G. Christopher Duffy

G. Christopher Duffy was a prominent figure in Indianapolis broadcasting, serving as Vice President and General Manager of WTHR-TV and later founding WPDS-TV. His leadership transformed WTHR from a struggling station into a competitive force in the market, and he went on to establish multiple television stations in Indiana. Duffy's career spanned over three decades in television management and consulting.

Duffy’s father was legendary band leader George Christopher Duffy. The younger Duffy was also drawn to show business, working as a producer for the Mike Douglas Show, even becoming a regular on the program because of his comedic timing and energy.

Duffy arrived in Indianapolis in 1975 to take the helm of WTHR-TV as Vice President and General Manager. Under his leadership, the station underwent significant improvements, including facility upgrades and programming changes with the station transformed into an NBC affiliate and becoming "one of the premier local news stations in America."

Duffy launched a major promotional campaign centered around the station's NewsCenter format, helping to revitalize WTHR's image and competitiveness.

After six years at WTHR, Duffy resigned to start WPDS-TV, (later known as WXIN). In 1986, he partnered with the Hulman-George family to run WNDY-TV in Indianapolis. He invested heavily in high school athletics through WNDY broadcasts.

With Duffy's career beginning as a station promotion director in Chicago before he made his mark in Indianapolis, his expertise in station management and broadcasting led him to transition into consulting work in 1997.

Beyond his business accomplishments, Duffy was a dedicated mentor, recognizing and fostering the potential of others, including future news leaders and political figures. A devoted American, he served over 20 years in the Marine Corps Reserve and demonstrated courage by broadcasting a documentary about the Ku Klux Klan despite receiving death threats.

Duffy was married to his wife, Bobbi, for 41 years and was devoted to his children. He passed away in January 2004 after battling cancer.

February 2025