The first time Ed Thurman tells someone that he’s done over 3000 high school games as a radio broadcaster, it doesn’t seem possible.
When he reveals that he called his first game at the age of 17, it makes a little more sense.
Ed Thurman is an integral part of the Z-team here at WZBD. Taking on broadcasts in basketball, volleyball, baseball and softball, he is usually a one-man wrecking ball, filling listeners in with wonderful commentary and a voice that fills the room.
His colleague at WZBD, Rex Brewer, can’t turn off the radio when Ed is on the air.
“The guy could make a tiddlywinks game compelling,” laughs Brewer. “He brings passion and excitement to every broadcast.”
Along with his game broadcasts, Thurman also covers news and produces commercials for the station and its sister station, WPGW in Portland.
“Radio is literally the only thing I have ever done,” exclaims Thurman when he considers his career in the industry. “Outside of mowing yards when I was a teenager, it’s the only thing I have done since I joined the station in Hartford City at 16 years old in 1972.”
Listeners will have no trouble believing Thurman when he talks about his passion.
“Play by play is truly my first love in radio,” he says.
Thurman is a graduate of Blackford High School and he went on to Vincennes University to further his education.
Ed has worked at multiple stations in his career, including in Wisconsin and Southern Indiana, but his heart has always been in his native Blackford County. Thurman spent 24 years working for a station in Marion before coming to WPGW and WZBD in 2019.
When he’s not behind a microphone, Thurman is spending time with his wife, Rhonda, and his four kids, who are all grown up now. Ed became a grandpa for the first time in 2022.
Thurman’s wife works as an elementary teacher in Blackford County and the two of them are active 4-H leaders, along with being active members of their church.
Thurman is a firm believer in local radio and loves working with WZBD because of its identity as a truly local station.
“WZBD strives to serve the local community,” says Thurman. “I hope we stay that way and the community appreciates our efforts.”
