State broadcast leaders have announced the launch of the North Carolina Broadcast History Museum project. The museum is a 501(c)(3) non-profit “dedicated to preserving North Carolina’s broadcasting legacy,” according to a press release.
Details were announced during a Oct. 13 press conference held at the governor’s Executive Mansion in Raleigh.
“North Carolina has a rich broadcast history, dating back to March 1902, when radio pioneer Reginald Fessenden transmitted a 127-word voice message from his Cape Hatteras transmitter tower to Roanoke Island,” wrote Mike Weeks, chairman of the North Carolina Broadcast History Museum Board of Trustees, in the release.
“Then fast forward to July 23, 1996, when WRAL(TV) became the first television station in the United States to broadcast a digital television signal. The state has been and continues to be a wealth of pioneers and innovators in industry.”
The organizers note that North Carolina has numerous famous broadcast personalities, including Andy Griffith (born in Mount Airy), Charles Kuralt and David Brinkley (both from Wilmington), National Sportscaster Jim Nantz (from Charlotte) and National Public Radio Newscaster Carl Kasell (from Goldsboro).
Now, the museum is seeking assistance from the public and fellow broadcasters to collect artifacts, documents, photographs and recordings that chronicle the history of prominent radio and television stations, broadcasters, programs and events.
“Through exhibits and collections, the museum seeks to highlight the contributions made by North Carolina broadcasters in shaping the industry and the state’s culture landscape,” read the release.
The museum is guided by a distinguished group of broadcast professionals that include Caroline Beasley, CEO of Beasley Media Group; Don Curtis, CEO of Curtis Media Group; Jim Goodmon, CEO of Capitol Broadcasting Co.; Harold Ballard, a broadcast engineer known for his work at WBTV; David Crabtree, CEO of North Carolina Public Media; and Jim Heavner, a broadcast executive and N.C. Broadcast Legend, as named by PBS North Carolina.
The North Carolina Broadcast History Museum website will serve as a digital repository accessible by the public that will grow as items are gathered and displayed. Future plans include a brick-and-mortar facility in the state.
