The Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia

(Left to right) Joe & Doreen Zawislak
WPHL-TV Publicity Photo
circa 1978

Joe Zawislak portrayed a character on television in the Philadelphia market called "Dr. Shock." The character was based on John Zacherle's "Roland" which aired on Channel 10 in 1957 and 1958. According to Zach, he was asked permission for the character to be similar to his "Roland" and he said, "sure."

Sitting on Dr. Shock's lap is his daughter, Doreen. Nicknamed "Bubbles" because Booth Soda was one of his sponsors, she became a part of the Saturday afternoon program to illustrate that children had nothing to fear from Dr. Shock.

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