Eldon Campbell
PEOPLE

Eldon Campbell

Broadcasting executive

(Jan. 8, 1916-Apr. 19, 1991). Born in Alert, Indiana, Campbell attended Hanover College before transferring to the University of Illinois to complete his bachelor’s degree. He was program manager at WOWO radio station in Fort Wayne, Indiana, from 1938 to 1945. In 1945 he became sales and program manager at KEX radio in Portland, Oregon. From 1950 to 1956 he was an executive sales representative with Westinghouse Broadcasting Company in New York City. He joined Time-life, Inc. in 1956, and the following year became vice president and general manager of Time-Life-owned WFBM radio and television (later Wrtv) stations in Indianapolis. The TV station garnered numerous local honors as well as a prestigious Peabody Award under Campbell’s 15-year stewardship.

A two-story stone office building. Above the entrance are the words "Radio Television WFBM"
WFBM Radio and Television, 1953 Credit: Bass Photo Co Collection, Indiana Historical Society View Source

In 1962, Campbell was awarded a Doctor of Humane Letters from Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis. For many years, while maintaining his position at WFBM, he also taught a radio and television management course at Butler University. In 1965 he became a trustee of Hanover College.

His retirement from radio and TV in 1973 signaled a new era in his life. In 1974, he became director of the Department of Commerce for the State of Indiana. During the next 13 years, he was vice president and advertising director for Hook’s Drug Stores, then vice president of community affairs and public relations for Indiana National Bank, and board chairman of Indianapolis Cablevision (see Cable Television).

Campbell also had a significant impact on the city as a volunteer. He served on the Boy Scout Council, on the 500 Festival committee, was president of Crossroads of America, and, as president of Junior Achievement, raised over $200,000 toward the purchase of the organization’s building. In recognition of his contributions to the city, the Indianapolis Star bestowed on Campbell the Jefferson Award for outstanding public service in 1987. Just before his death, Campbell started Campbell Communications International, Ltd., a global business development company.

CONNIE J. ZEIGLER (1994)
Revised February 2021
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