WCYB-TV

Organization

Staff Only

Biography

On August 13, 1956, WCYB-TV 5 began televising programming from the NBC television network to the Tri-Cities five state area. The original owners of the station were Robert H. Smith, Jr., Fey Rogers, Harry Daniel and Charlie Gore. They maintained the ownership of TV 5 until 1970 when the station was sold to Starr Broadcasting. In 1977, the station was sold to Lamco Communications, the station's current owners.

Over the years, the station has been under the direction of three managers. Robert H. Smith, Sr., served as president and general manager for the first 25 years. At the time of his retirement in 1981, the position was turned over to Joseph L. Conway. Conway remained in this position until the time of his death in October 1984. Robert H. Smith, Jr. is the current executive vice-president and general manager.

The changes in technology over the past three decades have included transitions from black and white to color film and a shift from film to videotape. Computers, which were just being developed at the time that the station signed on the air, have become an important part of the operations, sales, traffic and news departments.

Abstract:

[Source: Thirtieth Anniversary Booklet, 1956-1986]

Found in 2 Collections and/or Records:

WCYB Editorials (Walter Crockett)

Collection — Other Boxes 1-4

Identifier: AppMs-0031

Scope and Contents The WCYB Editorials (Walter Crockett) consist of typed transcripts of editorials given by Walter Crockett during WCYB-TV 5 newscasts. The bulk of his editorials cover a period from 1965 to 1980. The 1981 and 1982 years cover editorials given by several broadcasters and by Crockett on guest appearances.The information contained in the editorials is limited to issues regarding local and area events. State issues surface on occasion, but national events and issues were seldom...

Dates: 1965 - 1982

Found in: Archives of Appalachia / WCYB Editorials (Walter Crockett)

WCYB-TV 5 Collection

Collection — Other Boxes 1-2

Identifier: AppMs-0455

Scope and Contents The WCYB-TV 5 Collection consists of videotapes on topics relating to the history and culture of the Southern Appalachian region. The recordings resulted from the WCYB-TV series,"Project Family," which aired early to mid 1990s. According to Wallace, the purpose of the series was to focus on faith, education, and the region, including important people of the southern Appalachian Region. The recordings feature important regional musicians such as Doc Watson, Benny Sims, the Wallin Brothers,...

Dates: 1967-1997

Found in: Archives of Appalachia / WCYB-TV 5 Collection