Hilliard Gates was a Fort Wayne sportscaster and broadcasting executive who began his career in Fort Wayne in 1940 with WOWO Radio. In 1947 Hilliard supervised the construction of WKJG radio which debuted in November of 1947. He also was instrumental in putting WKJG FM on the air in June of 1948.

Hilliard signed on Fort Wayne’s first television station in November of 1953 and subsequently was the first announcer to telecast many sports in Fort Wayne including hockey. In addition, Hilliard appeared on more network broadcasts than any other announcer in Indiana history. In 1967 and 1968, NBC radio selected him to broadcast the Rose Bowl in Pasadena.

Hilliard was named Indiana Sportscaster of the Year 7 times and was nominated for the honor 20 consecutive years.

Hilliard was a member of the original Jaycee committee that orchestrated the construction of the Allen County Memorial Coliseum. He served as president of the Fort Wayne Press Club on 2 different occasions in addition to holding offices in many various community and state organizations.

Hilliard was honored with Indiana’s “Sagamore of the Wabash” award presented by Governor Branigan. He was also the first broadcaster to be inducted into the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame. In 1977 the Indiana Basketball Coaches Association cited him for his long contribution to Indiana basketball.

Hilliard retired as vice president and general manager of WKJG TV in 1990 and served as a consultant to the station until May, 1993.

Hilliard passed away Nov. 21, 1996.