CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
                 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350, AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
                  SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

The undersigned hereby certifies,  in accordance with 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as
adopted  pursuant  to  Section  906 of the  Sarbanes-Oxley  Act of 2002,  in his
capacity as an officer of Emmis Operating Company (the "Company"),  that, to his
knowledge:

     (1) the Annual  Report of the  Company  on Form 10-K for the  period  ended
     February 28, 2003, fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or
     15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

     (2) the  information  contained  in such  report  fairly  presents,  in all
     material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the
     Company.

Dated:  May 9, 2003


                                           /s/ JEFFREY H. SMULYAN
                                           Jeffrey H. Smulyan
                                           Chairman of the Board, President and
                                           Chief Executive Officer


     A signed  original of this  written  statement  required by Section 906 has
     been  provided  to Emmis  Operating  Company  and will be retained by Emmis
     Operating  Company and furnished to the Securities and Exchange  Commission
     or its staff upon request.