In August of 1965, the world of television news changed forever. Broadcast Pioneers member Al Primo came to Philadelphia as KYW-TV's News Director. He brought with him a brand new concept; Street and Beat Reporters actually appearing on camera to tell the story. It was a new adventure in telecasting and the universe of TV news would never be the same again.
It's 50 Years later. Yes, a half-century. Most everyone does news this way today but back in 1965, no one really knew how it would work out.
Our MC & Moderator for the afternoon was Broadcast Pioneers member Robin Mackintosh, sometimes called the "reporter's reporter." Robin was with Eyewitness for three decades.
Our panelists were: (in alphabetical order):
Pat Ciarrocchi, anchor and reporter for CBS 3's Eyewitness News
Jim Donovan, KYW-TV, CBS 3's current reporter for consumer affairs
Trudy Haynes, first African American reporter on Philadelphia TV Newscasts
Al Primo, former Channel 3 News Director, creator of Eyewitness News
Dick Sheeran, former street reporter and Eyewitness News Anchor
Marciarose Shestack, first Eyewitness News co-anchor (with Tom Snyder)
Plus, Broadcast Pioneers member Dick Standish spoke live on the telephone with members Vince Leonard and Mort Crim, both legendary Eyewitness Newscasters.
This all happened 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 plus the radio stations in Bala Cynwyd.
BREAKING NEWS!
It was announced at this luncheon that Broadcast Pioneers member Al Primo (the creator of the Eyewitness News format) will be inducted into the Broadcast Pioneers' Hall of Fame on Friday, November 20th. Tickets go on sale in August. We'll announce our "Person of the Year" and our other "Hall of Fame" inductees on our July summer tour. Details coming shortly.
Our panelists with Chairman of the Board Pat Delsi
Broadcast Pioneers Luncheon
Bala Golf Club, Philadelphia
Wednesday, June 17, 2015
COMPLETE VIDEO OF THE LUNCHEON!
Watch from the Broadcast Pioneers YouTube Channel!
(Video courtesy of Broadcast Pioneers VP Brad Seecof and Metramedia Broadcasting and Studios)
