Indiana Broadcast History Archive

Charles Blake received a degree in Communications from the University of Evansville. His professional career began at WSON, Henderson, Kentucky, as a Staff Announcer. He was then an announcer for WRTL, Bradenton, Florida, and later Operations Director. He accepted a position with WIKY, Evansville, as Salesman/Announcer in 1957. During his 28 years with WIKY, he served variously as Sales Manager, Station Manager, General Manager, and, finally, Vice President. Blake’s leadership skills were tested when WIKY was destroyed by fire in 1981; the station was broadcasting from temporary facilities the next day. Later, while construction was underway on a new facility, a severe storm demolished the WIKY tower. Under Blake’s direction, the station was back on the air within hours. During his tenure as General Manager, WIKY became the #1 Arbitron rated station in the market. Blake served as president of the Indiana Broadcasters Association.