Indiana Broadcast History Archive

John Harrell, a broadcasting pioneer from Carmel, Indiana, has spent over half a century building the foundations of radio education and local journalism in Indiana. From being the first voice of stereo radio in Indianapolis to shaping young minds at Indiana University, Harrell’s career is a testament to the value of service-driven media. His story reflects the “Golden Age” of radio and today's evolving media.

Mally Nickell interviewed Harrell for the IBHA in 2025. You can listen to the full audio interview here.

Early Fascination with Broadcasting

Growing up in Carmel, Indiana, Harrell discovered his love for journalism early on. While a student at Carmel High School, he served as the news editor for the school paper and the first editor-in-chief of the yearbook, The Pinnacle. 

"That was the first real opportunity I had to express [my love for journalism.]"

John Harrell

He recalled being mesmerized by radio rather than television, which was still very new. This early connection with media sparked a passion that never faded away and ultimately set the course for his entire professional life.  

College Life

Harrell’s passion for radio deepened even more when he enrolled at Butler University in Indianapolis. He quickly became involved with WAJC, Butler's student-run radio station. His dedication led him to become the student station manager. One of his most notable achievements during this time was participating in Indianapolis’ first FM stereophonic broadcast. 

Military Service

Harrell's academic path at Butler was interrupted by a call from Uncle Sam. He served three and a half years in the U.S Army, where he was assigned as a communications assistant and crypto security officer under General Robert Booth.  

Harrell did basic training at Fort. Knox, Kentucky, before being stationed at Fort. Benning, Georgia, for the rest of his time. Even in the military, Harrell could not escape his passion for communication. His time in the Army further honed his understanding of information flow and security, reinforcing the vital role of communication in society at this time.  

Graduate Services and WFIU

After his service, Harrell returned to IU for graduate work and became chief announcer for WFIU. WFIU, then a 33,000-watt powerhouse, had unpaid student announcers who covered large parts of Indiana. His graduate work was focused on the department of radio, which is now known as the department of telecommunications. 

 Under Harrell’s leadership and guidance of mentors like Elmer Selzer and Dick Yocum, WFIU pioneered the IU Sports Network. This groundbreaking network broadcast IU football and basketball games across the state, with Harrell as the booth announcer, working alongside now-renowned names like Dick Enberg and Phil Jones. Harrell’s behind-the-scenes role brought play-by-play coverage to homes statewide. This laid the foundation for what is now a professionally syndicated IU Sports Network. 

WFMS Legacy

Harrell also worked closely with Martin Williams, helping launch WFMS (Williams FM Service), a station still operating today as a country station. WFMS was made and still located in downtown Indianapolis. Harrell served as operations manager and announcer.  

His experience translated well into education. Harrell obtained a teaching license and joined Indianapolis Public Schools, where he produced educational programming in Spanish, aired on Channel 6 (WFBM) and later Channel 8. These programs, “La Clase de Español” and “El Español Hoy Día,” reached homes across the state.  

Harrell said the responses from the programs were overwhelming; he received letters from viewers and schools statewide. He fondly remembered that many homes, not just classrooms, tuned in. His dual role in broadcasting and education enriched his understanding of the media’s social impact.  

Back to Bloomington

Eventually, Harrell and his wife returned to Bloomington, where he joined the IU Department of Telecommunications as an academic advisor and instructor.  

"I've never taught anything I didn't do myself."

John Harrell

He taught commercial writing and newscast scripting, becoming a mentor to many students who now work across the media landscape.  Harrell’s teaching style centered on people.  

Over the years, he maintained lasting relationships with former students, many of whom have gone on to successful broadcasting careers. His impact extended beyond the classroom to both commercial and public broadcasting through decades of dedication. Even after retiring, his passion for helping students never faded. 

Reflection and Legacy

Although Harrell is retired, he remains engaged with broadcasting as a listener and supporter of WFIU.  

"Radio has lost its presence. We are guests in people’s homes, and I just wonder how many stations today really serve the public."

John Harrell

Harrell’s career exemplifies the best of broadcasting: committed, communicatively focused and constantly evolving. Whether through his role in the first stereo radio broadcast in Indianapolis, founding the IU Sports Network or mentoring the next generation of journalists, Harrell has left a lasting legacy. His voice, quite literally, helped shape Indiana’s archives. More than a broadcaster, he remains an educator, a mentor and a passionate advocate for the power of local media.  

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Written by Mally Nickell, Edited by Lily Saylor

March 2026