1981-82 *Virgil "Buddy" Evans
- Was in management at WCSC-TV in Charleston
- During Evans' presidency, the Association successfully assumed the
responsibility for the establishment of a totally new EBS plan which was
accepted for use by the entire broadcasting industry in the state
- The Association also participated in a great deal of legislative activity
during his presidency including action on the Cuban radio interference problem,
radio deregulation, cameras in the courtroom problems, shield laws and simplification
of rules for license renewal
1982-83 Ken Harmon
"SCBA went on the road during my presidency. Pick Ulray and I covered
the state to hold a series of meetings to explain and seek support of our
association's agreement with Angelo Ditty, FCC, Atlanta for SCBA to receive
and process all complaints filed with the Atlanta office against a South Carolina
broadcaster. It was a precedent-setting concept and the first in the country.
We spent a great deal of time making our members aware of the benefits. Angelo
was with us all the way. It was the highlight of my year. Also, the broadcasters
of South Carolina are the finest people in the world! They care! And I have
always been proud to be one of them."
- Retired in 1997 from WBSC Radio in Bennettsville after serving as a
news and sales executive for four years. Also served as that station's vice
president and general manager from 1962 to 1985
- Now serves as project director of the Arts & Cultural Visions
Project for the City of Bennettsville and manager of the Bennettsville Downtown
Development Association
- Currently serves in leadership positions with the Marlboro Electric
Trust and the Sap Risin' Festival, the Evans Chapel Foundation, the Marlboro
County Economic Development Board, the Humane Society and the Evans Correctional
Institution
- Served as a member of the South Carolina State Board of Education
for four years Involved with a number of performing arts organizations including
the Marlboro Players, the Hartsville Civic Chorale and the Marlboro Arts Council.
Has also performed in several productions
- Served in the United States Army from 1955-1957 as a cryptographer
in Frankfort, Germany
1983-84 William B. "Beau" Sanders
"I got a new job, got married, moved and served as president of SCBA
all in the some year. That year, we focused on strengthening the infrastructure
of SCBA including revenue development organizing a strong Board of Directors
with regular monthly meetings and active committees and conducting a successful
membership campaign. President-Elect Joe Varholy coordinated the first NCSA
program with PRT"
- Owner and general manager of Professional Management Services, Inc.,
the Eastern Regional Distributor for Pristine Systems' digital audio studio
systems and their lines of computers and computer accessories. Professional
Management Services is also a management consulting firm
- Served as general manager of Barnacle Broadcasting Ltd., licensee
of WHTK-FM, Hilton Head
- Named vice president of WJAY/WCIG Radio in Mullins after graduating
cum laude with a B.A. in journalism and a Master of Mass Communications from
the University of South Carolina. Later joined WSSC in Sumter as president
and general manager
- Also was majority owner and president of WCKM,Winnsboro and general
manager of WKDY, Spartanburg
- Received the National President of the Year Award in 1986 from the
American Advertising Federation for his work as president of the Spartanburg
chapter. Was named a "Certified Radio Marketing Consultant" by the Radio
Advertising Bureau in 1980
- Has been a member and served on the boards of various civic and professional
organizations and is listed in Who's Who in the South and Southwest. He was
also included in the 1992 Platinum Edition of Who's Who Worldwide. .
- Married to Sharon Smith and has one son
1984-85 Joseph R. Varholy
"We had three serious problems at SCBA when I become president 1.) No
cash reserves- SCBA was existing 'hand to mouth.' 2.) USC threatened to close
the archives library of SCBA in McKissick because SCBA could not afford to
staff it 3.) Brain drain problem- young talent was leaving our state for
better broadcasting jobs elsewhere. The
solutions were: 1.) I was able to convince the Parks, Recreation and Tourism
director to use SCBA stations in trade for money. Governor Campbell wanted
to promote state parks and have residents use them. I believe we started with $ 10,000 and grew from there to solve the financial problem. 2) The
PRT money solved the USC/archives problem when we hired library assistants
to keep the room open and contributed funds toward a permanent foundation.
I believe the goal was $100,000 and only interest was used. 3.) With Rick Uray's enormous help, we started the annual career guidance conferences.
The goal was to inform outstanding college and high school students of opportunities
in South Carolina broadcasting."
- Vice president and general manager of KLFY-TV in Lafayette, Louisiana
- Before arriving in Louisiana in 1988, he was general manager of WSPA-TV,
Greenville.
- Chairman of the Louisiana Educational Television Authority, the governing
body for the state's five public broadcasting TV Stations
- President of the Louisiana Association of Broadcasters in 1993 and
was chosen as their 1994 Broadcaster of the year
- Chosen as the 1994 LAB Broadcaster of the Year
- Served as president of the Spartanburg Sales and Marketing Executives
in 1979-1980. A member of the International Board of SMEI from 1980-85. Employed
by NBC for 15 years at NBC-owned television stations in Philadelphia and Cleveland
- Founder and first president of the Cleveland Chapter of the National
Academy of Television Arts and Sciences and was the recipient of many national
awards for programming under his supervision. He also served for two years
on the national TV Academy Board and on its prestigious Emmy Awards Committee
- Continues to be active with civic groups including the Acadiana Symphony
Orchestra, for which he served as president in 1994-95, the Boy Scouts of
America, the USL Centennial Campaign and the Lafayette Rotary
1985-86 William L. McElveen
"I followed in the rather large and capable footsteps of Joe Varholy.
One of our biggest challenges during my year as president was to continue
the financial turnaround of the Association that Joe had begun his term. We
increased SCBA's participation in the NCSA funding with increased spending
from PRT and some new participants in the program as well. Thanks to the
vision of Joe, Diane Bagwell and others, SCBA was back on sound financial
footing by the end of my presidency. As was often the case, we had a
last-minute problem in the legislature that threatened our much-needed sales
and use tax exemption. We converged on the State House and managed to
ensure that common sense prevailed. Like all the years I've spent working
with SCBA, my year as the Association's president was a great honor for me
and a worthwhile investment in our
industry's future."
- Began his broadcasting career at IS as a deejay at WNOK-FM. Went on
to lobby the administration of the University of the South for a campus radio
station which he signed on as WUTS-FM 3 years later. He served as the first
general manager
- Returned to WNOK-FM as an account executive in 1972. He eventually
became general manager and changed the station from beautiful music to a
contemporary format. The station was later recognized as the highest-rated
FM station in the top I 00 markets from 1981 to 1983
- Joined Bloomington Broadcasting and became president of Radio South
Carolina and general manager of WTCB-FM, WOMG-FM and later WISW-AM
- On June 30,1998, he and five other members of Bloomington Broadcasting
Corporation's senior management team purchased the company from the families
that had owned it for over 60 years.
- Youngest person to ever be inducted into the SCBA Hall of Fame in
1996
- Recently named chairman of the NAB Radio Board, McElveen has been
a strong advocate for broadcasting on a national level through his work with
NAB and internationally as a lecturer with the International Media Fund.
- Has worked with the Columbia Urban League, Crimestoppers, the Media
Club, the Columbia Advertising Federation, Helpline, the United Way and the
USC Partnership Board
1986-87 Nick Frangias
"During my tenure as president of SCBA I was fortunate to have an especially
conscientious and concerned Board of Directors who, among other issues, were
involved in tort reform and cameras in the courtroom. When WANS-AM/FM was
purchased, it was on the verge of bankruptcy with very few listeners. Due
in large part to the knowledge and other benefits gleaned from this Association
during my years of affiliation with SCBA, WANS was
sold 14 years later as one of the most powerful and listened-to stations
in the Upstate. During my career in broadcasting, I consider it one of my
greatest honors to have been a president of SCBA."
- Worked on various space projects while employed as an aeronautical
engineer in the propulsion laboratory at George C. Marshall Space Flight
Center in Huntsville,Alabama from 1960-1973
- Entered the broadcasting industry in 1973 as an account executive
with radio station WFIX in Huntsville,Alabama and part-time with sister station
WJBF in Decatur,Alabama
- Purchased WANS-AM/FM,Anderson in 1974 and then held the position of
president/general manager until 1988 when the stations were sold
- Active in various Anderson-area organizations including the Chamber
of Commerce, Rotary Club, Sertoma Club, Homebuilders Association,Anderson
Arts Council, March of Dimes, Meals on Wheels,Anderson Soiree Committee and
the Anderson Bicentennial Committee
- Currently involved with Omega Farm, Inc. where he and his wife, Gwen,
breed, raise and train American Saddlebred horses and teach saddleseat riding
1987-88 Gloria S. Wilson
"My stint as president of SCBA was very uneventful. Everything got done
with no mishaps or serious conflicts. It was smooth sailing due to the cooperation
of a great group of members."
- Graduated from Northwestern with one of its first broadcasting degrees
- Joined WUSN-AM, Charleston in 1951 when the station was out in the
middle of a swamp
- Worked with the company that owned WCSC-TV and Radio for 28 years,
beginning in 1959. Began writing copy and eventually became the manager of
WCSC-AM/WXTC-FM before being named corporate vice president of personnel
and community relations
- Served as the local/state president of American Women in Radio &
Television
- Sits on the Board of Directors of the Canterbury House which provides
housing for low-income families
- After retiring, she began to play and teach bridge. She was the first
woman president of the S.C. Bridge Association
1988-89 William "Bill" Saunders
"Among several noteworthy memories that occurred during my tenure were
the following: I had a young program committee which included Mr. & Mrs.
Harold Miller. They designed a magnificent invitation for the Summer Convention.
Attendance at this convention was boosted by the new approach. the appearance
of this invitation was a good step in promoting SCBA in a progressive an
positive manner. Harold became head of the Membership Committee and membership
grew dramatically through his efforts. Also, at those times when I felt I
had big problems, Dr. Uray was always there and telling me "that's why I'm
here' and making it all work. Having a good support system is one of the
most valuable assets of any business or organization and I was lucky enough
to have that. It certainly was my pleasure to serve as president for the
SCBA."
- Serves as president and general manager of WPAL-AM/FM and is the host
of "Wednesday Rap", "Raw Soul" and "Saturday Magazine." He created and co-hosts
"Open Rap", a talk show designed to inform listeners about important community
matters
- Founded and serves as executive director of the Committee On Better
Racial Assurance (COBRA), a nonprofit agency which provides services like
Sickle Cell testing, education, counseling and referrals
- Inducted into the SCBA Hall of Fame in 1993. He has also been inducted
into the Black Hall of Fame and has received the American Advertising Federation
Silver Medal Addy Award from the Federation's Charleston chapter, He has also
received the Carter G. Woodson Award for outstanding achievement in African
American History from the Charleston Branch of the Association for the Study
of Afro-American Life and History.
- Elected to Commissioner of the South Carolina Public Service Commission
in 1994
- Provides leadership on numerous committees and boards including the
Rotary International Charleston Breakfast Club, the College of Charleston
Board of Governors - School of Business and Economics, the Trident Chamber
of Commerce, the Cannon Street YMCA, the Trident Urban League Board, the
Trident United Way and the Charleston County Democratic Party
1989-90 Carl Roach
"I cherish friendships and relationships that came from my involvement
with the Association. With the help of a very capable Board and executive
director, we kept the wolves at bay."
- Began his broadcasting career in high school with Joe Wilder's Hampton
station, WBHC, where he saw some unusual twists and turns.
- Manning's 1969 1,000 watt AM was developed to include a Class A FM,
a Moncks Corner sister FM and a 100,000 watt full class C FM. Along the way,
cablevision systems were built for Manning, Summerton and Lake Marion.
1990-91 Dixon C. Lovvorn
"I remember a visit to Washington to lobby for music license fee reform
and to rescind the Fairness Doctrine. There would be no talk radio today
if we had not been successful I also remember defeating a serious effort
in the state legislature to abolish the sales tax exemption afforded broadcasters.
I'm grateful for having as mentors two
great broadcasters, Dick Shafto and Charles Batson. They shaped my philosophy
of broadcasting as a great public service."
- A native of Columbia, began his career in 1950 at WHAS-TV in Louisville,
Kentucky
- Helped sign on WIS-TV, Columbia in 1953 as production supervisor
- Became program director of WIS-TV in 1957 and created and produced
Mr. Knozit, a Peabody Award-winning children's program
- Left Columbia in 1966 to manage WSFA-TV, Montgomery, Alabama. While
there, he led a successful battle against the FCCs deintermixture proposal
- joined Cosmos Broadcasting in 1970 as director of corporate services
then, in 1973, became vice president of broadcast services. After moving
in 1976 to manage Cosmos stations in Alabama and Louisiana, he returned to
Columbia in 1982 as senior vice president and general manager of WIS-TV
- Inducted into the SCBA Hall of Fame in 1989
- Served in World War II as a soldier. During the war, a bomber he was
flying in crashed and he and his fellow soldiers were captured by the Germans
- Active in numerous community organizations including the American
Red Cross, the Columbia Urban League, the White House Conference for a Drug
Free America, the United Way of the Midlands and the Columbia Music Festival
Association
- Awarded the Order of the Palmetto by Governor Carroll Campbell. He
has also received the James Y. Perry Lyre award for his contributions to
the arts in Columbia
1991-92 Kenneth Joe Sessoms
"The highlights of my SCBA presidency were: 1.) The induction into SCBA's
Hall of Fame of our first woman president and the first woman inductee, Betty
Roper. 2.) The special committee appointed by the Board to participate in
the formation of a plan for the use of audio and video recording equipment
to be conducted on a six-month trial basis. This was approved by the State
Supreme Court and the project began in January, 1992. 3.) Coordination of
remote and STL frequencies in South Carolina. This Board purchased the software
and the engineering staff provided the data input and this information is
now used by all South Carolina radio and television stations. 4.) Further
development of the re-design of the state EBS System was undertaken and the
possible use of the SAGE I alerting system was demonstrated to state Emergency
Preparedness officials. This system, incidental, was the early warning system
used to alert Israel to incoming SKUD attacks from Iraq in the Gulf War. There
are many highlights of that year, but I believe these were the headliners."
- Began his broadcast career at WASC Radio, Spartanburg in 1968. Served
as program director, sports director, sales manager and general manager.
In 1976, became a shareholder in New South Broadcasting Corporation, licensee
of WASC
- Formed Greer Communications Corporation in 1987 to create WLYZ-FM
which the company held until 1995 when WLYZ was sold to HMW Communications
- Continues to serve as vice president of WASC Radio and remains president
and CEO of Greer Communications Corporation
- Selected to head the Wofford College Football Television Network as
the play-by-play anchor and did so from 1977 to 1984
- Became the broadcast color analyst on the Shrine Bowl Radio Network
in 1981 and still holds that position. The network delivers to 87 radio stations
in North and South Carolina.
- Served in a variety of SCBA positions, including chairman of the Archives
Committee, district director and vice president of radio
1992-93 Harold T. Miller, Jr.
"My year as president started with over 70 new SCBA members and ended
with over 100 new members. We put SCBA in a sound financial position and ended
the year with a strong surplus that has carried forth to the present During
that year, the state and stations, including my own, were continuing to recover
from Hurricane Hugo. I was
appointed by the FCC to serve on a committee to revamp the nationwide EBS
system which proved to be locking with Hurricanes Hugo and Andrew. That year,
SCBA started the State Museum project which would preserve the history of
broadcasting in South Carolina for future generations. SCBA also had record
attendance at that year's Summer Convention."
- Began his broadcasting career at 14 when he built a low-power, but
legal, AM/FM combo at his home in Columbia.While in high school, he built
the first high school educational radio station in South Carolina and served
as an announcer and general manager for three years. He also worked at WNOK-AM/FM/TV
and WQXL-AM during high school and college
- Worked in law enforcement as the electronics specialist for SLED for
seven years. During that time, he received distinguished honors including
the South Carolina State Bravery Award.
- Returned to radio in 1980 on WZLD-FM, Columbia as on-air personality
"Cat Daddy"
- Organized The Atlantic Broadcasting Company in Florence and purchased
WJMX-AM/FM. Went on to buy and sell more than 13 radio stations
- Owned the Atlantic Broadcasting Company until it was sold to Root
Communications in 1997
- Served in several SCBA positions including vice president, membership
chairman, district director, director at large, Summer Convention chairman,
museum project chairman, EBS chairman and engineering co-chairman
1993-94 Jack West
'Working with a talented and dedicated group of broadcasters who generously
volunteer their time, talents and resources makes the job of president of
the South Carolina Broadcasters Association a most enjoyable and rewarding
experience. One facet of our Association, in my opinion, stands above all
others and transcends
the sometimes visible dividing line between radio and television broadcasters.
This is our extremely close relationship with our Washington delegation as
well as key members of the state legislature. We work diligently and effectively
to maintain an open dialogue with our elected officials and it certainly
pays dividends."
- Served as vice president and general manager of WSPA-TV from 1990 to
1996. Previously served as general manager of WRDW-TV, Augusta, Georgia;WREX-TV,
Rockford, Illinois; KFDX-TV Wichita Falls,Texas; WBTW-TV, Florence, South
Carolina; and, general sales manager of WTVD-TV, Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina.
- Named executive vice president of Spartan Communications, Inc., head-
quartered in Spartanburg in February, 1996
- Currently serves on the Television Alliance Group Board, the USC College
of journalism Partnership Board, the Appalachian State University Broadcast/Electronic
Media Advisory Council, the Gardner-Webb College Board of Advisors and the
Medical University of South Carolina Storm
Eye Institute Board - Serves on the Board of Directors for the SCBA Educational
Foundation
and has also served on the boards of directors of the Georgia Association
of Broadcasters and the Illinois Broadcasters Association
1994-95 Bob Newsham
"Dr. Uray announced his plan to retire at the end of 1995 so, under
y presidency, the search began for a new executive manager."
- Owner and general manager of WQKI-AM/FM in Orangeburg since1980
- Prior to purchasing WQKI, he was general sales manager for WRLM in
Tauton, Massachusetts for 15 years. He has also worked in broadcasting in
Virginia and Florida
- Currently serves as president of the Parish Council t Holy Trinity
Catholic Church in Orangeburg
Married with two children, he proudly notes that his daughter, Carolyn Strickland,
is in sales at WOMG-FM, Columbia
1995-96 Matt Sedota
"During my presidency, Dr. Uray retired and the new executive director,
Sunny Jewell, was hired. The NCSA program was expanded and a legislative trip
to Washington was made. In addition, the Association held a great Summer
Convention at Litchfield Beach. During dinner at that convention, Dwight
Ellis of NAB found a pearl in an oyster!"
- Started his broadcast career in 1979 as an on-air announcer, copy writer
Matt and account executive at WDOE-AM in Western New York
- Owner and general manager of WNMB-FM and WGSN-AM, North Myrtle Beach,
since December, 1993
- Previously served as general manager of the stations since January,
1983 when he was hired by Ogden Broadcasting
- Served as chairman of several SCBA conventions and on several SCBA
committees
- Active in numerous civic organizations including serving on the Board
of Directors for the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce; vice president
of Seahaven Youth Home; Board member of Kids Voting, USA- Horry County; Board
member of Horry County United Way; president of Coastal Advertising and Marketing
Professionals; and, a member of the North Myrtle Beach Rotary Club and the
St. Patrick's Day Festival Committee
- Married to Cheryl, a teacher, and has a son, Nicholas
1996-97 Ronald F. Loewen
"The transition year for the SCBA office under a new executive manager
occurred during my presidency. In addition, Bill McElveen was inducted into
the SCBA Hall of Fame. A presenter at his induction was his father, Moody
McElveen, who had been inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1991."
- Named president of Liberty Insurance Group, the insurance marketing
operation of The Liberty Corporation, in
January, 1997 - Ronald F.Previously served as vice president and general
manager of WIS-TV in Columbia, one of eight stations in Liberty's broadcasting
operation, Cosmos Broadcasting
- Joined Cosmos Broadcasting in 1986 as general manager of KPLC-TV,
Lake Charles, Louisiana. Before joining Cosmos, he worked in various management
positions for the radio and television operations of KAKE, Wichita, Kansas
- Served as a visiting faculty member for the Poynter Institute from
1992 to 1996
- Received the Order of the Palmetto in 1997
- A native of Kansas, he received his bachelor's degree in political
science and master's degree in education from Emporia State University and
a law degree from the University of Kansas
1997-98 Barry Brown
"My favorite memories of my year as SCBA president are my first trip
to Washington as a participant in the NAB Leadership Conference and Legislative
Visits and the tremendous support of our Board of Directors and their willingness
to work together as a team to accomplish many objectives. I also wish to say
thanks to the wonderful radio and television professionals who are focused
on the important issues of broadcasting in the communities they serve so
well."
- Entered broadcasting prior to college with WBHC in Hampton
- Worked for the late Charlie Bell at WDOG,Allendale and WSIB, Beaufort
who had been Brown's next-door neighbor when growing up in Hampton
- Attended the USC School of journalism and received his bachelor's
in journalism in 1975 with Dr. Rick Uray serving as his advisor and professor
First career positions were program director and sales representative for
WNOK-FM from 1975 to 1986
- Held his first general manager position at Audubon-owned WMGB in Lexington,
Kentucky
- Instrumental in creating oldies-formatted WOMG-FM in Columbia in 1989
Became general manager of WSYN, Myrtle Beach in 1990 and added WDAI, Myrtle
Beach in 1994
- Currently serves as market manager for 14 radio stations operated
by Cumulus Broadcasting in Florence and Myrtle Beach
- Has served on Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors
and The University of South Carolina Partnership Board
Lives in Murrells Inlet with his wife, Sandy, and his two children
1998-1999 Lou Kirchen
"This year, as President of SCBA, I have found that every issue we face
as broadcasters, whether it be public service issues, broadcast mergers or
digital must-carry, is about being LOCAL. Thus far, it has been a year of
facing continuous challenges from Capitol Hill as to our current value and
viability as an industry. In fact, during our annual Congressional Visit
earlier this year, state broadcasters responded by visiting Washington with
our message of commitment to public service which, in 1997 alone, totaled
423.8 million in donated airtime. Another highlight of 1998 has been the
election of our own Bill McElveen as chairman of the NAB Radio Board. Bill
is an outstanding representative for our state. In the 13 years I have lived
in the state, I have come to appreciate the rich broadcast heritage we have.
Some of the pioneers of our industry have been South Carolinians. As I review
the memories of this 50th year, I am saddened to include the passing of some
of those fine men, the likes of H. Moody McElveen, Jr. and Dr. Richard M.
Uray. Their legacy has been our success and the bright promise of another
50 years!"
- General manager of WBTW-TV since September, 1995. Joined WBTW in 1986
and served as general sales manager from 1992 to 1995
- Began broadcast career in 1972 in radio in the Washington, DC metro
area. Also worked in radio in Maryland and N.C. before joining WBTW
- Involved in numerous community service projects. Serves in leadership
positions with the Florence Co. United Way, Florence Co. American Heart Walk,
Pee Dee Education Board of Directors, Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce,
Pee Dee Area Boys and Girls Club, Pee Dee Area Boy Scouts and Durant Children's
Center.
- Previously worked with the Pee Dee Coalition Against Domestic and
Sexual Assault, Junior League of Florence, Florence West Rotary and as a
Girl Scout Leader. Kirchen is a graduate of Leadership Florence.
- Married to Michael Kirchen, owner/operator of Kirchen Agency in Darlington,
and has two children and one grandchild.
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