Ken Speck Recognized as Indiana Broadcast Pioneer

— from the Indiana Broadcasters Association —

Ken Speck plays the drums and leads the band in the St. Patrick’s Parade

Orcas Island Bandleader, Philanthropist, Star Trekkie, Percussionist and Realtor Ken Speck has been chosen for induction into the Indiana Broadcast Pioneers Richard M. Fairbanks Hall of Fame this November, along with three other “Hoosier broadcasting legends.”

On July 31 the Indiana Broadcasters Association announced the 2017 class which includes sportscaster Joe McConnell, TV reporter Jack Rinehart, TV videographer Steve Starnes and radio personality Ken Speck.

“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.

Ken 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 Ken’s time at WIRE, the station received numerous Station of the Year awards. Arbitron ranked Ken number one in his time slot for years.

Ken Speck, spiffed up in his tux to lead Orcatrazz

Ken’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.

Ken’s tireless charity and fundraising work for many groups resulted in numerous awards including the CASPER Award from the Central Indiana Community Service Council.

The 2017 Hall of Fame class will be formally inducted on Friday, November 3rd during an awards luncheon in conjunction with the annual Indiana Broadcasters Conference and “Best in Media” Spectrum Awards. Tickets for the annual event will go on sale in September.