Our Annual Event! Friday, November 16, 2018 EVENT WAS SOLD OUT! WHAT A NIGHT with 350 of your closest friends! We were glad you were there!

(Left to right) Vernon Odom and Jim Gardner (an emotional moment of the evening) WPVI Anchor Jim Gardner introduces Vernon Odom as the Broadcast Pioneers' 2018 "Person of the Year" Our 53rd Annual Banquet The Hilton Hotel City Avenue 4200 City Avenue, Philadelphia Friday evening, November 16, 2018 2018 PERSON OF THE YEAR! Vernon Odom

Vernon Odom has been with WPVI-TV/6abc in Philadelphia for more than 40 years. He joined the Action News team after working as an anchor, reporter and talk show host for the ABC affiliate in Atlanta for 6 years. Vernon Odom’s broadcasting experience dates back to the Martin Luther King assassination, when Vernon was a radio reporter in Atlanta. From there, he covered various phases of the civil rights movement in the south, and the early political campaigns of such eventual national figures as Jimmy Carter, Andrew Young, Julian Bond and Maynard Jackson. Odom’s family history in journalism dates back to the 19th century. His maternal grandfather was the second African-American to publish a daily newspaper. His sister, Maida, was a veteran reporter at the Philadelphia Inquirer, and now teaches for Temple University and writes for the Boston Globe. Vernon is married to former Inquirer reporter Wanda Motley. They have two children and reside in Chester County. "HALL OF FAME" LIVING HONOREES! Gene Arnold, air personality, singer & member of the "Disco D.J. Hall of Fame" Bob Backman, WRDE-TV owner, a.k.a. "Cool Bobby B" on SiriusXM Radio Amy Buckman, former WPVI, 6 abc "Action News" producer & air talent Joyce Evans, the 6 p.m. Fox 29 News Anchor, previously with KYW-TV Diane Cameron Feinberg, long-time CBS 3 stage manager, camera operator Ted Greenberg, NBC 10 South Jersey reporter, formerly with WMGM-TV David Madden, KYW Newsradio news anchor, editor & South Jersey reporter Dawn Stensland Mendte, WPHT newscaster. Former TV News Anchor Orien Reid, former reporter for WCAU-TV & Eyewitness News, KYW-TV Leigh Richards, third of a century veteran with 25 on-air years as WXTU-FM Steve Ross, Philadelphia television & radio air personality for a dozen stations Bill Werndl, Eagles broadcasts, radio sports talk host & WPVI Sports Producer "HALL OF FAME" POSTHUMOUS HONOREES! Rod Carson, former newscaster, traffic reporter and founder of Shadow Traffic Frank X. Feller, WIBBAGE Good Guy, GM of WYSP & WWDB talk host Bill Gregory, former KYW Newsradio news anchor for a quarter of a century Mel Kampmann, creator of the well-known WPVI, 6abc "Action News" format Reggie Lavong, WRCV air personality, WHAT Radio owner, WPHL investor Johnny Morris, owner of Morris Broadcasting and WIMG Radio, Trenton, NJ Dave Parks, one of the original WFIL, Famous Boss Jocks. He did overnights. Dave Shayer, original WDVR announcer, WWSH DJ, voice of WLVT, PBS 39 Barbara Sommers, 1st Female Famous 56 Boss Jock, DJ at many other stations Our co-MCs are Larry Kane, Pat Ciarrocchi and Ed Cunningham. Star Spangled Banner was sung by Bob Kravitz, former photojournalist and a member of our Board of Directors. Invocation by Broadcast Pioneers Vice-President Bill Kelley. Piano music throughout the evening by member John Primerano. Vernon Odom was introduced by 6abc's evening anchor, Jim Gardner. The event was once again at the Hilton City Avenue, 4200 City Avenue, Philadelphia. The date was Friday, November 16th. The reception was at 6 pm and dinner was served at 7 pm. A major portion of the ticket price may be deductible on your federal income tax. We are a recognized charity. Ask your tax advisor for details! Tickets must be purchased in advance. Our next banquet will be on Friday evening, November 22, 2019 at the Hilton City Avenue. Make plans to be there. Our next luncheon will be Wednesday, December 19th at the Bala Golf Club, 2200 Belmont Avenue in Philadelphia. Be There! Here's 12 photos from the night Here's complete video of the banquet Click Here! (video courtesy of Broadcast Pioneers Vice-President Brad Seecof) and Metramedia Broadcasting & Studios)

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