Saving Broadcast History
This was the speech I delivered to the 2013 National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences-Mid America Chapter when I was awarded the "Silver Circle Award."
"I want to thank the academy, including John Paul who nominated me for this honor.
Even though I'm a working broadcaster and hope to continue to be one for quite some time to come, my passion over the last few years has been to document, at least a part of the history of our industry. It all started when I was around 5 years old, when I found a box of old TV Guides from the early to late 1950's at my grandparents house. I read, studied and memorized the press releases and schedules of each station. But, it was those TV guides which I still have that became the foundation of my research into the history of the central Illinois TV market. When I determined I should create a website in my own brand name, it was an easy decision to include that history as part of it. At Doug Quick-dot-com I have included much of my own career history in spotlighting radio stations I had worked for or respected, but also the history of the central Illinois TV stations I grew up watching....which by the way are celebrating their 60th anniversaries this year....along with many of your stations.
While other kids idolized athletes, I looked up to those local TV broadcasters who inadvertently led me to my broadcast career. I have been fortunate enough to find many of those people or surviving family members and they have contributed pictures and stories I have included on my site. I have connected with several of those pioneer broadcasters, many well over 80 years old who have contributed to my site.
What started out as a central Illinois focused website has expanded to include St. Louis. Including the stories of what I call “Ghost” St. Louis TV stations. That's called a tease....by the way for Doug Quick-dot-com.
As an industry most owners/operators of TV stations do very little to honor the heritage of their facility. I would challenge those owners/operators as well all broadcasters to work to change that. If there are pictures, locally produced kinescopes or video at your stations, collect them.
Work to create a narrative of your stations history and include it on your stations website. If you have questions on how to do that, I can help you. Just drop me an e-mail from my website, Central Illinois On Line Broadcast Museum. Did I mention its Doug Quick-dot-com?
We should be proud of this industry and our own history. I urge you all to keep it, protect it and display it for future generations."