CARMEL – Six veteran Indiana broadcasters will be honored with induction this fall into the Indiana Broadcast Pioneers Hall of Fame. Four living honorees will be celebrated at the September 8 event, and the broadcasting accomplishments of two honorees will be recognized posthumously.
The 2026 Hall of Fame recognition luncheon will start with a coffee hour with honorees at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at The Bluffs at Conner Prairie on Allisonville Road.
Tickets to the luncheon event, which includes a coffee social hour before the recognition function, can be purchased for $30 each from the IBA website.
The 2026 Hall of Fame class will join more than 230 individuals recognized for their significant achievements in radio and television. The complete Indiana Broadcast Pioneers Hall of Fame roster is available online on the IndianaBroadcasters.org website.
This year’s honorees are:
Tina Cosby began her career as a reporter in Chattanooga in 1981 and returned to Indiana and joined WISH-TV in 1983, where she rose from general assignment reporter to anchor. Her leadership later led to her role as Community Affairs Director, where she worked closely with community and state leaders while supporting initiatives focused on public engagement and equal opportunity. In recent years, she has continued her work in Indianapolis with Radio One.
Jay “Super Jay” Johnson (posthumous honor) became one of the most recognizable voices in Indianapolis broadcasting. At WTLC-FM in Indianapolis, he became a driving force as both an air personality and program director. His influence extended beyond radio, playing a key role in elevating events like Indiana Black Expo and the Circle City Classic. His later career included national roles with ABC Radio Networks and Westwood One, along with numerous honors recognizing his impact on the industry. He passed away in 2025.
Chuck Lofton has long been a cornerstone of meteorology in Indiana, beginning as the founding morning meteorologist for WTHR’s “13Sunrise” in 1985. Throughout his career, he covered hundreds of major weather events, building a reputation for accuracy, consistency, and professionalism. Lofton’s contributions have earned numerous Emmy Awards, along with honors from the Associated Press and Society of Professional Journalists, and recognition from the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Silver Circle.
Dr. Joe Misiewicz has played a pivotal role in shaping broadcast education and the industry, particularly in Indiana. As chair of the telecommunications department at Ball State University beginning in 1990, he managed WIPB-TV and WBST-FM while strengthening their roles as professional training environments. Prior to Ball State, he held faculty and leadership roles at Central Michigan University, Bradley University, and other institutions. Later, he led the Indiana Broadcasters Association, where he advocated for broadcasters across the state.
Alden Taylor (posthumous honor) built a career that spanned both radio and television as a steady and trusted presence. He worked with WAAC-AM, WTHI-AM/FM, WBAK-TV, and WTHI-TV as a reporter, anchor, and managing editor, earning a reputation for thoughtful, reliable journalism. Beyond the newsroom, Alden extended his impact through public service roles with the Indiana State Emergency Management Agency, as well as positions with Network Indiana, WTHR, and WFYI, where he supported initiatives such as “Call 6 for Help” and IRIS. He passed away in 2020.
Scott Wheeler began his radio career at just 16 years old, moving quickly from board operator roles into prominent on-air and programming positions. He became a key figure at many of Indianapolis radio’s most influential stations, including WIFE, WNDE, WENS, WZPL, WHHH, and KISS 106.7, serving as Program Director, Music Director, and air personality. His work extended beyond Indianapolis to national and international projects, including programming in Hawaii and a voiceover career for major global brands like Coca-Cola, DreamWorks, and the UFC.
