation's independent
auditor for the next fiscal year requires that the number of votes cast in favor
of Arthur Andersen exceed the number of votes cast against Arthur Andersen. For
this proposal, abstentions and broker non-votes will not be voted for or against
the proposals and will not be counted as entitled to vote.
 
Q: WHO CAN ATTEND THE ANNUAL MEETING?
 
     All shareholders as of the Record Date can attend.
 
Q: WHAT PERCENTAGE OF STOCK DO THE DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS OWN?
 
     Together, they own approximately 7.2% shares of Class A Common Stock and
100.0% shares of Class B Common Stock, representing 78.6% of the combined voting
power of the Class A and Class B Common Stock as of the Record Date. (See page 3
for details.)
 
Q: WHO ARE THE LARGEST PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS?
 
     Jeffrey H. Smulyan, the Corporation's President and Chairman of the Board
of Directors, is the largest single shareholder of the Corporation, beneficially
owning 224,444 Class A shares and 2,935,894 Class B shares as of the Record
Date. In addition, Putnam Investments, Inc., Westport Asset Management, Inc.,
Denver Investment Advisers LLC and Capital Group Companies each beneficially own
in excess of 5% of the Class A Common Stock. (See page 3 for details.)
 
Q: WHEN ARE SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS AND NOMINATIONS FOR THE 1999 MEETING DUE?
 
     Any shareholder of the Corporation wishing to have a proposal considered
for inclusion in the Corporation's 1999 proxy solicitation materials must set
forth such proposal in writing and file it with the secretary of the Corporation
on or before January 21, 1999. The Board of Directors of the Corporation will
review any shareholder proposals that are filed as required and will determine
whether such proposals meet
 
                                        2
<PAGE>   6
 
applicable criteria for inclusion in its 1999 proxy solicitation materials or
consideration at the 1999 annual meeting.
 
                    VOTING SECURITIES AND BENEFICIAL OWNERS
 
     The following table shows, as of April 29, 1998, the number and percentage
of shares of Common Stock held by each person known to the Corporation who owned
beneficially more than five percent of the issued and outstanding Common Stock
of the Corporation, by the Corporation's directors and nominees, and by certain
executive officers:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                        CLASS A COMMON STOCK       CLASS B COMMON STOCK
                                       -----------------------    -----------------------    PERCENT
     FIVE PERCENT SHAREHOLDERS,        AMOUNT AND                 AMOUNT AND                    OF
        SELLING SHAREHOLDER,           NATURE OF       PERCENT    NATURE OF       PERCENT     TOTAL
        DIRECTORS AND CERTAIN          BENEFICIAL        OF       BENEFICIAL        OF        VOTING
         EXECUTIVE OFFICERS            OWNERSHIP        CLASS     OWNERSHIP        CLASS      POWER
     --------------------------        ----------      -------    ----------      -------    --------
<S>                                    <C>             <C>        <C>             <C>        <C>
Jeffrey H. Smulyan...................   224,444(1)       2.7%     2,935,894(14)    100.0%      77.6%
Susan B. Bayh........................    10,100(2)         *             --           --          *
Richard F. Cummings..................   102,957(3)       1.2             --           --          *
Norman H. Gurwitz....................    89,445(4)       1.0             --           --          *
Gary L. Kaseff.......................    24,424(5)         *             --           --          *
Richard A. Leventhal.................    30,600(6)         *             --           --          *
Doyle L. Rose........................   107,935(7)       1.3             --           --          *
Howard L. Schrott....................    63,602(8)         *             --           --          *
Lawrence B. Sorrel...................        --            *             --           --          *
Putnam Investments, Inc..............   923,000(9)      11.2             --           --        2.7
Westport Asset Management, Inc.......   507,200(10)      6.1             --           --        1.5
Denver Investment Advisors LLC.......   504,500(11)      6.1             --           --        1.5
Capital Group Companies, et al.......   467,100(12)      5.6             --           --        1.4
All Officers and Directors as a Group
  (9 persons)........................   638,501(13)      7.2      2,935,894        100.0       78.6
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
 
*   Less than 1%.
 
(1)  Includes 144,444 shares held by Mr. Smulyan as trustee for the Emmis
     Broadcasting Corporation Profit Sharing Trust, (the "Profit Sharing Trust")
     as to which Mr. Smulyan disclaims beneficial ownership.
 
(2)  Consists of 100 shares owned individually and 10,000 shares represented by
     stock options exercisable within 60 days of April 29, 1998.
 
(3)  Consists of 11,916 shares owned individually, 2,468 shares held for the
     benefit of Mr. Cummings' children, 1,573 shares held in the Profit Sharing
     Trust, and 87,000 shares represented by stock options exercisable within 60
     days of April 29, 1998.
 
(4)  Consists of 11,238 shares owned individually or jointly with his spouse,
     275 owned by Mr. Gurwitz's spouse, 2,308 owned for the benefit of Mr.
     Gurwitz's children, 64,545 shares represented by stock options exercisable
     within 60 days of April 29, 1998, 979 shares held in the Profit Sharing
     Trust, and 10,100 shares owned by a corporation of which Mr. Gurwitz's
     spouse is a 50% owner.
 
(5)  Consists of 3,059 shares owned individually by Mr. Kaseff, 1,154 shares
     owned by Mr. Kaseff's spouse, 211 shares held in the Profit Sharing Trust,
     and 20,000 shares represented by stock options exercisable within 60 days
     of April 29, 1998.
 
(6)  Consists of 4,000 shares owned individually, 1,500 shares owned by Mr.
     Leventhal's spouse, 10,100 shares owned by a corporation of which Mr.
     Leventhal is a 50% owner and 15,000 shares represented by stock options
     exercisable within 60 days of April 29, 1998.
 
(7)  Consists of 19,362 shares owned individually, 1,573 shares held in the
     Profit Sharing Trust, and 87,000 shares represented by stock options
     exercisable within 60 days of April 29, 1998.
                                        3
<PAGE>   7
 
(8)  Consists of 750 shares owned individually, 570 shares held in the Profit
     Sharing Trust, and 62,282 shares represented by stock options exercisable
     within 60 days of April 29, 1998.
 
(9)  Information concerning these shares was obtained from an Amendment to
     Schedule 13G filed in January 1998 by Putnam Investments, Inc. on behalf of
     itself, Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc., Putnam Investment Management,
     Inc., The Putnam Advisory Company, Inc., and Putnam New Opportunities Fund,
     each of whom has an address of one Post Office Square, Boston,
     Massachusetts 02109 (except Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc. which has an
     address of 1166 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York 10036).
 
(10) Information concerning these shares was obtained from an Amendment to
     Schedule 13G filed in February 1998 by Westport Asset Management, Inc.,
     which has an address of 235 Riverside Avenue, Westport, Connecticut 06880.
 
(11) Information concerning these shares was obtained from an Amendment to
     Schedule 13G filed in February 1998 by Denver Investment Advisors LLC,
     which has an address of 1225 17th Street, 26th Floor, Denver, Colorado
     80202. Denver Investment Advisors LLC has indicated that it has dispositive
     power over 504,500 shares and sole voting power over 332,200 shares.
 
(12) Information concerning these shares was obtained from an Amendment to
     Schedule 13G filed in February 1998 by The Capital Group Companies, Inc.,
     Capital Research and Management Company and SMALLCAP World Fund, Inc., each
     of whom has an address of 333 South Hope Street, 52nd Floor, Los Angeles,
     California 90071.
 
(13) Includes 345,827 shares represented by stock options exercisable within 60
     days of April 29, 1998, and 144,444 shares held in the Emmis Broadcasting
     Corporation Profit Sharing Trust.
 
(14) Consists of 2,560,894 shares owned individually and 375,000 shares
     represented by stock options exercisable within 60 days of April 29, 1998.
 
                     PROPOSAL NO. 1: ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
 
     Six directors are to be elected. Susan B. Bayh and Richard A. Leventhal
have been nominated to serve as the independent directors elected by the holders
of Class A Common Stock, and Jeffrey H. Smulyan, Doyle L. Rose, Lawrence B.
Sorrel, and Gary L. Kaseff have been nominated to fill the remaining
directorships. Each nominee is nominated to serve a term of one year and until
his or her successor is elected and qualified. All nominees are members of the
present Board of Directors. If, at the time of the 1998 annual meeting, any
nominee is unable or declines to serve, the discretionary authority provided in
the proxy may be exercised to vote for a substitute or substitutes. The Board of
Directors has no reason to believe that any substitute nominee or nominees will
be required.
 
                                        4
<PAGE>   8
 
     THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THE ELECTION OF THE FOLLOWING
NOMINEES.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                  DIRECTOR
NAME, AGE, PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION(S) AND BUSINESS EXPERIENCE DURING PAST 5 YEARS     SINCE
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------    --------
<S>                                                                               <C>
JEFFREY H. SMULYAN, Age 51                                                            1979
Chairman of the Board of Directors and President of the Corporation; formerly
also owner and CEO of the Seattle Mariners major league baseball team;
Director of the Radio Advertising Bureau and The Finish Line; Trustee of Ball
State University.
DOYLE L. ROSE, Age 49                                                                 1984
Radio Division President of the Corporation; previously Executive Vice
President-Operations.
LAWRENCE B. SORREL, Age 39                                                            1993
General Partner of Welsh, Carson, Anderson and Stowe, a private investment
firm; previously, Managing Director of Morgan Stanley & Co., Inc.
GARY L. KASEFF, Age 50                                                                1994
Employed as counsel to the Corporation, also solo practitioner attorney in
Southern California; previously, President of the Seattle Mariners major
league baseball club and partner with the law firm of Epport & Kaseff.
SUSAN B. BAYH, Age 38*                                                                1994
Commissioner of the International Joint Commission of the United States and
Canada; Also, Distinguished Visiting Professor at Butler University and
"Caring for Kids" part-time reporter for WISH-TV; previously, Attorney with
Eli Lilly & Company; Director of Bank One, Indiana, and Anthem Southeast.
RICHARD A. LEVENTHAL, Age 51*                                                         1992
Owns and operates a wholesale fabric and textile company in Carmel, Indiana.
Mr. Leventhal is the brother-in-law of Norman H. Gurwitz, an executive officer
of the Corporation.
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
 
*   Nominee to serve as independent director elected by the holders of the Class
     A Common Stock voting as a single class.
 
     During the last fiscal year, the Board of Directors of the Corporation held
6 meetings, either in person, by telephone or by written consent. All directors
attended at least 75% of the aggregate of (1) the total number of meetings of
the Board of Directors of the Corporation and (2) the total number of meetings
held by all committees on which he or she served. Directors of the Corporation
who are not officers or employees are compensated for their services at the rate
of $1,000 per meeting of the Board of Directors attended. Pursuant to the
Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan, Directors who are not officers or
employees of the Corporation also are entitled to receive options to purchase
5,000 shares of the Corporation's Class A Common Stock. The options are granted
on the date of the Corporation's annual meeting at the closing price of the
underlying shares on that date. In addition to her duties as a director, the
Corporation separately engaged Susan Bayh to develop a unified plan for the
involvement of the Corporation and each of its stations and publications in
various charitable organizations. During the last fiscal year, Mrs. Bayh
received approximately $50,000 as compensation for such services. Nominees for
election as a director of the Corporation are selected by the Board of
Directors, acting as a nominating committee.
 
CERTAIN COMMITTEES OF THE BOARDS OF DIRECTORS OF THE CORPORATION
 
     The Board of Directors of the Corporation currently has an audit committee
and a compensation committee. The audit committee, which informally met in
connection with certain Board meetings, evaluates audit performance, handles
relations with the Corporation's independent auditors and evaluates policies and
procedures relating to internal audit functions and controls. The audit
committee may also examine and consider other matters relating to the financial
affairs of the Corporation as it deems appropriate. The directors who are
members of the audit committee are Richard A. Leventhal and Lawrence B. Sorrel.
The compensation committee, which met three times during the last fiscal year,
provides a general review of the Corporation's compensation and benefit plans to
ensure that they meet corporate objectives. The compensa-
 
                                        5
<PAGE>   9
 
tion committee also has authority to administer and to recommend the grant of
options and other awards under the Corporation's various stock option and
incentive plans, and to administer and recommend contributions under the
Corporation's Profit Sharing Trust. During the last fiscal year, directors who
were members of the compensation committee were Susan B. Bayh, Richard A.
Leventhal and Lawrence B. Sorrell.
 
                              CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS
 
     The Corporation has periodically made interest-bearing loans to various
officers and employees. The approximate amount of such indebtedness outstanding
at April 29, 1998, and the largest aggregate amount of indebtedness outstanding
at any month end during the last fiscal year, was $700,000 for Jeffrey H.
Smulyan, Chairman and President, $103,200 for Doyle L. Rose, Radio Division
President and Director, $82,000 for Richard F. Cummings, Executive Vice
President-Programming, and $60,000 for Norman H. Gurwitz, Executive Vice
President, Corporate Counsel and Secretary. These loans bear interest at the
Corporation's cost of senior debt, which at April 29, 1998, was approximately
8%.
 
                             EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
 
REPORT OF THE COMPENSATION COMMITTEE
 
     Policy and Performance Measures. During the last fiscal year, compensation
for the Corporation's officers (other than Jeffrey H. Smulyan, the Corporation's
chief executive officer) was largely determined by consensus between Mr. Smulyan
and the Corporation's compensation committee, typically without formal action.
Mr. Smulyan determined for each officer a salary that he believed to be
reasonable based upon such officer's compensation for the previous year, the
Corporation's performance over the previous year and each officer's contribution
to such performance. Because the fiscal year ended February 28, 1997, resulted
in significant improvement in the Corporation's same-station broadcast cash
flow, base salary levels of the Corporation's officers for the fiscal year ended
February 28, 1998 were generally increased from base salary levels in 1997.
 
     The Corporation has historically relied upon cash bonuses, stock options
and stock appreciation rights in order to tie compensation to the Corporation's
performance. For the last fiscal year, bonuses for general managers of the
Corporation's radio stations were based upon the extent to which each station
met specified target levels of broadcast cash flow. Bonuses to other officers
were based upon Mr. Smulyan's personal assessment of their contributions to the
Corporation's overall performance and were then discussed with members of the
compensation committee to ensure that none had any objections. Stock options
were also granted to the Corporation's officers during the last fiscal year
under the Corporation's 1994 and 1997 Equity Incentive Plans. The number of
options granted to an officer primarily depended upon such officer's
classification within the Corporation. Each radio station general manager
received options to purchase 6,000 shares of the Corporation's Class A Common
Stock, and each general manager of more than one radio station received options
to purchase an additional 2,000 shares for each radio station under such
person's management. The other officers received options to purchase between
3,000 and 12,000 shares.
 
     The Corporation has also entered into two and three year employment
agreements with certain of the Corporation's general managers and other key
officers. These agreements, which provide for a base salary, annual performance
bonuses, and restricted stock and stock option awards, prohibit the officer from
directly or indirectly competing with the Corporation. The committee believes
that the structure of these agreements should enable the Corporation to retain
its key officers for a certain period of time and to focus the efforts and
energies of such officers on further enhancing the value of the Corporation to
its shareholders.
 
     The Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), generally
limits to $1 million the amount of compensation that may be deducted by the
Corporation in any year with respect to certain of the Corporation's officers.
Accordingly, the compensation committee endeavors to structure executive
compensation so that most of such compensation will be deductible. At the same
time, the compensation committee has
 
                                        6
<PAGE>   10
 
the authority to award compensation in excess of the $1 million limit,
regardless of whether such additional compensation will be deductible by the
Corporation, where the committee determines in good faith that such compensation
is appropriate.
 
     Chief Executive Officer Compensation. Mr. Smulyan is compensated in
accordance with his employment agreement which provides for (i) an annual salary
of approximately $682,000 in the fiscal year ended February 28, 1998, with
annual increases of 10% plus an inflation adjustment, subject to a maximum
annual increase of 15%; (ii) annual bonuses ranging from a minimum of $50,000 to
a maximum of $250,000, as adjusted for inflation; and (iii) the award of options
to purchase 100,000 shares of Common Stock at a price per share of $15.50 for
each year during the term of the agreement that either the Corporation's annual
broadcast cash flow increases from the previous year by a percentage specified
in the agreement or the percentage increase in the average monthly fair market
value of the Corporation's Common Stock during the fiscal year exceeds that of a
specified peer group of broadcasting companies.
 
     The amount of the annual bonuses under Mr. Smulyan's employment agreement
is determined by the Board of Directors, based in part on the recommendation of
the compensation committee. During the last fiscal year, the Corporation's pro
forma broadcast cash flow (as that calculation is defined in Mr. Smulyan's
employment agreement) increased 6.5%. In addition, the Corporation began
operating two additional radio stations in Indianapolis, Indiana, and one
additional radio station in New York, New York, substantially solidifying the
Corporation's presence in each of these markets. Finally, the Corporation
augmented its publishing division through the acquisitions of Cincinnati
Magazine and Texas Monthly. As a result of these achievements, the compensation
committee has recommended a cash bonus of $140,000. Mr. Smulyan will not be
entitled to receive the 100,000 stock options provided for in his agreement
because the increase in broadcast cash flow did not meet the pre-determined
percentage specified by the compensation committee and the fair market value of
the Corporation's Common Stock did not exceed the Corporation's peer group.
However, a final determination on what stock-based compensation, if any, Mr.
Smulyan should receive as a result of his leadership this past fiscal year will
not be determined until the annual meeting of the Board of Directors in June
1998.
 
                         Compensation Committee Members
                                 Susan B. Bayh
                              Richard A. Leventhal
                               Lawrence B. Sorrel
 
                                        7
<PAGE>   11
 
PERFORMANCE GRAPH
 
     The following line graph compares the yearly percentage change in the
cumulative total shareholder return on the Common Stock of the Corporation with
the cumulative total return of the NASDAQ Stock Market Index and the cumulative
total return of the NASDAQ Telecommunications Stock Market Index (an index
containing performance data of radio, telephone, telegraph, television and cable
television companies) from February 28, 1994, to the fiscal year ended February
28, 1998. The performance graph assumes that an investment of $100 was made in
the Corporation's Common Stock and in each index on February 28, 1994, the date
of the Corporation's initial public offering, and that all dividends were
reinvested.
 
                 COMPARISON OF CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN GRAPH


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                            Feb-94      Feb-95   Feb-96  Feb-97   Feb-98        
<S>                         <C>          <C>      <C>    <C>       <C>
Emmis                        $100        $103     $247    $223     $223  
Nasdaq Stk Mkt               $100        $100     $139    $165     $165
Nasdaq Telecomm              $100         $93     $125    $124     $124
</TABLE>

 
                                        8
<PAGE>   12
 
COMPENSATION TABLES
 
     The following table sets forth the compensation awarded to, earned by, or
paid to the chief executive officer and the four most highly compensated
executive officers other than the chief executive officer (collectively, the
"Named Executive Officers") during each of the last three fiscal years.
 
                           SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                            LONG-TERM
                                                                                          COMPENSATION
                                                                                    -------------------------
                                                       ANNUAL COMPENSATION                   AWARDS
                                                  -----------------------------     -------------------------
                                                                         OTHER                     SECURITIES       ALL
                                    FISCAL YEAR                         ANNUAL      RESTRICTED     UNDERLYING      OTHER
             NAME AND                  ENDED                            COMPEN-       STOCK         OPTIONS/      COMPEN-
        PRINCIPAL POSITION          FEBRUARY 28    SALARY     BONUS     SATION        AWARDS        SARS(#)        SATION
        ------------------          -----------   --------   --------   -------     ----------     ----------     --------
<S>                                 <C>           <C>        <C>        <C>         <C>            <C>            <C>
JEFFREY H. SMULYAN................     1998       $681,717   $140,000   $   --       $     --      100,000(1)     $101,735(2)
President and                          1997        606,223    250,000       --             --       100,000         72,180
Chairman of the Board                  1996        538,853    250,000       --             --       100,000         72,180
DOYLE L. ROSE.....................     1998       $434,156   $ 44,800   $14,400(3)   $     --        25,000       $     --
Radio Division                         1997        408,446     80,000   14,400             --        25,000             --
President                              1996        385,066    245,000   14,400        981,000(4)     25,000             --
RICHARD F. CUMMINGS...............     1998       $434,156   $ 44,800   $14,400(3)   $     --        25,000       $     --
Executive Vice President               1997        408,446     80,000   14,400             --        25,000             --
- -- Programming                         1996        385,047    245,000   14,400        981,000(4)     25,000             --
HOWARD L. SCHROTT.................     1998       $238,162   $ 28,000   $   --(3)    $     --        12,000       $     --
Executive Vice President,              1997        218,195     50,000       --             --        29,806             --
Treasurer and Chief                    1996        191,920     60,000       --             --        13,139             --
Financial Officer
NORMAN H. GURWITZ.................     1998       $215,811   $ 28,000   $14,400(3)   $     --        12,000       $     --
Executive Vice President,              1997        195,257     50,000   14,400             --        29,806             --
Corporate Counsel and                  1996        165,992     60,000   14,400             --        13,139             --
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
(1) Stock options granted as of March 1, 1997.
 
(2) Represents the present value of premiums paid by the Corporation on a
     split-dollar life insurance policy.
 
(3) Represents automobile allowance. Mr. Schrott's automobile allowance is
     included as part of his salary.
 
(4) Represents the market value on the date of grant of 36,000 shares of
     restricted stock granted to each of Messrs. Rose and Cummings pursuant to
     the terms of their respective employment agreements. The restricted stock
     held by each of Messrs. Rose and Cummings had a market value of $1,782,000
     as of the end of the Corporation's last fiscal year and vested March 6,
     1998.
 
                     OPTION/SAR GRANTS IN LAST FISCAL YEAR
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                INDIVIDUAL GRANTS
                                --------------------------------------------------    POTENTIAL REALIZABLE
                                NUMBER OF     % OF TOTAL                                VALUE AT ASSUMED
                                SECURITIES   OPTIONS/SARS                             ANNUAL RATES OF STOCK
                                UNDERLYING    GRANTED TO    EXERCISE                   PRICE APPRECIATION
                                 OPTIONS/     EMPLOYEES      OR BASE                     FOR OPTION TERM
                                   SARS           IN          PRICE     EXPIRATION   -----------------------
NAME                             GRANTED     FISCAL YEAR    ($/SHARE)      DATE          5%          10%
- ----                            ----------   ------------   ---------   ----------   ----------   ----------
<S>                             <C>          <C>            <C>         <C>          <C>          <C>
Jeffrey H. Smulyan............   100,000        22.99%       $15.50      2/28/02     $2,853,171   $4,006,260
Doyle L. Rose.................    25,000         5.75%        15.50      2/28/00        976,844    1,109,875
Richard F. Cummings...........    25,000         5.75%        15.50      2/28/00        976,844    1,109,875
Howard L. Schrott.............    12,000         2.76%        34.50           (1)       142,121      326,106
Norman H. Gurwitz.............    12,000         2.76%        34.50           (1)       142,121      326,106
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
(1) The options expire at a rate of 20% per year beginning February 28, 2001,
     with all options expired by February 28, 2005.
 
                                        9
<PAGE>   13
 
              AGGREGATED OPTION/SAR EXERCISES IN LAST FISCAL YEAR
                     AND FISCAL YEAR-END OPTION/SAR VALUES
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         NUMBER OF SECURITIES
                                                        UNDERLYING UNEXERCISED          VALUE OF UNEXERCISED
                                                     OPTIONS/SARS AT FISCAL YEAR      IN-THE-MONEY OPTIONS/SARS
                            ACQUIRED                             END                     AT FISCAL YEAR END
                               ON         VALUE     ------------------------------   ---------------------------
NAME                        EXERCISE     REALIZED   EXERCISABLE   UNEXERCISABLE(1)   EXERCISABLE   UNEXERCISABLE
- ----                       -----------   --------   -----------   ----------------   -----------   -------------
<S>                        <C>           <C>        <C>           <C>                <C>           <C>
Jeffrey H. Smulyan.......        --      $     --     375,000              --        $13,514,063    $       --
Doyle L. Rose............        --            --      12,000          75,000            435,000     2,550,000
Richard F. Cummings......        --            --      12,000          75,000            435,000     2,550,000
Howard L. Schrott........     3,400       102,056      53,045          12,000          1,120,991       180,000
Norman H. Gurwitz........    11,275       232,269      52,545          12,000          1,101,241       180,000
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
 
(1) These options all became exercisable on March 1, 1998.
 
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS
 
     During the fiscal year ended February 28, 1994, the Corporation entered
into a five-year employment agreement with Jeffrey H. Smulyan pursuant to which
Mr. Smulyan is employed as chief executive officer of the Corporation. Mr.
Smulyan's base compensation during the last fiscal year was approximately
$682,000, with the agreement providing for annual increases of 10% plus an
inflation adjustment, subject to a maximum aggregate annual increase of 15%. In
addition, the agreement provides for annual bonuses to be set by the Board of
Directors ranging from a minimum of $50,000 up to a maximum of $250,000, as
adjusted for inflation. Mr. Smulyan is also entitled to receive options to
purchase 100,000 shares of Class A Common Stock at a price per share of $15.50
(the price per share in the Corporation's initial public offering) for each year
during the term of the agreement that the Corporation's broadcast cash flow or
Common Stock price targets specified in the agreement are achieved. Under the
agreement, Mr. Smulyan retains the right to participate in all employee benefit
plans of the Corporation for which he is otherwise eligible. The agreement with
Mr. Smulyan is subject to termination by the Board of Directors or by Mr.
Smulyan, either without cause or for cause, at any time upon notice. In the
event the Corporation terminates Mr. Smulyan's employment without cause (as
defined in the agreement) or in the event Mr. Smulyan terminates his employment
for good reason (as defined in the agreement), Mr. Smulyan will be entitled to
receive the present value of the applicable base and incentive compensation
through a date five years after the date of termination. In addition, the
agreement entitles Mr. Smulyan to certain termination benefits upon disability,
death or a change in control (as defined in the agreement) of the Corporation.
Following a termination of Mr. Smulyan's employment, other than a termination by
the Corporation without cause (as defined in the agreement) or a termination by
Mr. Smulyan with good reason (as defined in the agreement), Mr. Smulyan would be
prohibited from engaging in a business in competition with the Corporation for a
period of two years after the date of termination.
 
     During the fiscal year ended February 29, 1996, the Corporation entered
into three-year employment agreements with each of Doyle L. Rose and Richard F.
Cummings, pursuant to which Mr. Rose was employed as Radio Division President
and Mr. Cummings was employed as Executive Vice President -- Programming. Each
employment agreement provided for a $150,000 signing bonus and an annual base
salary of $383,000, $408,000 and $433,000, respectively, for each of the three
years covered thereby. In addition, each agreement provided (i) upon the
commencement of the agreement, for the award of 36,000 restricted shares of
Class A Common Stock, which shares were subject to forfeiture if the officer was
terminated for cause (as defined in the agreement) or terminated his employment
for a reason other than death or disability (as defined in the agreement), (ii)
at the end of each completed year of service under the agreement, for the award
of options to purchase up to 25,000 shares of Common Stock at a price per share
equal to $15.50 per share, which options were first exercisable after the end of
the term of the agreement and would automatically terminate if the officer was
is terminated for cause or terminated his employment for a reason other than
death or disability, and (iii) at the end of each completed year of service
under the agreement, for the award of a
 
                                       10
<PAGE>   14
 
bonus in an amount (if any) determined by the Chief Executive Officer, and based
upon such officer's performance during such year and the Corporation's bonus
practices with respect to its other key executive officers for such year. Under
the agreements, Messrs. Rose and Cummings each retained the right to participate
in all employee benefit plans of the Corporation for which they would otherwise
be eligible. These employment agreements expired February 28, 1998. The
Corporation and Messrs. Rose and Cummings are in the process of negotiating new
employment agreements.
 
     During the fiscal year ended February 28, 1997, the Corporation entered
into a three-year employment agreement with Howard L. Schrott pursuant to which
Mr. Schrott is employed as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
of the Corporation. The employment agreement provides for an annual base salary
of approximately $200,000, $220,000 and $242,000, respectively, for each of the
three years covered thereby. In addition, the agreement provides (i) for an
annual cash bonus of not less than $20,000 nor more than $50,000, (ii) the award
of 10,000 shares of Class A Common Stock if Mr. Schrott remains employed by the
Corporation through the expiration of the agreement (or is disabled, as defined
in the agreement), and (iii) for the award of options to purchase 29,806 shares
at their fair market value on March 1, 1996 and options to purchase 12,000
shares on the first day of each of the remaining contract years at the fair
market value of such shares on the date of the grant. Under the agreement, Mr.
Schrott also retains the right to participate in all employee benefit plans of
the Corporation for which he is otherwise eligible.
 
                    PROPOSAL NO. 2: APPROVAL OF NAME CHANGE
 
     The Board of Directors of the Corporation has proposed an amendment to the
Corporation's Articles of Incorporation to change the name of the Corporation to
"Emmis Communications Corporation." The directors believe that the term
"communications" more accurately describes the business in which the Corporation
is engaged. When the Corporation was originally formed, its operations were
exclusively focused on radio broadcasting. However, a number of years ago, the
Corporation delved into periodical publishing through Indianapolis Monthly and,
then, Atlanta. More recently, the Corporation has expanded its publishing
operations by acquiring Cincinnati Magazine and Texas Monthly. Broadcasting
remains a cornerstone of the Corporation's business. In fact, radio broadcasting
will soon be supplemented with television broadcasting. Nonetheless, the
directors recognize that broadcasting is but one of the media through which the
Corporation communicates with its audiences.
 
     THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT SHAREHOLDERS VOTE IN
FAVOR OF THIS PROPOSAL.
 
              PROPOSAL NO. 3: APPROVAL OF APPOINTMENT OF AUDITORS
 
     The appointment of the Corporation's independent auditors is being
submitted for approval by vote of the shareholders. The Corporation's financial
statements for the year ended February 28, 1998 were certified by Arthur
Andersen LLP. The Board of Directors has selected Arthur Andersen as its
independent auditors for the fiscal year ending February 28, 1999.
Representatives of Arthur Andersen are expected to attend the annual meeting
with the opportunity to make a statement if they desire to do so, and will be
available to respond to appropriate questions. If shareholders do not approve
the selection of Arthur Andersen, then the selection of independent auditors
will be reconsidered by the Board of Directors.
 
     THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT SHAREHOLDERS VOTE IN
FAVOR OF THIS PROPOSAL.
 
      COMPLIANCE WITH SECTION 16(A) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
     Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, requires
the Corporation's officers and directors, and persons who own more than 10% of
the Corporation's Common Stock, to file with the Securities and Exchange
Commission reports detailing their ownership of the Corporation's Common Stock
and changes in such ownership. Officers, directors and greater than 10%
shareholders (the "Reporting Persons") are required by Securities and Exchange
Commission regulation to furnish the Corporation with copies of all Section
16(a) forms they file. Based solely on review of the copies of such forms
furnished to the
 
                                       11
<PAGE>   15
 
Corporation, the Corporation believes that during the last fiscal year all
Reporting Persons complied with the filing requirements of Section 16(a), except
that Susan B. Bayh, Norman H. Gurwitz, and Jeffrey H. Smulyan each failed to
timely file one report in connection with one transaction, and Richard A.
Leventhal failed to timely file two reports in connection with two transactions.
 
                                 ANNUAL REPORT
 
     A copy of the Corporation's Annual Report for the year ended February 28,
1998 has been provided to all shareholders of record as of the Record Date. The
Annual Report is not to be considered as proxy solicitation material.
 
                                 OTHER MATTERS
 
     The Board of Directors knows of no other matters to be brought before this
annual meeting. However, if other matters should come before the meeting, it is
the intention of each person named in the proxy to vote such proxy in accordance
with his or her judgment on such matters.
 
                            EXPENSES OF SOLICITATION
 
     The entire expense of preparing, assembling, printing and mailing the proxy
form and the material used in the solicitation of proxies will be paid by the
Corporation. The Corporation does not expect that the solicitation will be made
by specially engaged employees or paid solicitors. Although the Corporation
might use such employees or solicitors if it deems them necessary, no
arrangements or contracts have been made with any such employees or solicitors
as of the date of this statement. In addition to the use of the mails,
solicitation may be made by telephone, telegraph, cable or personal interview.
The Corporation will request record holders of shares beneficially owned by
others to forward this proxy statement and related materials to the beneficial
owners of such shares, and will reimburse such record holders for their
reasonable expenses incurred in doing so.
 
     IT IS IMPORTANT THAT PROXIES BE RETURNED PROMPTLY. Whether or not you
attend the meeting, you are urged to execute and return the proxy.
 
                                          For the Board of Directors,
 
                                          Jeffrey H. Smulyan
May 21, 1998                              Chairman
 
                                       12
<PAGE>   16
 
                         EMMIS BROADCASTING CORPORATION
                     950 NORTH MERIDIAN STREET, SUITE 1200
                          INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA 46204
 
       THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE
                                  CORPORATION
 
         The undersigned hereby appoints Jeffrey H. Smulyan, Howard L.
     Schrott and Norman H. Gurwitz, and each of them, attorneys-in-fact and
     proxies, with full power of substitution, to vote as designated below
     all shares of Class A Common Stock of Emmis Broadcasting Corporation
     which the undersigned would be entitled to vote if personally present
     at the annual meeting of shareholders to be held on June 23, 1998, at
     9:30 a.m., and at any adjournment thereof.
 
<TABLE>
         <S>                                                  <C>
         1.  ELECTION OF DIRECTORS FOR A TERM OF ONE YEAR.
            [ ]FOR all nominees listed below (except as       [ ]WITHHOLD AUTHORITY to vote for all nominees
               marked to the contrary below)
</TABLE>
 
             Jeffrey H. Smulyan, Doyle L. Rose, Lawrence B. Sorrel,
            Gary L. Kaseff, Susan B. Bayh* and Richard A. Leventhal*
 
     (INSTRUCTION: To withhold authority to vote for any individual
     nominee, write that nominee's name on the line below.)
 
     ----------------------------------------------------------------------
 
     2.  PROPOSAL TO APPROVE THE AMENDMENT TO THE ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION
         TO CHANGE THE NAME OF THE CORPORATION TO "EMMIS COMMUNICATIONS
         CORPORATION."
          [ ] FOR          [ ] AGAINST          [ ] ABSTAIN
 
     3.  PROPOSAL TO APPROVE THE SELECTION OF ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP AS
         INDEPENDENT AUDITORS.
          [ ] FOR          [ ] AGAINST          [ ] ABSTAIN
 
     4.  In their discretion, the Proxies are authorized to vote upon such
         other business as may properly come before the meeting.
 
                             (Continued on other side)
 
        * Class A Director
 
                          (Continued from other side)
 
         This proxy when properly executed will be voted in the manner
     directed herein by the undersigned shareholders. If no direction is
     made, this proxy will be voted FOR Proposals 1, 2 and 3.
 
         The undersigned acknowledges receipt from Emmis Broadcasting
     Corporation prior to the execution of this proxy, of notice of the
     meeting, a proxy statement, and an annual report to shareholders.
 
         Please sign exactly as name appears below. When shares are held as
     joint tenants, both should sign. When signing as attorney, executor,
     administrator, trustee or guardian, please give full title. If a
     corporation, please sign in full corporate name by president or other
     authorized officer. If a partnership, please sign in partnership name
     by authorized person.
 
                                             Dated:  , 1998
                                                       Signature
 
                                              (Signature if held jointly)
 
 PLEASE MARK, SIGN, DATE AND RETURN THE PROXY CARD PROMPTLY USING THE ENCLOSED
                                   ENVELOPE.
 
                                REVOCABLE PROXY


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