Hall of Fame Class2025
For each inductee, we have included a commemorative video that will appear in their official Hall of Fame profile, along with their induction speech, recorded during the Hall of Fame Luncheon in September 2025. Together, these materials capture both the achievements and the personal stories that define their remarkable careers.
Sandra Chapman
Growing up in Fort Wayne with three older brothers, Sandra Chapman developed a deep curiosity about the world, inspired by her father’s passion for the news. Her early interest in journalism led her to a decade at WICD in Champaign, Illinois, before joining WISH-TV in Indianapolis, where her investigative reporting shaped legislation, exposed corruption, and brought attention to cold cases like the 1968 murder of Carol Jenkins. She tackled personal stories—including her own father’s murder—while earning a reputation for impactful reporting on youth violence, public safety, and community issues. After nearly 35 years in broadcast, Sandra pursued graduate studies and launched Prince Media Group, producing award-winning documentaries and books. Married to Randy Taylor, Indianapolis Chief of Police, she is also a devoted mother and active community member with Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, RISE Church, and Northeasterners Inc.
Tribute Video
Acceptance Speech
Bob Freeman
A news director and sales executive at Evansville television stations WFIE-TV, WEHT-TV, and WTVW-TV.
“Do it right. Do it big. Do it well.” Few phrases capture Bob Freeman better. From his early days in Birmingham TV and radio—where he once reported traffic live from a helicopter—to producing powerful specials like the 20th anniversary of the 16th Street Baptist Church bombing, Bob built a career defined by integrity and impact. As news director in Evansville, he grew ratings, launched new shows, and championed community causes, all while mentoring journalists who went on to earn national recognition. Even in retirement, Bob couldn’t stay away from the microphone, returning to Evansville radio to keep doing what he loves—sharing the news.
Tribute Video
Acceptance Speech
Bob Jenkins
Bob Jenkins liked to say, “I’m just a race fan that got lucky,” but to motorsports enthusiasts he was far more—the beloved “Voice of the 500.” A Liberty, Indiana native, his passion for racing began with childhood trips to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and grew into a career spanning four decades on radio and television. From the IMS Radio Network to ESPN’s Thunder series and SpeedWeek, Bob brought warmth, humility, and humanity to IndyCar, NASCAR, Formula One, and beyond. Even after stepping back from TV to care for his wife, he remained a fixture at the Speedway until his passing in 2021. Remembered for his iconic race calls and his love of music, dogs, and community, Bob Jenkins left a legacy as enduring as the race he cherished most.
Tribute Video
Acceptance Speech
Clyde Lee
Clyde Lee anchored WRTV-6 News in Indianapolis for 25 years, joining in 1976 as Howard Caldwell’s co-anchor and retiring in 2001 alongside his wife and longtime co-anchor, Diane Willis. Known for his trusted reporting and “Medical Matters” segments, he brought healthcare stories to viewers while championing community health initiatives. Though broadcasting became his career, his first passion was aviation—earning his pilot’s license in the 1980s and flying everything from family trips to Blue Angels adventures. After WRTV, they launched Lee-Willis Communications, where Clyde focused on production, PR, and media training. In retirement, they’ve traveled the globe and restored a 100-year-old Lake Superior cabin, blending adventure with cherished home life.
Tribute Video
Acceptance Speech
Marilyn Schultz
Marilyn Rose Schultz, a Hoosier native, was a trailblazer for women in journalism and a devoted educator. After excelling at New Albany High School and earning a radio-television degree from Indiana University, she launched a pioneering career in New York at NBC News, where she earned respect in a male-dominated environment and led a landmark class-action lawsuit securing pay equity for hundreds of women. She later reported major stories in Washington, D.C., and Indiana before earning advanced degrees and dedicating nearly two decades to teaching journalism at the University of Texas at Austin and St. Edward’s University. Celebrated as one of the “American Women Who Changed the Face of Journalism,” Schultz is remembered for her groundbreaking work in broadcasting and her passion for mentoring future generations.
Tribute Video
Acceptance Speech
Doc West
“Who’s rockin’ ya?!” has been the signature call of Fort Wayne FM radio legend Doc West for more than four decades. Born Rick in Columbus, Ohio, Doc’s passion for rock began at 15 when he saw James Brown live, and it’s only grown since his early days at WCOL-FM in the mid-70s. Joining Rock 104 WXKE in 1979, he’s guided listeners through the evolution of radio and rock, hosting concerts, interviews, and excursions while earning a reputation as a “musical waiter,” making classic rock relatable for generations. Known for introducing legends like Jim Morrison, David Gilmour, and Alice Cooper, Doc has also nurtured talent, helping launch virtuoso guitarist Joe Bonamassa’s career. Beyond the airwaves, he emcees events, hosts charity auctions, and shares his love of music with both his family and a devoted radio family, keeping rock and roll alive for listeners young and old.
Tribute Video
Acceptance Speech
Diane Willis
Diane Willis began her career as a teacher, earning master’s degrees in English, education, and journalism, before moving into broadcasting in St. Louis and Boston. She made Indianapolis her home, co-anchoring WRTV’s evening news for 15 years and earning six regional Emmys for reporting on education, social issues, international affairs, and health. A passionate storyteller, Diane produced immersive projects from classrooms in the Brazilian Amazon to famine relief in Ethiopia, and co-produced award-winning PBS documentaries in Guatemala and Morocco. Deeply involved in the community, she and her husband, Clyde Lee, adopted two sons from Asia, later founding the media firm Lee-Willis Communications, and now enjoy travel and time at Diane’s family cabin in Wisconsin.
Tribute Video
Acceptance Speech
2026 Hall of Fame Nominations
Nominations are now open for the 2026 Indiana Broadcast Pioneers Hall of Fame. Each year, the Indiana Broadcasters Association inducts a new class of broadcasters into the Indiana Broadcast Pioneers Hall of Fame. Honorees represent the highest level of professional broadcasting in Indiana and are recognized each fall during the annual Indiana Broadcasters Association “Best in Broadcasting” Spectrum Awards ceremony. Nominations submitted for the past three years will be considered in addition to new submissions.