It was a tribute to our friends at WPHL-TV, Channel 17. Our MC was former Channel 17's Steve Highsmith. Our speakers included: Dave Abramson, Rick Fox, Dorie Lenz, Ron Joseph (RJ), Michael Nise, Len Stevens, Vince Giannini and Demetria Green and Nick Foley of the PHL 17 morning news team.
For those not familiar with those names. Steve Highsmith worked there for decades and still does the Mummers Parade for them. Dave Abramson is now Chief Engineer for the Philadelphia Phillies and he worked at 17 at a TV Director.
Rick Fox has been a camera operator for NBC for a third of a century. Previously, he worked at 17 as a producer and director. Dorie Lenz hosted a talk show on the station for three decades. Ron Joseph hosted his dance show (sometimes seen nationally) from Channel 17.
Michael Nise produced Dancin' On Air there for years and then went on to take the show nationally as Dance Party USA on the USA television network. Len Stevens was one of the original owners and put the station on the air in 1965.
Vince Giannini is the General Manager and Senior Vice-President of the station. And Detmetria and Nick are the morning news anchors.
This all took place at the beautiful and historic Bala Golf Club, 2200 Belmont Avenue (across the street from the state police) in the Wynnefield section of Philadelphia. Only minutes away from Channels 6, 10 and 17 and the radio stations in Bala Cynwyd.
Watch the Luncheon
(Video courtesy of Broadcast Pioneers Vice-President Brad Seecof and Metramedia Broadcasting and Studios)
