Jerry Chapman

Jerry Chapman was the general manager of WRTV-TV (formerly WFBM) for nearly two decades. He also served as the vice president of McGraw-Hill Broadcasting Company Incorporated and was a board member of various clubs and organizations.

Chapman was born in Indianapolis, Indiana. He attended high school at Broad Ripple High School, where he served as an announcer for WIRE Radio.

Chapman received an education from Butler University, located in Indianapolis. After graduating from Butler University, he returned as an advisor, where he aided in the development of the university’s television curriculum within the journalism department.

In 1960, Chapman was named the promotion manager of WFBM Radio and three years later, he was named program director of the company’s radio division which included both AM and FM stations. Later, he was promoted to manager of both FM and AM stations.

Chapman was involved in a multitude of organizations and was a member of many boards. He served as the board advisor of the United Hospital Campaign and the United Way and board member of the Central Indiana Better Business Bureau, the Metropolitan Community Service Council of Indianapolis and Citizens Forum Inc. He also served on public television station WFYI as their executive committee.

He was a member of numerous clubs, including the Indiana Broadcasters Association, the Indianapolis Press Club, the Woodstock Club and the Advertising Club of Indianapolis.

Chapman passed away in 1987 at the age of 60. After his death, Chapman was acknowledged by others as an outstanding man. News anchorman Howard Caldwell said that Chapman was a very kind and warm person, while general manager of WISH-TV, Peter K. Orne, said Chapman was an influential broadcasting pioneer. Orne said Chapman was synonymous with the success that WRTV had over the years.

By Lily Saylor

June 2025