Indiana Broadcast History Archive

Bob Gregory was a longtime meteorologist for WTHR-TV in Indianapolis, where he anchored weeknight weathercasts for nearly three decades. He received multiple honors including the American Meteorological Society Seal of Approval in 2000, the Silver Circle Award from the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences in 2005 and was honored by the Associated Press with its first-ever, first-place award for weathercasting. 

In his hometown of Beloit, Wisconsin, Gregory began his broadcasting career as a night disc jockey at WGEZ-AM. In 1961, he transitioned to television at WREX-TV in Rockford, Illinois, where he moved from man-on-the-street interviews into part-time weathercasting. He later worked as a weatherman at television stations in Peoria, Illinois, and Albany, New York, before joining WTHR in Indianapolis on September 3, 1972. 

During his time at WTHR, Gregory became a trusted figure for Indiana residents, delivering forecasts on SkyTrak Weather and guiding viewers through some of the state’s most severe weather events. He was on-air overnight during the Blizzard of 1978 and covered the historic “Super Outbreak” of tornadoes in 1974. His work earned him widespread recognition, including induction into both the Indiana Associated Press Broadcasters Hall of Fame and the Indiana Broadcast Hall of Fame. 

In addition to weathercasting, Gregory hosted the game shows Bowling for Dollars and Brain Game, which promoted education among high school students. He was also the longtime spokesperson for Bob Gregory’s Coats for Kids, a campaign he launched in 1986 that has provided approximately 170,000 free coats to children in need. 

Gregory semi-retired in December of 2000 after 28 years at WTHR. Known for his humor, warmth, and deep connection to the community, he is a firm believer in the saying, “If you don’t like Indiana weather, wait five minutes and it will change.” 

February 2025

Katherine Maners

Indiana Broadcast Pioneers