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The Indiana Broadcast Pioneers was organized in 1979, following the lead of several other national and state groups. We are dedicated to offering opportunities for fellowship, education, public service, and the preservation of broadcast history. Ongoing projects include a quarterly newsletter, this website, the Richard M. Fairbanks Indiana Broadcast Hall of Fame, an exhibit at the Indiana State Museum, and occasional public programs featuring retired broadcasters. It is our hope to grow this website into an interesting digital repository for the rich history of broadcasting in Indiana.
Thank you WRTV (WFBM to me) for 70 years of TV. Thank you Ken Speck for sharing this. Be sure to watch the Save The Pacers Telethon clip.
RTV6 is celebrating 70 Years Together! May 30th marks the 70th anniversary of Channel 6, originally WFBM, going on the air in 1949 as the first TV station in the state of Indiana.
Indiana Broadcasters Association
Community service is a core mission of Hoosier broadcasters and, this August, the IBA is awarding Indiana TV and Radio stations Cardinal Community Service Awards for their local impact.
Submit for your station today here:
https://www.indianabroadcasters.org/iba-news/2019-cardinal-community-service-awards-submissions/ …
The deadline to enter is May 31st.
Here are two Future Pioneers. After all, most Pioneers are recognized for what they did when they were younger.
Students in the Carnegie-Knight News21 investigative reporting project at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Arizona State University -- a cohort which included two current DePauw University seniors -- are winners of the 2019 Robert F. Kennedy Journalism Award.
https://current.org/2019/04/greg-petrowich-picked-as-wfyis-new-leader/
Petrowich now leads WSIU Public Broadcasting in Carbondale, Ill.
Talk about a Broadcast Pioneer.
This is Bill Crawford. He was the station’s first weatherman. He balanced his dental practice and forecasting for 15 years starting in 1949. His weather training came in the Air Force. We will celebrate 70 years of WRTV history all month long in May.
Thanks, Jim Shella.
FROM THE ARCHIVES: "My candidacy is grounded on faith that Americans care deeply about their country. Faith that Americans know the presidency is not entertainment."
Sen. Richard Lugar was no-nonsense when he announced his run for the White House on April 19, 1995. Jim Shella covered the announcement for WISH-TV.
Not all Broadcast Pioneers are old. Some are pioneering right now. It's good to see them get recognition.
Side Effects reporters Araceli Gómez-Aldana, Jake Harper, Lauren Bavis and Emily Forman were named Indiana's Journalists of the Year by the Indiana Professional Chapter of SPJ. This is the first time a group of journalists has been honored with the award rather than a single reporter.
Read more about Side Effects' recent awards and honors.
WGRE Begins Broadcasting - DePauw University
On this day, WGRE began broadcasting as the first radio station in Putnam County. As the student station signed on, it paid tribute DePauw University President Clyde Wildman, who was hospitalized after being involved in an accident and was unable to be on hand for the festivities. President Wildman....
Does anyone remember “Hoosier Schoolmaster of the Air?” Please see this from Dr. Mary Meyers:
I wanted to let you know that my research on Dr. Clarence M. Morgan, the Hoosier Schoolmaster of the Air, is quite involved and moving forward. Indiana State University will be honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Morgan as well as celebrating 90 continuous years of radio broadcasting this October. Because Dr. Morgan is a Hall of Famer, I though you all might be interested. We are working to compile artifacts and stories from former students, fellow employees, and acquaintances of Dr. Morgan, who passed away in 1995. You are all invited to the ceremony and more details will be released over the summer regarding the entire scope of activities, which range from a city proclamation to artifact installation in the Vigo County Historical Society Museum to a meet-and-greet with Dr. Morgan's son. This event is open to the public.
I am still searching for any remaining recordings, artifacts, etc. as I am still working on the Morgan story, though now in book form. I'd appreciate any assistance you may lend and hope to see you all in October at the ceremonies in Terre Haute, Indiana.
Mary E. Myers, Ph.D.
Regent University
Kevin Gregory, RTV6
Four decades…Forty years…40! Derrik Thomas just celebrated that milestone here at RTV6 this month. He's humble and will cringe at this post. There’s a reason for Derrik's long distinguished career. He’s not only a guy you want as a co-worker, but also as a friend. He’s calm, competent, genuine and friendly. He’s a wordsmith as well. CONGRATS!
Ed Squires shared this item about our friend Chet.
https://wgntv.com/2019/04/18/legendary-chicago-sportscaster-chet-coppock-dies-in-car-crash/?fbclid=IwAR3uGakV2glWTDMDKAd11zwhLBAnzjgmithLcsY1FYynV-5Y9mEohZapwg8
CHICAGO — Legendary Chicago sportscaster Chet Coppock died Wednesday from injuries he sustained in a car accident, his family confirms on social media. "His passing is untimely, unexpected and painfully sad, but all we can do at this time is remember how lucky we were to have such a unique and cre...
Randy Ollis
Chet Coppock recently passed away. He was a sportscaster here at WISH-TV in the 1970s. Here's a few pictures we found of Chet when he worked here in Indy. Take a look at him wrestling a bear!!!
More info on Chet: http://bit.ly/2IOfTrB
Paul Brady shared this sad news. Chet was sports anchor at WISH TV in the early days. It is impossible to think of Chet without a smile coming to my face.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/breaking/ct-spt-chet-coppock-dies-20190418-story.html?fbclid=IwAR3f-q_36vpyg-ztagxGY2jZnFPyWmrK-Vpqpwg8Ht1I8UU_GZs7grQFFO0
Longtime Chicago sportscaster Chet Coppock has died. He was 70.
I attached this to another clip of Joe so sorry if it's redundant. Joe McConnell is a part of the Indiana Broadcast Pioneers Hall of Fame. Joe passed away just about a year ago. As Broadcast Pioneers president and researcher for The Broadcast Pioneers Hall of Fame video biographies, I got to know and work with Joe on his induction/Indiana State Museum video. We both were Franklin College and WFCI alumni and instantly clicked. I visited him in his home several times. I knew his air presence and wonderful voice for decades. What blessing to get to know him personally. He was every bit the warm, wise and knowledgeable guy he seemed to be on the air.
The Bears and Packers were both in the hunt for a wild card spot. Both were 6-7, one game behind Minnesota and Detroit. Bart Starr's job was in jeopardy. Joe...
Joe McConnell passed away just about a year ago. As Broadcast Pioneers president and researcher for The Broadcast Pioneers Hall of Fame video biographies, I (Dave White) got to know and work with Joe on his induction/Indiana State Museum video. We both were Franklin College and WFCI alumni and instantly clicked. I visited him in his home several times. I knew his air presence and wonderful voice for decades. What blessing to get to know him personally.
Greatest Of All Time. 🐐
If you are a Ball State Alumnus you may remember Dr. Joe. Dr. Misiewicz was head of the telecom department there and later served as the President of the Indiana Broadcasters Association. ://www.facebook.com/BSUTCOM/videos/525049931356967/UzpfSTY5MzU5OTQzNzoxMDE1NzE0NzEzNTM1NDQzOA/
It's #OneBallState Day, TCOM family! And Dr. Joe has a message for you. Donate here: oneballstate.bsu.edu/tcom
Thanks to Indiana Music and Entertainment Museum - IMEM for pointing this out.
https://news.iu.edu/stories/2019/04/iub/inside/01-40-years-breaking-away-film.html?fbclid=IwAR208WLrZNbTBIISHquNdpfrtSu8Qeq0nPL1Y46X3NlsoquSCGXZrqK_bhY
The film, written by IU alumnus Steve Tesich and based his Little 500 teammate Dave Blase, is celebrating its 40th anniversary.
Doc West has had a long on the air career. He's been on the air in Fort Wayne since 1979.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t-nDMYmgC8E
This raw footage was shot for a special report on Fort Wayne radio. It shows Rick West behind the board of his morning show and joking with comedian Pat Sull...
Sammy Terry Fan Page
Sammy Terry Show Tonight!! 8:00PM FB LIVE "Grave of the Vampire"
Thank you Blaine Thompson for permission to share Indiana Radio Watch. Please subscribe to and financially support this valuable resource.
https://t.e2ma.net/webview/izae6/5ab28ef90fcf114e6152fbda317a3cf4?fbclid=IwAR2hA1KNskruxfJT03x_JdqW4S59OQ4U1rCXO8jlX5_AJFA_-c2xc_RcuDE#
Indiana RadioWatch Serving Hoosier Broadcasters Since 1998 4 April 2019 Good Evening, Northeast The Associated Churches' WHNH-LP (101.3fm, New Haven) goes temporarily silent over several concerns raised by the licensee. Kevin Leininger at the Fort Wayne News-Sentinel has more details. Sarkes Tarzian...
I believe it was Dana Webb who uploaded this a couple of years ago. It has 1970's scenes from WIRE, WIBC and WNAP. Ken Speck or Dan Stevens may be able to verify Dana made the film. I see Jerry Mason in one of the clips. I (Dave White) worked with him at WFMS as part of the new country music staff.
Susie Keller originally shared this several years ago. She found it while cleaning her garage.
This is a photo of Paul Brady's late brother David. He posted it on what would have been David's 78th birthday Thanks for sharing a memory Paul.
WRTV is celebrating it's 70th anniversary. With your help we were able to put them in contact with Jim Gerard's son. Thank you!
We wish Ken well as he does what media people seem to do often- prepare for a job change.
This promo with Grace Trahan and Paul Poteet aired April 29, 1999 in prime time. Owen came to the station from WISH, where he worked from 1989 through 1998.
Indianapolis is one of the cities without enough newspapers to have Facebook give them a local news feed. Nuvo is in transition and The owners of Indianapolis Star have gotten rid of all but a tiny core of staff.
https://www.apnews.com/790d194cbec347149be8b598009ad1c4?fbclid=IwAR0dJ2NiVlzsOLYufherq1sAlO8M7iHldXkqLOkNhoZiyhiQJ_93IxNTr_0
NEW YORK (AP) — Facebook's effort to establish a service that provides its users with local news and information is being hindered by the lack of outlets where the company's technicians can find...
Two of the Indiana Broadcast Pioneers, Dick Florea and Bob Warren, are mentioned in this week's news. Thanks to Blaine Thompson for permission to share Indiana Radio Watch. Please subscribe to and financially support this valuable resource.
https://t.e2ma.net/message/6hlt3/ekg1ar
We have just received sad news from Ezra Todd Shelton to Indiana Broadcast Pioneers:
"Bob Warren, passed at 2400hrs, March 24, 2019."
Bob's daughter, Kathleen, and the rest of his family are in our prayers.
Wouldn't it be cool if we could restore and preserve the few local classics before the tapes are totslly unplayable?
Rescanning the original 35mm films (if they exixt) will always be the best option but this shows promise.
https://www.redsharknews.com/production/item/6227-how-ai-is-helping-to-make-the-best-classic-tv-series-restorations
Indiana Music and Entertainment Museum - IMEM
Do you remember Janie? Indiana Historical Bureau: “On March 21, 1986, the last telecast of WTTV's popular children's program Popeye and Janie aired. Janie, or Jane Woods Hodge, was one of two local television hosts beloved by Hoosier children during the 1980s along with "Cowboy Bob." Janie's show premiered in 1963 and soon became a classic with its segments featuring cartoons, crafts, music, and joke-telling by local Girl and Boy Scouts.”
Learn more about Hodge here: http://indianabroadcastpioneers.org/jane-woods-hodge/
Photo courtesy of Indiana Broadcast Pioneers.
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Tonight's IRW.
We all will want to watch the anniversary special. Maybe one of you has something they would want to share?
Here’s where I need your help. The station’s 70th anniversary is this May. RTV6 alumni will share memories all month. However, we haven't signed up Ed Sorensen yet. We need his energy, larger than life personality and amazing story telling ability to be a part of this celebration. He made his mark on this station and Indianapolis. Consider this a petition to get Ed to join us and share his memories! Ship this request to your friends too!
Thanks for sharing this, Gregg Todd.
Here's more from Andrew E. Stoner. Thank you! The lower photo is of long time anchor Roland Kelly.
Here's a local Boy Scout troop visit - 1971 to WSBT studios in South Bend. From BSA Scouting magazine, May-June 1971. Thanks to Andrew E. Stoner for sharing these. Click each photo to better read the text and captions.
This photo is from Andrew E. Stoner.
Here's more from Andrew E. Stoner. Click the photo to see the complete attribution.
From Andrew E. Stoner here is former WNDU weatherman Dick Addis - who drew out his weather maps with a magic marker on most of his early broadcasts.
This is the 70th anniversary of the introduction of the 45 rpm record by RCA. Dave Arland, did RCA make 45s here in Indy? Steve Pyatte has a link to a list of where RCA made records in his comment below.
https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/45-vinyl-singles-history-806441/?fbclid=IwAR2f0-f292DhqPSV28opku7Ht7dRJQhJpg7hd60c83oZCqtaFMomDusOL24
Charting the rise, fall, resurrection and legacy of the beloved vinyl format, which helped bring rock & roll to the masses
Randy Ollis
Twenty five years ago today (March 16) I spoke to an elementary school in Columbus. Today my picture is in the local newspaper, The Republic (Columbus) in the "Looking Back" section. A big thank you to Mike Hackman for sending this to me(I haven’t changed a bit in 25 years😀
Our biggest claim to fame is the radio Tarzan.
https://www.indystar.com/story/news/history/retroindy/2014/06/12/tarzan-of-indiana-retro-indy/10372557/?fbclid=IwAR3DbjX0RDMle_BL1RVwQGR2Mf3RZn2zBGzbQ3DSW6tK4WQLU7LV3x5I1j4
Indiana has produced at least three Tarzans and helped launch the career of the most famous movie Tarzan, Johnny Weissmuller.Otto LincolnWay before
Thank you Blaine Thompson for permission to share Indiana Radio Watch. Please subscribe to and support this valuable resource.
Enjoy reading tonight's IRW.
View Ralph Hirsch's Obituary on dispatch.com and share memories
Hirsch, Ralph S. "Stew" Ralph Stewart "Stew" Hirsch III, 53, died March 8, 2019, at St. Joseph Hospital in Fort Wayne, Indiana, following a short illne
Debby Knox
The lower picture of my first St Pat’s parade in downtown Indy #tbt @CBS4. Gorilla style!
The Indiana Broadcast Pioneers are now accepting nominations for the Richard M. Fairbanks Hall of Fame. Nominations will be accepted through Friday, March 22nd. The 2019 class will be announced this summer and honorees will be inducted during the annual Indiana Broadcasters Conference on Thu...
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I believe it was Dana Webb who uploaded this a couple of years ago. It has 1970's scenes from WIRE, WIBC and WNAP. Ken Speck or Dan Stevens may be able to verify Dana made the film. I see Jerry Mason in one of the clips. I (Dave White) worked with him at WFMS as part of the new country music staff.
Patty and Stan are in the Hall of Fame. Maybe one of your should nominate Ken Owen? This was from 1989.
Patty Spitler's story about the movie "Hoosiers" from 1986.
Josh and I had the honor of working with Howard Caldwell on a couple of projects for the Indiana Broadcast Pioneers Hall of Fame. There's nothing like sitting at the feet of a master and soaking up wisdom.
Broadcast Pioneers Hall of Fame member Bill Shirk (a stuntman and radio entrepreneur) challenged Don of Don's Guns to lock him up in the trunk of his Cadillac in a way he couldn't escape. Bill won the challenge but barely under the time limit.
WXIR-Love 98 was sold to the Walt Disney Company in 2003. Prior to that time it was one of the nation's leading contemporary Christian music stations. The station, which began broadcasting in 1964, is currently owned and operated by iHeartMedia and uses the call lettters WZRL and has an Urban Hip Hop format. It's broadcast license is held by Capstar TX LLC.
WXIR-Love 98 was sold to the Walt Disney Company in 2003. Prior to that time it was one of the nation's leading contemporary Christian music stations. The station, which began broadcasting in 1964, is currently owned and operated by iHeartMedia and uses the call lettters WZRL and has an Urban Hip Hop format. It's broadcast license is held by Capstar TX LLC.
Dana Webb sent this video of a commercial for WIRE 1430. This was a fancy Hollywood style film commercial.
Here's behind the scenes material from WIBC and WIRE in 1978. Thanks to Dana Webb for sharing this video. And, yes, the curly haired overnight guy is Jerry Mason. He worked at WFMS when I, Dave White, knew him.
Return with us now to the days of Howard Caldwell, Clyde Lee, Barbara Boyd, Reid Duffy, and Bob McClain. Thanks to Jack Rinehart for making this available. This is from 1979.
Lots of us grew up listening to Bouncin: Bill Baker on WIBC. Before WIFE and WNAP, young people listened to Bouncin Bill on WIBC. Back in 2004, Art Baker produced this tribute to his dad with help from Dave White of DreamVision Media Partners.
Stan Wood was the weatherman at WISH TV for decades. Dave Smith was producer and did the voice over for this segment back in 2004. Dave White of DreamVision Media Partners did the video editing.
I found most of an interview/feature about Joe Pickett. It was done by Paul Udell, former WTHR anchor, from long ago.
Larry Battson has long been the go-to guy for TV shows needing an animal expert. Here he is with broadcast hall of famers Bill Shirk and Carolyn Churchman.
Jimmy Mack is known for Bandstand 13, as announcer for the talk/variety Don Melvoin Show, and Brain Game high school quiz bowl.. He also was booth announcer and presenter for countless commercials.
I found a commercial with Joe Pickett. Joe was familiar to WFBM TV and radio audiences in Indianapolis. Mike Piggott, do you have any other video we can share of your dad?
When things were quiet at The Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Howdy Bell was busy doing radio and TV hosting and announcing on WFBM now WRTV.
Tom Cochrun was one of the hosts of the nationally syndicated program PM Magazine. Here he interviews stuntman and radio entrepreneur Bill Shirk.
Don Hein is a member of The Indiana Broadcast Pioneers Hall of Fame. Here's a brief sample of his work from the early 1990's.
Rick Dawson did this retrospective feature about the tragic 1963 explosion at The Indianapolis Coliseum. This is one of the worst disasters ever in our city. I wish they had Rick on the set with Ken Owen to introduce it.
Here's a very youthful Bob Donaldson doing a profile of one of our Indiana Broadcast Pioneers Hall of Fame Member, Bill Shirk. This would have been around 1993 I think.
This is from the local Fox morning news show in September, 1999. Traci Wells interviews Evan McBroom about a consumer electronics show in Indy focused on what we would call a "smart home' today.
Stan The Weather Man a/k/a Stan Wood was a fixture at WISH TV8. I'm pleased I got to know him. I literally was standing next to him looking up at the clouds the night the Blizzard of '78 began. He said to me "Dave, we're going to have a blizzard and people in Indiana don't know what a blizzard is."
Stan The Weather Man a/k/a Stan Wood was a fixture at WISH TV8. I'm pleased I got to know him. I literally was standing next to him looking up at the clouds the night the Blizzard of '78 began. He said to me "Dave, we're going to have a blizzard and people in Indiana don't know what a blizzard is."
Meteorologist Angela Buchman had a predecessor at WISH TV (and WTHR) in Kay Field. This comes from a WISH TV 20th Anniversary Special. Thank you Dave and Lucy Smith for sharing this. In 2007, Kay was inducted into the Indiana Broadcast Pioneers Hall of Fame.
Carmel Clay Historical Society
211 1st St SWAll Things African African Art Gallery
421 S Range Line RdHoosier Salon Patrons Association and Fine Ar
22 N Rangeline RdMuseum of Miniature Houses & Other Collection
111 E Main St