Kurt Swadener
OVERVIEW
Though he almost always worked behind the scenes, Kurt Swadener, a multiple Emmy and Telly award winner, was a highly influential force within Indiana broadcasting. He may not have been the face of the news, but his voice was always heard. With the awards, experiences, and stories to show for it, Swadener dedicated over 40 years of his life to informing and entertaining Indiana locals.
A true Hoosier, Kurt Swadener was born August 16, 1953, in Mishawaka, Indiana. It was here that Swadener’s passion for broadcasting bloomed very early in his childhood. At the age of five, he would create his own makeshift “radio” out of scraps laying around. Doing this, the young Swadener called himself a broadcaster for the first time.
Clips in this video
EDUCATION
Swadener attended Mishawaka High School but didn’t participate in anything related to broadcasting or journalism; the idea of it as a career was new to him. Swadener graduated in 1971 and pursued a higher education soon after.
Having grown up in Mishawaka, Swadener stayed close to home for his undergraduate years and spent his time at IU South Bend (IUSB). Since there was no broadcasting track at the time, he sought a degree in Speech and Theatre. At the IU South Bend campus, Swadener eventually considered broadcasting as a legitimate goal for his future career. He was part of a work study program where he took a job within the division of education. He would film student teachers for their overseeing professors to evaluate their teachings. That opportunity was just the first time he would be behind the camera. This jumpstarted his long, successful career as a local broadcaster.
He graduated from IUSB in 1976 after adding an additional year to his studies.
Swadener later used funding from his position within WRTV 6 to achieve his Master’s degree in Marketing and Advertising from Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI).
BROADCASTING CAREER
Swadener's first professional experience in broadcasting was at WMSH-TV (now WHME), Channel 46, in South Bend, where he worked as production assistant and director from October 1974 to September 1975. He also did camera work with video and film experience as well as audio and worked as a booth announcer, in addition to other roles.
After completing his undergraduate education, he got a job as a director/announcer at WKZO-TV (now WWMT), Channel 3, in Kalamazoo, Michigan. He stayed in that role for the next three years.
Before going back to school for his master's, Swadener moved to Indianapolis to be the producer/director for WRTV, Channel 6. He stayed in that position for almost 12 years, until 1991. In 1984, Swadener began pursuing his master's at the Kelley School of Business.
In 1991, Swadener became the production manager at Producers International in Indianapolis, where he remained for a little over three years. He also served as creative director and worked with commercials, corporate videos and documentaries. In 1994, he returned to WRTV, resuming his role as producer/director for two years.
In 1995, he was promoted to executive producer production, a role he stayed in until 2002. Then, he became the news operations manager at WRTV until March 2012. Many of Swadener's projects at WRTV were centered around the Indianapolis 500 but he also produced documentaries, telethons, commercials and more.
In September 2012, Swadener got a job as operations manager at WTWO and WAWV, two television station in Terre Haute, Indiana, both operated by Nexstar Media Group, Inc. Swadener worked in this position until 2018.
With so many years and most of his career spent at WRTV, Swadener is filled with stories of the people he met and the things he saw. It gave him the opportunity to work closely with local icons like Tom Carnegie, Howard Caldwell, and Bob McLain. But the high point, according to him, occurs every May on a particular stretch of asphalt. His role at WRTV allowed him to cover the Indy 500, something he is particularly passionate about. He still makes it out to the track every year.
Clips in this video
Another one of the most rewarding experiences Swadener had during his time at WRTV came after 9/11. He understood the impact of that moment and led the production of an hour-long live special that showcased church services after the tragedy.
Clips in this video
He also notes the live coverage of the annual Circle of Lights holiday tradition in Downtown Indianapolis as one of his fondest memories from WRTV. His programs would not only garner thousands of viewers on television but would bring over 100,000 people to the actual lighting ceremony.
Swadener’s role at WRTV allowed him to meet incredible people, create exciting news stories, and love the work he was doing. However, all good things must come to an end. His position was eliminated, and he stepped away from the station for the second and final time in 2012.
Swadener finished his professional career as an Operations Manager for stations WTWO TV 2 and WAWV TV 38 in Terre Haute. Here, he dedicated the rest of his time as a broadcaster to mentoring those that would succeed him. He spent six years in this role before finally retiring in 2018.
Clips in this video
ADDITIONAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS
If over 40 years of work dedicated to broadcasting was not impressive enough, Kurt Swadener is a multi-award winner. He is a National Association of Television Program Executives Iris Award nominee, an Indiana Broadcasters Association Spectrum Award winner, and has received both Telly and Emmy awards for his work in directing, writing, and producing.
He is currently retired and happily residing within the Indianapolis area alongside his family.
With great highs and lows, Swadener would do it all over again. He believes the role of local television is the same as it’s always been and always will be: a community leader.
Swadener, in addition to his Emmy and Telly awards for producing, directing and writing, has received the Indiana Broadcasters Association Spectrum Award and was a National Association of Television Program Executives Iris Award nominee.
January 2024
Written by Luzane Draughon, Anne Hassfurder. Edited and Archived by Cooper Hudson.
-Information from Kurt Swadener, Kurt Swadener's LinkedIn and IU Media School Archive
Related Items
| Title | Station | Date Aired | Description | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Touch Football Channel 6 vs Channel 8 Kurt Swadener Collection |
198x |
Channel 6 and Channel 8 go head to head in an informal football game for 35 minutes. The remaining 27 minutes are taken up by old recording of a movie. |
|
|
||||
|
|
Story about George Bignotti and his Six Car Wins at Indianapolis 500 followed by Jerry Lewis Telethon Kurt Swadener Collection |
197x |
The first half is about George Bignotti. George Bignotti is celebrated for being the best mechanic and car creator in the business for making six machines that won the Indy 500. George shares... |
|
|
||||
|
|
Race Show Kurt Swadener Collection |
1989 |
This is the after show report of the 73rd Indy 500 where the highlights and most exciting moments are discussed along with an interview with the winner of the race, Emerson Fittipaldi. Focused on... |
|
|
||||
|
|
Qualifications Day 4 -- Sunday Kurt Swadener Collection |
1990-05 |
Day 4 of the 1990 Indy 500 qualifications. The final day of qualifications with a large number of racers sitting on the bubble and others trying to kick them off the roster of racers making it to... |
|
|
||||
|
|
Qualifications Day 3 Kurt Swadener Collection |
1986-05 |
Trackside 6 host Ed Sorenson discusses the 3rd day of qualifications for the 1986 Indy 500 with long time expert Tom Carnegie and the years driver expert Derek Daley. Points of focus for the team... |
|
|
||||
|
|
Qualifications Day 3 Kurt Swadener Collection |
1987-05 |
Trackside 6 host Brian Hamons leads a look back on the 3rd day of qualifications for the 1987 Indy 500. A topic of particular note is the poor performance from a number of racers, leading to the... |
|
|
||||
|
|
Qualifications Day 2 + Incredible Sunday Kurt Swadener Collection |
1990-05 |
Track Side 6 host Ed Sorenson and driving expert Bobby Rahal break down the second day of qualifications for the 1990 Indy 500, focusing the attitudes people are taking to the impressive but not... |
|
|
||||
|
|
Qualifications Day 1 Kurt Swadener Collection |
1990-05 |
Track Side 6 host Ed Sorenson and driving expert Bobby Rahal break down the first day of qualifications for the 1990 Indy 500, focusing on record high speeds nearing 230 mph, returning racers, and... |
|
|
||||
|
|
On the Way to Winning Kurt Swadener Collection |
1990 |
Ed Sorensen and Bobby Rahal provide news coverage and information covering the 74th Indianapolis 500. The new Chevrolet engine serves as a major focus for the program as all the best cars used... |
|
|
||||
|
|
Marion County Health Department "Infant Mortality" PSA Kurt Swadener Collection |
1988-11-10 |
A service announcement speaking out against smoking, drinking, or other irresponsible behaviors while pregnant, showcasing the possible end results of such behavior. |
|
|
||||
|
|
Indianapolis 500 Qualifications Day 1 Kurt Swadener Collection |
1985-05 |
The channel 6 news sports team covers the first day of the 1985 Indy 500, covering topics such as the poor weather for highspeed racing, some recent crashes, some track record setting speeds, and... |
|
|
||||
|
|
Indianapolis 500 Highlights Kurt Swadener Collection |
1990 |
A recap of the 74th Indy 500, going over the highs, the lows, the crashes, and the incredible overtakes of the race. This recap includes a number of interviews with racers, staff, and experts,... |
|
|
||||
|
|
Indiana State Fair Preview Kurt Swadener Collection |
1990-08 |
This is a preview of the 1990 Indiana state fair presented by Channel 6 news. Some of the events previewed include: professional wrestling, cattle shows, square dancing, the farmers day parade,... |
|
|
||||
|
|
Fast Friends Kurt Swadener Collection |
1990-05-22 |
Channel 6 Sports document the friendship of Bobby Rahal and Al Unser Jr. along with the some of the more overlooked aspects of the Indy 500 race such as the expenses that racing accrues, or what... |
|
|
||||
|
|
Educating Our Children Air Check Kurt Swadener Collection |
1994 |
This program focuses on the initiative of open schools, the Inclusion program, where special needs children are placed to learn with the general needs children in the standard classrooms. The... |
|
|
||||
|
|
Bloopers Kurt Swadener Collection |
1981/1982 |
A comedic parody documentary that delves into the workings and attitudes of the largest news networks in Indianapolis featuring a series of comedic falls, musical failures, a massive amount of... |
|
|
||||
|
|
500 Flashbacks Kurt Swadener Collection |
198x |
A program showcasing the footage and stories of previous Indy 500 great racers and cars. Racers on showcase are Roger Penskey and Andy Granatelli. This is followed by a segment about a car... |
|
|
||||
|
|
Fittipaldi Kurt Swadener Collection |
1990-05-03 |
Story of Fittipaldi at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Producer/Director: Kurt M. Swadener; |
|
|
||||
|
|
"Cool" Trackside Crew Kurt Swadener Collection |
1986-05 |
(1:07-5:53) Ed Sorensen covers Indianapolis 500 qualifications, Indianapolis Colts; |
|
|
||||
|
|
Celebration of Lights Dubbing Master Kurt Swadener Collection |
1996-11-29 |
Circle of Lights annual Christmas celebration; Executive Producer: Kurt Swadener |
|
|
||||
|
|
Race for the Pole Kurt Swadener Collection |
1988-05-16 |
seg 3:15 A special about qualifying for the Indianapolis 500 Producer/Director: Kurt Swadener; |
|
|
||||
|
|
Leukemia Telethon Kurt Swadener Collection |
1984-08-20 |
Four Hours for Life, The Leukemia Society of America Executive Producer: Jon Ross; |
|
|
||||
|
|
500 Flashbacks Kurt Swadener Collection |
198x |
A program showing historical footage of past Indianapolis 500 races |
|
|
||||
|
|
Opening Day at the Track Kurt Swadener Collection |
1983 |
Produced and Directed by: Kurt Swadener; |
|
|
||||
|
|
Circle of Lights - Clean Kurt Swadener Collection |
1999-12-25 |
Circle of Lights annual Christmas celebration; Executive Producer: Kurt Swadener |
|
|
||||
|
|
Kurt Swadener Oral History Oral History Collection |
2023-11-02 |
Anne Hassfurder interviews Kurt Swadener |
|
|
||||
|
|
P. S. Dump Your Boyfriend "This Ride" Kurt Swadener Collection |
1988-03-14 | ||
|
||||
|
|
Circle of Lights Kurt Swadener Collection |
2003 |
Circle of Lights annual Christmas celebration; Executive Producer: Kurt Swadener |
|
|
||||
|
|
Backstage with the Phantom of the Opera Kurt Swadener Collection |
1996-01-10 | ||
|
||||
|
|
Backstage With Miss Saigon Kurt Swadener Collection |
1997 |
Written and directed by Kurt Swadener |
|
|
||||
|
|
Circle of Lights-Clean Feed Kurt Swadener Collection |
2002 |
Circle of Lights annual Christmas celebration; Executive Producer: Kurt Swadener |
|
|
||||
|
|
Circle of Lights Kurt Swadener Collection |
2002 |
Circle of Lights annual Christmas celebration; Executive Producer: Kurt Swadener |
|
|
||||
|
|
Circle of Lights Kurt Swadener Collection |
2001-11-23 |
Circle of Lights annual Christmas celebration; Executive Producer: Kurt Swadener |
|
|
||||
|
|
Circle of Lights Kurt Swadener Collection |
2000-11-24 |
Circle of Lights annual Christmas celebration; Executive Producer: Kurt Swadener |
|
|
||||
|
|
Circle of Lights Kurt Swadener Collection |
1999-12-25 |
Circle of Lights annual Christmas celebration; Executive Producer: Kurt Swadener |
|
|
||||
|
|
Fittipaldi Kurt Swadener Collection |
1990-05-16 | ||
|
||||
|
|
Circle of Lights Kurt Swadener Collection |
2004-11-26 |
Circle of Lights annual Christmas celebration; Executive Producer: Kurt Swadener |
|
|
||||
|
|
RTV Rockin' Indy Kurt Swadener Collection |
1996 |
Concert at Dear Creek Music Center, celebrating the night before the 80th Indianapolis 500. Featuring the bands Kansas and Styx. Executive Producer: Kurt Swadener; |
|
|
||||
|
|
Circle of Lights Kurt Swadener Collection |
1999-11-25 |
Circle of Lights annual Christmas celebration; Executive Producer: Kurt Swadener |
|
|
||||
|
|
Circle of Lights Kurt Swadener Collection |
2000 |
Circle of Lights annual Christmas celebration; Executive Producer: Kurt Swadener |
|
|
||||
|
|
Circle of Lights Kurt Swadener Collection |
2005-11-24 |
Circle of Lights annual Christmas celebration; Executive Producer: Kurt Swadener |
|
|
||||
|
|
50 Years Together Kurt Swadener Collection |
1999 |
50 years of television history, hosted by Howard Caldwell. Includes contributions from: John Guion, former Director of Engineering; |
|
|
||||
|
Newscast and celebration of Howard's 25th year at The News Howard Caldwell Collection |
1984-05-01 |
News Director: Bob Gamble; |
|
|
||||
|
500 Magazine Howard Caldwell Collection |
1999-05 |
Ed Sorensen cohosts a show about auto racing in Indianapolis Ed Sorensen, Sports Director; Tony Stewart, Driver, Team... |
|
|
||||
|
50 Years Together: 1960s-1980s Howard Caldwell Collection |
1999 |
Howard Caldwell hosts a news special celebrating 50 years of news on Channel 6. Includes footage of: |
|
|
||||
|
50 Years Together Howard Caldwell Collection |
1999 |
Howard Caldwell hosts a news special celebrating 50 years of news on Channel 6 Executive Producer: Kurt Swadener; |
|
|
||||
|
50 years on the air with Channel 6 Howard Caldwell Collection |
1995 |
Howard Caldwell narrates this documentary of Channel 6 celebrating 50 years on TV. It includes a newscast with Clyde Lee and Howard Caldwell and ends with an episode of "Howard's... |
|
|