IU alumnus Bob Shanks made his name as a New York television producer, helping to launch shows like “Good Morning America” and “20/20.” He passed away this month, and in his honor we bring you a conversation from 2016, when Shanks returned to the Media School to accept a Distinguished Alumni Award.

Host Jim Shanahan talked with Shanks about his path to New York from Lebanon, Indiana. We hear how he parlayed proximity into a seat at the table, moving from waiting on executives to calling the shots at some of New York’s most well-known shows. This is Part 1 of a 2-part series.