From the bombastic to the experimental, WTIU has produced a wide array of series in its studios and across Indiana. We dug into our station’s archives to pick out some of WTIU’s most memorable series. Check out the video below to see some of our favorite series that are gone but not forgotten.
From Lake Michigan to the Ohio River, Indiana Dancing celebrated the State’s cultural dancing traditions. Indiana’s former first lady, Susan Bayh, was the host of this program.
Each month on Editors’ Desk, host Keith Klein and news editors from the WTIU viewing areas, interviewed major state newsmakers on issues of common interest to the citizens of South-Central Indiana. The State’s Attorney General, the Director of the Indiana Department of Natural Resources and the Chief Justice of the Indiana Supreme Court were among the many who offered their time to the discussions.
Star of Indiana and some of the world’s best drum and bugle corps competed in the Summer Music Games.
Monroe County Fair featured daily highlights of all the fun, families, farm animals and food that the fair has to offer.
Mickey Klein, host of Big Red Football, gave fans a recap of the Indiana University football games, sometimes featuring the coaches to weigh in with their thoughts on the progress of the season. The program had around 30 seasons until its’ end in 1999.
The series B-Town Sounds presented up and coming local musicians and provided a venue for audiences to enjoy artists and bands of all genres. Names like Carrie Newcomer, The Dew Daddies, Craig Brenner, Tim Grimm, Jason Wilbur, and Straight No Chaser graced the stage as well as providing a private interview with host, Keith Klein, to talk about the inspiration behind their sound.
Annual program The Sounds of the Big Bands was meant to acquaint future generations with the old music of the Big Band era and highlight the importance of the rich tradition of Jazz music.
In the mid 80’s, former IU President, Tom Ehrlich hosted and moderated IU faculty members and outside guests on Pro & Con, a program created to discuss current and controversial topics. After his departure form the university, the new IU President, Myles Brand continued the program that totaled 16 seasons and ended in 2002.
Perry Metz, the current executive director of IU Radio and Television Services, along with other news directors hosted Third House, which took a look at the activities of the Indiana General Assembly. Every other Sunday evening for the duration of seven weeks, they would gather to talk with the State Senators and Representatives about the legislative issues that concern citizens of South-Central Indiana. The program was produced in association with the Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce.
On Studio Six, Diane Ward led us through local stories of people and activists who had shed light on certain issues and made positive changes in their community.
The Weekly Special began in 2005 and saw many hosts pass through, including Chuck Carney, Ann Shea, Tony Perkins, Darryl Neher, Pam Thrash, and Erica Sagon, until the final episode which aired in 2018. For 13 years this show provided viewers with a look into Indiana’s issues, events, people, places and provided a platform for artists, musicians and chefs to debut their skills.
For more on 50 years of WTIU, head to our anniversary site.