Indiana Broadcast History Archive

Jim Piggott spent four decades covering Jacksonville’s city government, becoming a trusted voice in Florida journalism. Known for his direct questions and relentless follow-ups, he reported on key decisions, held public officials accountable, and became a staple in the city’s political coverage. 

Before relocating to Florida, Jim worked in Indiana radio at WBWB-FM B-97 in Bloomington, WIBC Radio in Indianapolis, and WTRE Radio in Greensburg. These early positions allowed him to cover courtroom proceedings and develop the political reporting instincts that would define his career. 

In 1985, Jim joined WJKS Channel 34 in Jacksonville, which later became WJXT. From that point until his retirement in 2024, he reported primarily on local government, consistently providing the public with straightforward coverage of city hall matters that directly affected their lives. 

Braydyn Lents interviewed Jim Piggot for the IBHA Oral History Collection in 2024.

Early Life 

Jim Piggott was born on February 19, 1957, in Beech Grove, Indiana. He was the middle child in a family of nine. His father, Joe Piggott, worked in broadcasting, and in the 1960s, the family relocated to Cincinnati when Joe accepted a position at WLRP radio. 

Jim attributes his early interest in journalism to watching both his father and older brother Mike, who would go on to become a Hall of Fame broadcaster, worked in media. 

College and Early Career 

Jim attended Indiana University in Bloomington, where he studied broadcasting and got involved in student media. He worked at WIUS, now WIUX-FM, which at the time operated out of the Wright Quad dormitory. 

Journalism and Transformation 

Over the course of his career, Jim made several personal and professional shifts. Early on, he worked under the name Jim Vincent, his middle name, so as not to be confused with his father inthe Indianapolis media scene. The decision reflected his desire to build a reputation on his own terms. 

His most significant transformation, however, came during his time in Jacksonville. He not only established himself as a leading local government reporter, but also came out as an openly gay journalist before nationwide legal protections were in place. His presence and openness in the newsroom helped shape a more inclusive journalistic environment in the South.

From Indianapolis to Jacksonville 

for showing up, asking the tough questions, and not letting go of a story. City leaders came to expect his presence at nearly every press conference and public meeting. 

Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry was one of many local officials who acknowledged Jim’s commitment to public accountability. 

https://rumble.com/v54zvoo-july-1-2024-a-salute-to-wjxts-jim-piggott-on-his-final-day-in-tv-news.html

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Written by Braydyn Lents, edited by Katherine Maners

March 2026

Bibliography 

Gibson, Travis. “Wish Him the Best!: Longtime News4JAX Reporter Jim Piggott Is Retiring and We Want to  

Hear from You.” WJXT, WJXT News4JAX, 26 June 2024, www.news4jax.com/features/2024/06/26/wish-him-the-best-longtime-news4jax-reporter-jim-piggott-is-retiring-and-we-want-to-hear-from-you/. Accessed 4 Dec. 2024. 

‌“Joe Piggott (Pickett) – Indiana Broadcast Pioneers.” Indianabroadcastpioneers.org, 2024,  

indianabroadcastpioneers.org/joe-piggott-pickett/. 

LinkedIn. “Jim Piggott.” LinkedIn, 4 Dec. 2024, www.linkedin.com/in/jim-piggott-b885b610.  

Accessed 4 Dec. 2024. 

“Mike Piggott - Battle Ground, Indiana, United States | Professional Profile | LinkedIn.”  

Linkedin.com, 2019,  

www.linkedin.com/in/mike-piggott-9396155/. Accessed 4 Dec. 2024. 

“Mike Piggott Oral History - Media Collections Online.” Indiana.edu, 2022,  

media.dlib.indiana.edu/media_objects/bg258638r/section/vd66ws02x. Accessed 4 Dec. 2024. 

“Jim Piggott Has Roamed City Hall Every Morning for More than 4 Decades Reporting on  

Politics. Now He’s Retiring.” WJXT, WJXT News4JAX, July 2024, www.news4jax.com/features/2024/07/01/jim-piggott-has-roamed-city-hall-every-morning-for-more-than-4-decades-reporting-on-politics-now-hes-retiring/. Accessed 4 Dec. 2024.