Indiana Broadcast History Archive

Don Burton, born in 1907, is best known as the founder of WLBC. WLBC is Muncie’s first and longest running radio station, as it was established in 1926. His journey in broadcasting began when he received his first broadcasting license, and he operated WLBC from his parents’ home.  

Burton’s father built onto the family’s garage so Burton would have a space to store his transmitters. Burton’s mother gave Burton her parlor for his studio. This pioneering effort marked the start of a significant chapter in Indiana's radio history. 

Burton's contributions to broadcasting extended beyond the establishment of WLBC. He was instrumental in the development of both AM and FM radio as a medium in the region and became a prominent figure in the local community. 

In addition to his career in radio, Burton started a Muncie TV station in 1953, which was also named WLBC. In the beginning, WLBC broadcast network programs were received from the three main networks, CBS, ABC and NBC. The channel became a primary NBC affiliate in the early 1960s.  

WLBC-TV became WIPB-TV in 1971 after the channel was sold to a local non-profit group. The channel was later acquired by Ball State University on October 31st, 1971, and is still in operation today, providing PBS coverage to eastern Indiana and western Ohio. 

His work was recognized with the production of "The Burton Story," a 40-minute documentary written and produced by Darrell Wible created in 1986, which chronicles Burton’s life and the history of WLBC. The documentary is preserved in institutions such as the Indiana State Museum Hall of Fame and the National Broadcasters Pioneer Hall of Fame. 

Throughout his career, Burton was celebrated for his innovative spirit and dedication to the craft of radio and television broadcasting, leaving a legacy that influenced future generations of broadcasters. His story remains an integral part of Muncie's cultural heritage, reflecting the evolution of media in the 20th century. 

For his achievements in radio and television broadcasting, Burton was inducted in the Indiana Broadcast Hall of Fame. 

January 2025