Broadcast Pioneers member Jack M. Rattigan began his life in broadcasting in 1948 as a member of a handful of students at The College of the Holy Cross, Worcester, MA who started WCHC campus radio. He got his first paying job the day he graduated from college at WAAB/WGTR-FM, Worcester. Later that summer, he worked at WLCR, Torrington, CT. Shortly after the Korean War began he enlisted in the USAF. Most of that time was spent in Germany but was unable to be assigned to the Armed Forces Network.

After release from active service, he joined WGLV-TV, Lehigh Valley, PA. He hosted a talk show, children's program and was TV anchor and ultimately News Director. While working at WGLV-TV, he also did a morning show on WHOL AM, Allentown. In late 1957 he moved to Wilmington, DE and WDEL. In March 1958, he was hired by NBC/WRCV, where he did afternoon drive, was music director and producer.(1958-1965) His second week at WRCV, his second son, Broadcast Pioneers member Neil Rattigan (KYW-TV 3) was born.

In 1965 Group W returned to Philadelphia. Jack was part of the team that set up All News KYW. He was Public Affairs Director/Production Director and did weekend news. He always wanted to get into management but was told he needed sales experience.

He left KYW in 1967 to work at WMMR (just changed from WIP-FM). He was the only sales person and hosted "Sinatra & Friends" seven nights a week (6:30pm-8:00pm) plus Sundays (9:00am-12noon). When WMMR changed format to "Progressive Rock" and the staff expanded, Jack was named Sales Manager.

In 1971, Jack and his family (now 3 boys, 3 girls) moved to Norfolk, VA where he managed various stations for Rust Communications in Norfolk and Richmond.

Rollins Media hired Jack as WCHS/ WBES General Manager, Charleston, WV (1974-1977). Rollins transferred him back to Norfolk to manage WRAP, a Historic Urban Station. Then in 1982, he Joined Josephson Communications to become WNOR AM/FM General Manager. A few years later, he and other Josephson managers formed Saga Communions and purchased the Josephson stations. WNOR FM99 had a great staff resulting in #1 in audience, #1 in revenue and #1 in profit in the Norfolk market.

In 1990, when all the Rattigans had finished college, Jack sold his interest in Saga to his partners and he and his wife, Adelaide, started Rattigan Resources, a Management Consulting/Sales Training Company. In 2004, Davidson Media Group hired Jack to start the first Spanish Station in Norfolk (WVXX Salecta 1050). Months later as Davidson was adding stations, Jack spent time overseeing and consulting the new stations including WMEG, Philadelphia.

For more than a dozen years, Jack has been listed in The American Advertising Federation Speakers Directory. He speaks to Ad Clubs, Media Groups, etc. That is his current interest and enjoyment.

From the official archives of the Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia
Photo and bio originally donated by Broadcast Pioneers member Jack Rattigan
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