Harry Martin

Photo Courtesy of Indiana Broadcast Pioneers

Harry Martin was a pioneering broadcaster known for his contributions to farm radio and television programming in Indiana. Over a career spanning more than five decades, he worked as a news announcer, farm reporter, and weather broadcaster, most notably at WFBM in Indianapolis.

Born Harold Modlin in 1917 on a farm in Henry County, Indiana, Martin’s passion for radio began early. He built crystal sets as a child and was captivated by radio’s ability to connect people. Encouraged by his instructors at Butler University, he left college to join WLBC in Muncie, where he covered news, sports, and farm programs.

In 1943, he was hired by Frank Sharp at WFBM in Indianapolis, where his name was changed to Harry Martin. With a deep understanding of agriculture from his own background, he became the host of Hoosier Farm Circle, providing essential market reports and interviews with industry experts. His skill and reputation extended beyond WFBM, as he contributed reports to CBS Radio, covering unique agricultural and offbeat stories. He spent seven years as Indiana’s CBS news correspondent and eventually took over as WFBM’s farm director.

Martin became a television pioneer, delivering Indiana’s first live commercial and successfully transitioning Purina’s farm programming from radio to TV in 1949, gaining his WFBM noon segment sponsorship for 26 years. He was instrumental in bringing agricultural news to Hoosier audiences, hosting long-running programs such as Purina’s Sunday on the Farm. He also became the host of TV Mailbag, an interactive program where he responded to viewer letters. One of his most beloved on-air companions was Gabby the Duck, who became a signature feature of the show.

In 1972, Martin and his wife, Marian, founded the Rural Radio Network, which grew to reach 56 stations across Indiana. His influence on farm broadcasting was recognized with honors such as the NAFB Farm Broadcaster of the Year award in 1983.

Martin joined NAFB in 1946 and was a member for 59 years. A respected figure in Indiana broadcasting, Martin was also inducted into the Indiana Broadcasters Hall of Fame.

Martin retired to Florida and passed away in 2005 at the age of 88.

March 2025

Katherine Maners

Indiana Broadcast Pioneers