The Women of Fox 59’s Indy Now
Not only did Fox 59’s Indy Now lifestyle show launch at number one in its time slot in 2021, it has maintained that position ever since. And it’s easy to see why: they give us the feel-good content we all need while covering local events and businesses.
Abby, Kerrigan, and Jillian - just some of the amazing women of Indy Now (and Ryan. Hiiii Ryan!)
We talked to the women who make this lifestyle show happen both onscreen and behind the scenes. They gave us the inside scoop on all things Indy Now: their most memorable moments, wildest ideas, and how much fun they have bringing it all together!
Meet Jillian Deam, Host
What do you love most about working at Indy Now?
Our team! We have the best crew and cover positive news daily while supporting local businesses, nonprofits, and organizations. Ryan and I have a great sibling-like dynamic within a team that really loves and respects each other. We often end up in tears laughing.
What motivated you to want to work in broadcasting?
I originally went to Butler because of their dance program!. My professor Scott Bridge helped me draw a parallel between dancing and broadcasting since both are ways of visually telling a story. I worked in broadcast journalism for eight years and focused a lot on crime. It is important to report but weighed on me after a while. When the opportunity for Indy Now came up it sounded like a dream job.
Meet Kerrigan Arnold, Executive Producer
So tell us, what’s your memorable moment on Indy Now?
I have to say our hot tub show was a highlight for me. Jillian heard about a local company that lets you rent hot tubs. It started as a joke: What if we did the whole show in a hot tub? So we did! If we can do that, then we can tackle anything.
We see you on the show sometimes. Do you prefer on-screen or behind-the-scenes?
I love doing both: Filling in when I can with live reporting, but also the creative process of producing - there is nothing like it. I was looking for on-air positions when I decided to leave my previous job. When I interviewed for Indy Now, I thought it would be a great opportunity to build a show from the ground up. When I started, all we had was the name.
When you’re not running Indy Now where can we find you?
If I didn’t work in broadcasting, I would be pursuing my passion for singing and songwriting. When things get tough, I’m going to sit down at the piano and write about it.
(Hey Kerrigan! How do we get a request in for a Ryan/Kerrigan duet on the show?)
Meet Abby Peavey, Associate Producer
What do you love most about working at Indy Now?
We have eight segments daily, most of which are small local businesses. I love meeting new people, hearing about their work, and supporting them. It’s really cool to see what people are passionate about and what led to them pursue it full-time. I feel an instant bond with our guests because they know what we’re doing is hard and I know what they’re doing is hard.
Is there something people would be surprised to know about working in broadcasting?
A lot of people assume we have a lot of resources and staff, but that’s not the case. We are a small team, mainly the core four, with help from a few people from other departments. Jillian and Ryan are not just hosts - though they are exactly as you see on the show - they are full-time employees helping with booking, going on shoots, and doing a lot of behind-the-scenes work.
Meet Robyn Keeney, Marketing Director of FOX59/CBS4
As marketing director, can you describe what a typical day looks like for you?
I’m Marketing Director for both FOX59 and CBS4, so my job is to bring more consumers to our product and raise more loyalists for our brand. This includes a hodgepodge of things such as overseeing promos, responding on social media, meeting with sales managers to highlight upcoming opportunities, crafting a show game, or doing a post-show wrap with the cast and crew.
What are your favorite segments on Indy Now?
I love Lyrical Lightning and Pop Quiz, but I get most excited about any animal segment. The day we booked five golden retriever puppies, I sprinted to the green room!
Meet Janine Garner, Promotions Manager of FOX59/CBS4
As promotions manager, what do you do at Indy Now?
I work across three brands so my day is filled with a lot of on-air promotions for all of them. I have experience in lifestyle show production, so I provide a mentor role and work on social media for Indy Now. We have a lot of fun with our social media, and it has taken off and has a life of its own. I also scheduled all the promotions that you see on tv across various channels.
Tell us about your proudest professional moment.
I have two daughters, 15 and 11, and I won’t say I always have a perfect work-life balance. Still, there are moments when I succeed at work and then come home and have a really great evening with my family. At the end of those days I’m like, ‘Ok, I’m doing this! Today was a good day.’ When things get stressful, I get through it knowing those good days will come too (eventually). (Hang in there mama, we can totally relate!)
The women of Indy Now (and, of course, Ryan!)
Who better to give us all of the #trending spots in Indy than this fab team? The women of Indy Now share their faves around town:
Hike at Ritchey Woods
Enjoy jaw-dropping pastries at Amelia’s
Sweat-it-out with inferno hot Pilates classes at The Hot Room
Fuel that caffeine addiction at Bovaconti Coffee or Bee Coffee
Get centered with Yoga at the Ruins at Holliday Park
Spend hours exploring the grounds at Newfields
Visit the patio at Urban Vines
Follow Indy Now on Facebook and Instagram and tune in on weekdays at 10am on Fox59 or via the Fox 59 website so you don’t miss out on the fun. Don’t forget to tune in biweekly for theCityMoms recurring segments!
