Indiana Broadcast History Archive

Earl Metzger was the owner and general manager of WITZ and WQKZ radio stations in Jasper, IN. He also served as president of the Indiana Broadcasters Association and the Indiana Broadcast Pioneers.  

Born in Huntingburg, Indiana in 1942, Metzger attended Jasper High School and graduated in 1960. He went on to graduate from the Kentucky School of Mortuary Science and also attended Bellarmine College.  

In July of 1948, Metzger’s father, Gilbert E. Metzger, helped put WITZ AM on air alongside two family friends. Following in his father’s footsteps, Metzger became the owner and manager of WITZ. 

In 1950, WITZ FM came on air. In 1974, it increased power to 50,000 watts. In 1998, WQKZ FM was launched in nearby Ferdinand, IN. As well as his broadcast work for the WITZ and WQKZ Stations, Metzger also broadcasted Midnight Mass from St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, where he taught religious education and was a member himself. 

Metzger served on various boards, including the Board of Vincennes University, the Jasper Center and the First United Federal Savings Bank. In addition, he was a member of the advisory board of the Permanent Federal Savings Bank. 

At the Indiana Broadcasters Association, Metzger received the Tom Severino Leadership Award, an award granted to individuals with at least ten years of service to Indiana radio or television broadcasting, and who have demonstrated passion and leadership for broadcast media. 

Metzger was also inducted into the Indiana Broadcast Hall of Fame, a program established in 1981 to recognize and honor those who have worked at Indiana radio and television stations. 

As a member of the Indiana Broadcasters Association, Metzger served as the secretary/treasurer as well as the president. He was also instrumental in forming the Indiana Broadcasters Association State-Wide Radio Network.  

Metzger passed away on August 12, 2011, at the age of 69, and was recognized as a broadcaster who made the listening areas of his stations a better place to live and work. 

January 2025

By Lily Saylor

Indiana Broadcast Pioneers