John B. Roberts
WFIL-TV
circa 1953

Note that this helicopter says WFIL AM-TV. While WFIL owned an FM station at the time, it was not an important player in the Philly market. This photo dates from approx. 1953. Riding in the passenger seat is WFIL Newscaster (and a professor at Temple University) John Roberts. He is a member of the Broadcast Pioneers of Philadephia, a former President of our organization and currently serves on our Board of Directors.

John said that the helicopter idea was that of Roger Clipp, Vice-President and General Manager of the station. While it did serve all of the WFIL stations, it was more of a publicity stint, said Roberts.

From the official archives of the Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia
Photo originally donated by WPVI, Channel 6 which used to be WFIL-TV
© 2006, All Rights Reserved

The e-mail address of the Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia is pioneers@broadcastpioneers.com