Captain Bill Eddy

Captain William C. Eddy (1902-1989) was a pioneering engineer, naval officer, and television innovator who played a crucial role in establishing television broadcasting in Chicago. He founded experimental station W9XBK, which later became WBKB, and made significant contributions to radar technology during World War II.

Born in Saratoga Springs, New York, Eddy began his career in the U.S. Navy after graduating from the Naval Academy. Despite partial deafness, which he addressed by developing the "Eddy Amplifier" to track ships, he became an expert in radar and sound technology.

In 1941, Eddy helped set up WBKB in Chicago, which would later become ABC Channel 7. He achieved several broadcasting firsts, including televising boxing matches from Michigan City's Elston High School, the first Notre Dame football game, and the first baseball games at Wrigley Field.

During World War II, Eddy returned to naval service, establishing a radar school that trained over 186,000 technicians. His wartime efforts earned him the Navy's Legion of Merit.

After the war, Eddy declined a promotion to rear admiral and returned to television, continuing to innovate in the field.

During much of this time, Eddy and his family lived on a farm in Michigan City, IN

He also conducted international surveying work to improve communications between various countries and the United States. Notably, he designed the Eddy Test, which tested aptitude for electrical maintenance technicians and was used in the U.S. Navy and Marines.

Eddy's contributions to television went beyond technical aspects. He was deeply involved in the artistic and commercial aspects of the medium, creating special effects such as talking frogs and books that turned their own pages.

He was also involved with popular shows like "Kukla, Fran, and Ollie" and "Zoo Parade" with Marlin Perkins.

Captain William C. Eddy passed away in September 1989 and was buried at Arlington National Cemetery, leaving behind a legacy of innovation in broadcasting, naval technology, and engineering.

February 2025