The Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia

Ralph Caliri

Ralph Caliri is a life long resident of the Philadelphia area, graduating from Temple University with a bachelor's degree in Accounting. After his collegiate years, he was employed by Price Waterhouse and became a Certified Public Accountant. Remaining in the field of Finance and Accounting, he joined Drexel Harriman Ripley as Vice-President of Finance and Treasurer and then moved on to AVC Corporation (parent company of WPHL TV 17 ), as Vice-President of Finance.

In 1972, Ralph was named President and General Manager of Channel 17 where he remained until 1975. Partnering with Broadcast Pioneers member Bill Webber, he formed Haddon Holidays specializing in group travel to Hawaii hosted by various Philadelphia area radio personalities and local sports celebrities. Ralph remained as President of Haddon Holidays which grew to be one of the largest providers of vacations to Hawaii.

Ralph retired in 1998, when Haddon Holidays was sold into a roll-up, and the company was taken public.

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