Exhibit 23

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the following Registration Statements:

• Combined shelf Registration Statement (Form S-3, No. 333-62172) of Emmis Communications Corporation and Emmis Operating Company,

• Registration Statement (Form S-8, No. 333-14657), pertaining the Emmis Communications Corporation 1995 Equity Incentive Plan and the Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan,

• Registration Statement (Form S-8, No. 333-42878), pertaining the Emmis Communications Corporation 1997 Equity Incentive Plan, the 1999 Equity Incentive Plan and the Employee Stock Purchase Agreement,

• Registration Statement (Form S-8, No. 333-71904), pertaining the Emmis Communications Corporation 2001 Equity Incentive Plan,

• Registration Statement (Form S-8, No. 333-92318), pertaining the Emmis Communications Corporation 2002 Equity Compensation Plan,

• Registration Statement (Form S-8, No. 333-105724), pertaining the Emmis Operating Company 401(k) Plan and Emmis Operating Company 401(k) Plan Two,

• Registration Statement (Form S-8, No. 333-117033), pertaining the Emmis Communications Corporation 2004 Equity Compensation Plan of Emmis Communications Corporation and Emmis Operating Company, and

• Registration Statement (Form S-8, No. 333-148249), pertaining the Emmis Operating Company 401(k) Plan and Emmis Operating Company 401(k) Plan Two,

of our reports dated May 11, 2009, with respect to the consolidated financial statements of Emmis Communications Corporation and Subsidiaries, and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting of Emmis Communications Corporation and Subsidiaries, included in this Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended February 28, 2009.

/s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP

Indianapolis, Indiana
May 11, 2009