Terre Haute's WBAK-TV in the Mid-80s and small-town media.
By: MoeMoney
Growing up between Mitchell and Terre Haute in the mid-80s, WBAK-TV was more than just a channel on the dial—it was a window to the world beyond my small town. Living about 60 miles east of Terre Haute, the signal wasn’t always crystal clear, but with a good antenna and a bit of patience, I could tune in to channel 38 and feel connected to something bigger. Owned by Cy Bahakel, WBAK-TV had this unique blend of national programming and local production that gave it it's own feed.
Tuning In: The Programming That Shaped My Days
Back then, WBAK-TV brought all the big ABC shows right into the living room. When I got home I couldn't wait for The A-Team—the thrill of Hannibal’s plans coming together was unbeatable—or pretend not to be interested in Dynasty when my parents watched. Knight Rider and syndicated runs of Magnum P.I. kept things exciting. But what set WBAK-TV apart was the local flavor mixed in with the national stuff.
Good Morning Terre Haute aired weekday mornings, and even from my spot between Mitchell and Terre Haute, it felt like it was a million miles away. They’d talk about local events, interview town folks, and give weather updates sponsored by businesses I never heard of or seen before. There’s a YouTube clip titled “WBAK TV 38 Terre Haute IN 1980s Promo” that captures it—grainy, but a perfect time capsule. Another gem was Valley Point of View, a public affairs show digging into local issues. It wasn’t glamorous, but it featured real people—school board members, small business owners—making it matter. Even after the news team disbanded in ‘81, evening weather updates kept coming.
Local Ads: A Soundtrack to Small-Town Life
The commercials on WBAK-TV weren’t polished national spots—they were for places I knew or wanted to know. Smith’s Furniture had this jingle: “Quality and savings go hand in hand!” A car dealership ad promised the best deals in the Valley, with a guy who seemed like he was probably more comfortable on the lot than in front of a camera.
They’d plug the Banks of the Wabash Festival, a big riverfront event, or the Terre Haute Air Show, calling out, “Look to the skies!” Weather segments had sponsors from local shops, making Terre Haute feel closer than it was, even with a fuzzy signal.
Cy Bahakel: The Man Who Kept It Local
Cy Bahakel was the heart of it all. He took over WBAK-TV in ‘77 and ran it with a deep belief in local broadcasting. I recall an old magazine quoting him: “Localism is the key to success in broadcasting. We need to serve our communities first and foremost.” He lived that. Even as cable rolled in and Indy stations got stronger, Cy kept WBAK-TV rooted in the Wabash Valley. It wasn’t about outshining the big guys—it was about being ours, even for those of us on the fringes.
Living Room Memories: A Teenager’s Escape
I remember being sprawled on the couch after school, tweaking the antenna to get WBAK-TV in focus. Maybe a rerun or an ABC special was on, but the local stuff stuck deepest. Saturday mornings with Good Morning Terre Haute, hearing about high school football or Christmas Parade plans—it tied into small-town life. They’d cover the county fair or festival updates, sometimes with a quick promo or live shot. The signal might flicker in bad weather, but that connection was worth it.
Wrapping It Up: A Small-Town Teen’s Window to the World
WBAK-TV in the mid-80s was a bridge to the wider world from my little corner between Mitchell and Terre Haute. The quirky landscape of local media kept it that way, blending big shows with local production in a way that felt personal, even 60 miles out. Indy stations might’ve had a clearer picture, but WBAK-TV was just more fun. Those glowing TV afternoons and mornings are long past, but they still spark that feeling of the world being closer and bigger all at the same time.