In 1938, Indiana University began to engage in radio activities. A room was set aside for use as a studio and control room and a radio director and program director were hired. Courses such as "Radio Broadcasting" and "Radio Writing" were offered through the Department of Speech and "Radio News" in the Department of Journalism. In addition, two graduate courses were initiated: "Radio in Education" in the School in Education and "Radio Seminar" in the Department of Speech.
At the Board of Trustees September 20, 1945 meeting, they approved the establishment of a Department of Radio as an "unattached department" under the Dean of Faculties. Beginning the fall of 1950, IU offered a B.S. in Radio and listed the courses under the College of Arts and Sciences, but it wasn't until 1953 that Radio officially began a part COAS, when the Trustees approved the establishment of the Department of Radio and Television. In 1974, the Trustees approved a name change to the Department of Telecommunications in order to better reflect the expanded scope of their academic program. This change went into effect on July 1.
Harry Skornia served as Director of Radio Programs (and chair of the department once it was established) from 1942-1953. Following him was Elmer Sulzer, who chaired the department for the decade from 1954-1964. Sulzer was succeeded by Donley Feddersen, who served as department chair from 1966-1970.
Today the Department of Telecommunications is home to over forty faculty members. It offers courses in marketing strategies, multimedia design, radio and television production, processes and effects, and industry and management.
From the guide to the Indiana University Department of Radio and Television Chair's records, 1939-1963, bulk 1945-1952, (Indiana University Office of University Archives and Records Management http://www.libraries.iub.edu/archives)
