Indiana Broadcast History Archive

James David Longest (who goes by the “on air” name David James) started his journalism career writing and editing posts at Bosse High School’s newspaper and yearbook. He went on to become editor of the Crescent, the University of Evansville’s weekly newspaper. 

David received a bachelor’s degree in journalism and a Masters in Humanities while working evenings writing obituaries for The Evansville Courier and writing features part-time for The Evansville Sunday Courier and Press.  After graduation, he worked full-time at the latter, covering education and police beats before moving on as a reporter-anchor at WGBF-AM (Evansville). 

In late 1973, David began a 41-year career at WFIE-TV, becoming evening anchor and managing editor.  His work took him to the White House, United Nations, the Gulf Coast, England, Germany, and the Ukraine.  He also moderated several televised debates for mayor and the U.S. Senate and was a fixture on the Jerry Lewis MDA telethon in Evansville for more than 30 years.  Additionally, he has served on numerous community boards and committees. 

After retiring James continued with part-time work at NPR affiliate, WNIN-FM in Evansville as host of a weekly radio interview program ”Two Main Street.” 

David James was inducted into the Indiana Broadcast Pioneers Hall of Fame in 2019.

Indiana Broadcast Pioneers