Carmel, IN – September 25, 2025 – The Indiana Broadcasters Association today announced the industry leaders Bill Shirk and Brad Williams will receive the organization’s highest honors for their contributions to the art of broadcasting during the upcoming Spectrum Awards in downtown Indianapolis.
“We are delighted to recognize Bill Shirk with the IBA Lifetime Achievement Award for his longtime industry leadership at stations throughout Indiana and for his ongoing support of our Indiana Broadcast Pioneers. Our Tom Severino Leadership Award will be bestowed to Brad Williams of Federated Media, for his work to strengthen radio broadcasting in Indiana,” said IBA Executive Director Dave Arland.
Lifetime Achievement Award: Bill Shirk
The IBA Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes individuals for exceptional meritorious service, contributions to, or achievements in the field of broadcasting in Indiana over the course of a career. This is the IBA’s highest honor and is presented to an Indiana broadcaster whose work is uniquely beneficial and of superior value to their community and to the Association. This year’s recipient, Bill Shirk, has spent decades shaping Indiana broadcasting as an on-air personality, station owner, innovator, and leader.
From starting as a janitor at his family’s station WERK Radio in Muncie to becoming the youngest station owner in Indianapolis at age 27, Shirk’s career has been marked by bold moves and record-setting achievements. He launched stations including WHHH FM 96.3 as first new Indianapolis FM station in 30 years and expanded into TV with two low-power stations carried on local cable services. Shirk’s entrepreneurial spirit led to several landmark sales, setting price records in Indiana radio and television. Beyond business success, he has given back by supporting the Indiana Broadcast Pioneers with ongoing projects including serving as editor of Broadcast Beat magazine, and preserving Indiana’s broadcast history at the Indiana State Museum. His legacy reflects both creativity and commitment to the broadcasting community.
Tom Severino Leadership Award: Brad Williams
The Tom Severino Leadership Award is given to an individual with at least 10 years of service with ties to radio and/or TV broadcasting in Indiana who has demonstrated passion for broadcast media with an emphasis on serving the public, a portfolio of leadership activities within the broadcast industry and/or within the communities served by the broadcast properties this individual worked for during their careeer. The 2025 recipient, Brad Williams, is Chief Operating Officer of Federated Media and he embodies those qualities through a lifelong dedication to Indiana broadcasting.
Williams began his career in 1984 as an intern at Federated Media’s WTRC-AM in Elkhart. Rising through the ranks, he became General Manager of the South Bend cluster in 2000 and Chief Operating Officer in 2011. Known for his leadership philosophy that “this is radio, we can do anything,” Williams has built strong teams, fostered innovation, and guided colleagues with integrity and professionalism. His emphasis on mentorship and service has left a lasting mark not only on Federated Media but on Indiana broadcasting as a whole.
Both awards will be presented to the honorees at on Tuesday, October 28 as part of the Indiana Broadcasters Association Spectrum Awards, celebrating the best in Indiana broadcasting. To attend, register [CLICK HERE]
