Radio One Indianapolis, known for bringing R&B, hip-hop and gospel music to the city’s airwaves, recently announced a couple new appointments. Deon Levingston, who until recently was Emmis Communications’ senior vice president and market manager in New York City, was named general manager of Radio One in late February, replacing longtime general manager Chuck Williams. This is Levingston’s second time serving as general manager at Radio One Indianapolis.
“I never really left Indy,” Levingston said. “I’ve been commuting back and forth for the last 12 years. It feels good to sleep in my own bed; I don’t have to rush to the airport at 4 a.m., and I can catch my daughter dancing in her competitions or playing in her soccer games. It feels good to kiss my wife and have dinner at home in the middle of the week.”
Radio One Indianapolis also announced Pastor Michael Jones as radio host of “Community Conversation,” which now airs from 1–3 p.m. on AM-1310 The Light, the time slot formerly filled by the late Amos Brown III’s popular radio show, “Afternoons with Amos.”
Jones is the son of Sam Jones, the late civil rights activist and former Indianapolis Urban League president.
Levingston is very familiar with Brown’s work and admits the late leader can’t entirely be replaced.
“Many people have tried to draw analogies, but Amos was our community affairs director and the host of ‘Afternoons with Amos.’ It’s ironic that I was the person to put him on the show before I left.
“I know Amos’ role can’t be filled, so we’ve actually divided that role into two people. Much of the selection process was done before I got here. They wanted someone out serving the community, and I think Pastor Jones is a perfect example of that. I have not worked with him, but I look forward to working with him, because it’s the assumption he will carry on the legacy of his father, who was great to work with.”
While Levingston did not reveal the name of the individual who will work alongside Jones to cover the vacant role, he did say the person has previously worked with Radio One Indianapolis. He said he has big plans for the station and looks forward to interacting with the community.
“Chuck did an excellent job while I was gone, and he actually replaced me when I left and has been the only general manger since I left. I bring back a passion for being home again and being involved in the community. I look forward to being active and increasing the station’s activity for all those we serve,” he said.
“I would like to evaluate where we are in the community we serve. We lost a major anchor to everything we did with Amos Brown, and we need to make sure we’re doing the best we can to touch the people in the community on all levels. People often come to our brand for their education, their news and more.”
