Meet the 2019 Award Winners: Indiana Sportscaster Don Fischer
12.21.2020
Today’s award spotlight is on NSMA 2019 Indiana Sportscaster of the Year, Don Fischer. Fischer has been the voice of Indiana University's basketball and football teams for 47 seasons. The Illinois native came to I.U. in 1973 at the age of 26 and has since covered three of the college’s basketball championships and multiple bowl games to name a few accomplishments. Fischer also hosted a weekly talk show for Coaches in both football and basketball as well as a daily show called “IU Sports Today.” He was the television voice of the Indianapolis Colts pre-season games as well.
This will be Fischer’s astounding 27th win and Indiana Sportscaster of the Year. His first was in 1977 for his work with WIRE in Indianapolis for coverage of the Indianapolis 500. He has also been inducted into the ISSA Hall of Fame in 2004 by The Indiana Sportswriters and Sportscasters Association.
Fischer briefly spoke with NSMA on his career and other thoughts regarding the industry.
NSMA: What was your career path like on the way to your current position?
Don Fischer: 1967-68 KXLF AM Butte, MT Disc Jockey. 1968-70 WOLI FM Ottawa, IL Sportscaster for High School sports, daily air shifts, and production duties. 1970-72 WBOW AM_FM Terre Haute, IN Sports Director with p-b-p duties for High Schools, 2 colleges, and city athletic events. 1972-73 WOLI FM Ottawa, IL Sports Director and sales. 1973-1992 WIRE AM Indianapolis, IN Sports Director and voice of I.U. Radio Network. 1993 Learfield Communications -- Continued as the voice of I.U. on a freelance basis to present. 1995-2017 Indianapolis Colts Pre-season television p-b-p.
NSMA: What is your favorite thing about your job?
DF: For me, it's being able to bring the play by play story of each game to the listening audience. In other words, being the eyes for an event that they can't see. When I was a little kid, I loved listening to games on the Radio and the excitement that the announcers brought to my ears. And for me, p-b-p has allowed me not only to feel that excitement but to bring it to audiences for over 5 decades.
NSMA: What has been the biggest highlight of your career so far?
DF: The highlight is having been blessed to be in a profession that has allowed me to do something I absolutely love doing for my entire adult life. And then knowing that people have enjoyed my work. It just doesn't get any better than that!
NSMA: What is the best piece of advice you have for people pursuing a career in sports media?
DF: Like everything else in life, to do your best, you have to be prepared. And preparation requires work. Work requires self-motivation and perseverance. If you have that recipe within you and the ability to communicate, you will have a real shot at success.
Written by NSMA intern, Brian Cohen