Six broadcasting legends inducted into the Hall of Fame

Six veteran broadcasters were inducted into the Indiana Broadcast Pioneers Hall of Fame during a celebration at Conner Prairie, recognizing their contributions to radio and television across Indiana. 

Dave Arland, executive director of the Indiana Broadcasters Association, stopped by WISH-TV to tell Patty Spitler about this year’s inductees and to pay tribute to former WISH-TV reporter Tina Cosby. Patty was inducted in 2018.

The newest class is: Tina Cosby: WISH-TV, Urban One; Chuck Lofton: WTHR; Dr. Joe Misiewicz: WIPB, WBST, Ball State University, Indiana Broadcasters Association; Jay “Super Jay” Johnson: WVON, WTLC, WISH, ABC Radio Networks, Urban One; Alden Taylor: WAAC, WTHI, WBAK-TV, WTHI-TV, Network Indiana, WTHR, WFYI; and Scott Wheeler: WIFE, WNDE, WENS, WZPL, WHHH, WTCL.

Arland said the Hall of Fame provides an opportunity to recognize broadcasters who have made lasting contributions to the industry. 

“We advocate for the industry, but a big piece of what we do is celebrate our history. We’ve got more than 220 broadcasters, including a lot of people from Channel 8, who have been inducted.” 

Several WISH-TV broadcasters are among the previous inductees, including Patty, Mike Ahern, Steve Sweitzer and Debby Knox.

Cosby is recognized for a career spanning three decades in Indiana television and radio. In 1993, she became the first African American woman to anchor a weekday newscast in Indianapolis. She spent 30 years at WISH-TV as a reporter, anchor and community affairs director.

An Indiana University graduate, Cosby also completed the Diversity Leadership Academy and FBI Citizens Academy. Her career honors include Emmy Awards from the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences and recognition from the National Association of Black Journalists.

Cosby now produces and hosts “Community Connection with Tina Cosby” for Urban One Indy.

More information and nomination details are available at Indiana Broadcasters Association.