Don Menke

Don Menke was a pioneering figure in broadcasting and advertising, known for his leadership roles in Indiana's media industry. He served as general manager of WEOA in Evansville for eight years before becoming station manager of WFBM-TV in Indianapolis from 1955 until his retirement in 1969. Menke was also president of the Indiana Advertising Club and the Indiana Broadcasters Association and was named Indiana Broadcaster of the Year in 1963.

Menke’s career in media began in the late 1920s when he worked for the William H. Block Company, producing the company’s first radio advertisements. He later moved into radio advertising in Chicago and Los Angeles, where he and John Guedel co-created the popular radio show People Are Funny, which was later nationally broadcast. In 1941, Menke returned to WFBM in Indianapolis as a copy director, overseeing promotional activities and advertising content.

In 1946, WFBM, Inc. acquired WEOA in Evansville and sent Menke there as program and general manager. He played a crucial role in expanding the station’s programming and advertising strategies. After nearly a decade in Evansville, he returned to Indianapolis in 1955 as the commercial manager of WFBM-TV, quickly advancing to general manager in 1959.

Following his retirement in 1969, Menke remained deeply involved in sports broadcasting. He played a key role in establishing the Indiana University Basketball Network and the Big Ten Football and Basketball Highlight Networks. Additionally, he served on the board of directors for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and coordinated coverage for the 500 Festival Parade.

Beyond broadcasting, Menke contributed to philanthropy as a founding organizer of the Santa Clothes Club which provided clothing for underprivileged children.

Menke retired to Florida and passed away there in 1989.

March 2025

Katherine Maners

Indiana Broadcast Pioneers