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Carmel, Ind. – October 23, 2020 – The Indiana Broadcasters Association, which represents more than 270 TV and Radio stations across the Hoosier state, is donating $15,000 to support the Hoosier Gym in Knightstown. The contribution was presented this week during the IBA’s 2020 “Best In Broadcasting” Spectrum Awards that originated from the iconic venue.
“Small businesses across the state are hurting because of the Covid-19 pandemic and the Hoosier Gym is no exception” said IBA Executive Director Dave Arland. “Revenue to support the daily operations of the important sports and tourist landmark usually comes in from both visitors and tournaments played on the hardwood. But since March, the gym has been virtually empty. The Indiana Broadcasters Association is stepping forward to support the Hoosier Gym, which was such a gracious host to our virtual awards program.”
In addition to supporting the Hoosier Gym, the IBA sponsored special showings of the movie Hoosiers across the state this summer in Garrett, Indianapolis, and Terre Haute to raise money for the Gym’s operations.
“2020 has been a rough year for the Hoosier Gym. Losing the Hoosiers Reunion All-Star Classic, coupled with being shut down to visitors for three months put a financial pinch on the Gym. Thanks to the IBA, that burden has been alleviated,” said Hoosier Gym Events Coordinator Bob Garner in a letter to the IBA’s Board of Directors “You can be assured that we will put the money to good use to preserve the work of this historic site.”
You can watch the Spectrum Awards online at IndianaBroadcasters.org. The show honored TV and Radio stations in 32 categories and includes the induction of six broadcasters into the Indiana Broadcast Pioneers Richard M. Fairbanks Hall of Fame. Interviews with Hoosier basketball icons Quinn Buckner and Tamika Catchings are part of the show, along with a discussion with Brad Long who played “Buddy” in the movie Hoosiers.
About the IBA: The Indiana Broadcasters Association is comprised of more than 270 member radio and television broadcasters, serving listeners and viewers throughout the Hoosier state. The IBA advocates for member stations in Washington and the Indiana Statehouse, offers a variety of training programs for members, conducts voluntary FCC inspection programs, provides scholarships to college students studying broadcasting, hosts career fairs for members to recruit employees, and recognizes stations for excellence in community service and broadcasting.
