WFHB Bloomington Community Radio
The history of Bloomington’s community radio station; a continuing series.
Brian Kearney fancied himself a sly fox. By applying for and being accepted as one of Herman B. Wells’ caretakers, he just might be able to obtain the legendary Indiana University leader’s blessing for the proposed Bloomington community radio station.
Wells, though, was a slier fox. He knew from the start what Kearney was hoping for. He also knew that Kearney’s interest in him as a person was genuine and Kearney would be a dedicated helper and companion for the elderly and wheelchair-bound pillar of the local community.
Despite Kearney’s youth — he’d just graduated from IU — he was savvy enough to know Clear Creek Sounds needed a champion and an entrée into the offices of people with money and power. Few people were more respected in South Central Indiana than Herman B. Wells.
Wells had served as president of IU from 1938 through 1962. He then was named chancellor and continued in that role until 2000. Soon after graduation, Kearney made an appointment with him and donned a jacket and tie, hoping to get his support for the station effort. Kearney described the idea. Wells asked probing questions and appeared skeptical. Finally, Wells asked, bluntly, “What do you want?”
Kearney replied he hoped for Wells’ endorsement, giving Clear Creek Sounds the credibility it lacked. Wells snapped, “That’s not what you want. You want money!”
No, Kearney said, really.
“Trust me,” Wells countered, “it always leads to money.”
Soon after, Wells hired Kearney as one of his around-the-clock caretakers. Kearney assiduously tended to Wells’ needs during his shifts on duty. And he rarely missed a chance to talk with Wells about the station effort. For his part, Wells watched Kearney closely. He wanted to determine how serious this young person was and whether or not these radio station people merited his consideration. After a while, Wells had seen enough to throw open the doors of wealth and power for Kearney and Clear Creek Sounds.
NEXT POST: THE ZEALOT
Come back for more tales from the WFHB genesis story in this space. We’ll be posting each week as WFHB celebrates its 31st year as Bloomington’s home of community radio.