Four Hoosier broadcasting legends are being inducted into the Indiana Broadcast Pioneers Richard M. Fairbanks Hall of Fame this November. The Indiana Broadcasters Association today announced the 2017 class which includes sportscaster Joe McConnell, TV reporter Jack Rinehart, radio personality Ken Speck, and TV videographer Steve Starnes. Speck is a long-time Orcas Island resident.

“This distinguished group of broadcasters represents the best our industry has to offer, not just for Indiana, but nationally. Joe, Jack, Ken, and Steve join more than 170 other broadcasters in the Indiana Broadcast Pioneers Richard M. Fairbanks Hall of Fame and we are looking forward to recognizing their careers in the fall at IBA’s annual conference,” said IBA Executive Director Dave Arland.

Speck served as an on-air personality and managing director at WIRE Radio in Indianapolis from 1970 to 1985 before moving WKPM in Seattle where he helped take the station from number 42 in the market to number one within five months. During his time at WIRE, the station received numerous Station of the Year awards. Arbitron ranked Ken number one in his time slot for years.

Speck’s radio work began in Ohio in 1955 at Kent State University’s WKSU and then WAND, WCMW and WCNS. His early years included working at WCAR in Detroit and as program director at WSLR in Akron. There, his station was ranked number one in Billboard Magazine’s radio response rating. His tireless charity and fundraising work for many groups resulted in numerous awards including the CASPER Award from the Central Indiana Community Service Council.