Indiana Broadcast History Archive

Joe Piggott, also known as Joe Pickett, worked at a number of Indiana radio and television stations, including WFBM, WIBC, WXLW, WISH, WSAL and WLRP, as well as stations in Cincinnati, Columbus, OH, St. Louis and West Palm Beach.  

Piggott was born May 18, 1922, in Indianapolis, and grew up in the Holy Cross Neighborhood. He attended Cathedral School, graduating in 1941 before attending Butler University. He also served in the U.S. Army during World War II. 

In the early 1960’s, Piggott partnered with Glenn Webber to host the “Pickett-Webber Thing” on WFBM, which turned out to be one of the most popular radio shows in Indianapolis. 

The “Pickett-Webber Thing” was a morning drive time radio show that many considered the first great personality duo of Indianapolis radio. The show boasted high ratings for nearly twenty years.  

While Webber worked as an announcer and newscaster for two decades at WRTV-TV in Indianapolis, it was the “Pickett-Webber Thing” that boosted his popularity. 

Piggott also collaborated with Fred Heckman on the WIBC morning news. Heckman was a prominent Indiana journalist who worked at WIBC-AM as the station's News Director. Heckman passed away in 2001.  

In 2011, Piggott was inducted into the Indiana Broadcast Hall of Fame. 

Piggott was married to Jean Elizabeth Shea. Together, they are survived by 9 children, 18 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.   

Piggott passed away in his home on April 20, 2013, at the age of 90. Piggott was remembered as a great radio personality, and his wide range of work at a multitude of radio stations signified his work ethic.   

February 2025

By Lily Saylor