Biography of Mr. Tom Bigler

Not many people could say they have worked for five radio stations, three television stations, a newspaper, a university, and served in World War II under the United States Army Air Force? Tom Bigler could, and his professional experience surely supersedes just about anyone else’s in the Wyoming Valley’s in the Wyoming Valley’s journalism community.

Over the years, Bigler held many positions in the local media. He worked in radio in Hazleton, Newcastle, PA, and Washington, PA. In 1948, Bigler advanced to News Director of WILK-AM radio. When WILK-TV was formed in 1953, he became the News Director for both the WILK radio and television stations. In 1962, Bigler took on News Director at WNEP-TV for four years. In 1966, he was the incoming News Director and Vice President of News and Public Affairs for WVRE-TV, where he worked for 20 years.

While in the television business, Bigler won numerous awards from the Associated Press for “Outstanding Editorial Writing” and “Outstanding News Broadcast.” In addition to these awards, Bigler won the following: the Silverblatt Award, Thaddeus Stevens Award from PSEA, “Friend of Education,” Distinguished Citizen Award from the City of Wilkes-Barre, Ethics Institute of Northeast Pennsylvania Achievement Award, and the Family Service Associated Community Service Award.

In 1986, Bigler became a Professor of Communication studies at Wilkes University under the Tom Bigler Endowed Chair in Media. He also began writing a weekly column for The Times Leader. While at Wilkes University, Bigler taught journalism and ethics courses, was Faculty Advisor to The Beacon, Wilkes University’s student newspaper, and started an annual high school journalism conference. Bigler retired as a Professor Emeritus of Communications in 2001, but continued to teach part-time at Wilkes University. Upon his retirement, Dr. Andrea Frantz, Associate Professor of Communication Studies at Wilkes, named the journalism conference in Bigler’s honor. During his time at Wilkes University, Bigler was a mentor and friend to both students and faculty.

Though Bigler was a busy man, he still found time to do what was dearest to his heart- community service. Bigler was involved with over 20 different community and professional based organizations. He co-founded Leadership Wilkes-Barre, where he became a member of the Board and acted as a mentor. He also served on the Board of Trustees for Family Service Association, the Board for the Greater Wilkes-Barre Association for the Blind. Bigler was also a Board Emeritus Member for the Osterhout Free Library.

Bigler passed away in March of 2007 after battling heart related health problems. For a new generation of journalists, Bigler acts as a model of media and community service. Through his service, the Wyoming Valley has greatly benefited. Bigler was an inspiration to all journalists, students and local citizens.

• Wilkes to Confer First M.F.A. Degrees During Summer Commencement
• Communication Studies Senior Awarded Public Relations Scholarship

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