Broadcast Pioneers member Bill Wright, Sr. and his daughter
WABT-TV, Channel 13, Birmingham, Alabama
1955

Broadcast Pioneers member Bill Wright, Sr. had a children's program in Birmingham, Alabama on Channel 13, WABT-TV (We're Alabama's Best Television). His kids show experience started in radio as "Cousin Bill" on the "Miss Anne and the Comics" radio program. Wright was also doing MC work live at the Mickey Mouse Club at the Alabama Theater in downtown Birmingham.

Cousin Cliff Holman at far left with Bill Wright, Sr. in the center
WABT-TV, Channel 13, Birmingham, Alabama
1955

Wright's program was entitled, "Uncle Bill's Fun Shop" and had live kids in the audience. In the show's opening, "Uncle Bill" arrived at the station in a 1921 Model T Ford called "Bouncalot." It was purchased at a nearby used car lot for $300 and was also used for Bill's personal appearances.

Shortly after "Fun Shop" came on the air, they did a show at noon called, "Snicker Flickers" where they played old silent comedies. There was piano music in the background played by Professor Huel Murphy and Bill did the narration. Bill did the show for about two years before returning to radio at WBRC, which was owned by Storer Broadcasting. He did the morning radio program and then in the afternoons did TV with "Uncle Bill and Spooky." He did the broadcasts for about a half year and then came to Philadelphia to work for the Storer station here, WIBG.

From the official archives of the Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia
Photos originally donated by Broadcast Pioneers member Bill Wright, Sr., Cliff Holman
and Tim Hollis of the Birmingham Rewound website
© 2009, Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia
All Rights Reserved

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