The Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia

Susan Drake

Broadcast Pioneers member Susan Edwards Drake started working at Channel 6, then WFIL-TV (now WPVI-TV) in 1964. It was at a time when not many women worked in broadcasting except as secretaries.

Drake was the director of the evening newscasts and many of the children’s programming carried over the station. She retired in June of 1992. Susan was the daughter of well-known West Virginia philanthropist James F. Edwards.

Mary Barr, executive assistant for programming at WPVI-TV said about Drake, “She was thorough and meticulous. …She was a pioneer in her time.” Susan directed many programs including the MDA telethon, Dialing for Dollars, AM Philadelphia, Captain Noah, Chief Halftown and Al Alberts.

Susan traveled the world as a hobby. She went on safari in African who rode an elephant. She also did dog sledding throughout Alaska. She passed away on Monday, December 24, 2007 from Alzheimer’s disease. Drake was 74 years old.

In 2008, Broadcast Pioneers member Susan Drake was inducted into The Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia's "Hall of Fame."

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