WRAL 60th Groundbreaking Retrospective by The Tar Heel Traveler

Home / Media Assets / WRAL 60th Groundbreaking Retrospective by The Tar Heel Traveler

Be part of CBC HistorySubmit your Story View others' submissions.

People:
A.J. Fletcher, Dorothy Collins, Fred Fletcher, Jim Goodmon, Wesley Williams

In recognition of WRAL’s 60th Anniversary, Scott Mason – better known as The Tar Heel Traveler – took viewers back to October 17, 1956 for the groundbreaking ceremonies of the studios on Western Boulevard in Raleigh. WRAL would sign on two months later on December 15, 1956 using a temporary studio in the garage of the transmitter building near Garner.

Scott Mason interviewed Wesley Williams, former President of Greater Raleigh Merchants Association, for his recollection of that rainy day in October. Also interviewed is CEO Jim Goodmon, grandson of founder A.J. Fletcher and nephew of Fred Fletcher.

WRAL-FM carried the dedication ceremonies LIVE with Fred Fletcher, VP of Capitol Broadcasting introducing the guest speakers and providing commentary. George Geoghegan, VP of Wachovia Bank and Trust served as Master of Ceremonies. Other speakers included Charles Campbell, President of the Raleigh Chamber of Commerce and Wesley Williams, at the time Secretary of the Raleigh Merchants Association.

The highlight of the event was Dorothy Collins, star of the NBC television program “Your Hit Parade,” joining CBC Founder and President AJ Fletcher to turn the soil with a gold color shovel. The day was rainy and gray, but everyone beamed with excitement. Dorothy Collins said, “I hope this station goes on forever and ever.”

Feature edited by WRAL Tar Heel Traveler photographer Bob Meikle.

Sort by:

Name

More Highlights for Fred Fletcher

Tune in To WRAL-TV at Noon on Christmas Day for Golden Years Celebration

WRAL & Capitol Broadcasting Company celebrates the holidays with Triangle area seniors. CBC proudly sponsors the 65th Annual Golden Years Holiday Celebration on Tuesday, December 13, 2022, at the Raleigh Convention Center. The event was first held in the WRAL Studios in 1958 and was initiated by Mr. Fred Fletcher. Members of nearly 20 Golden Years […]
A CBC Christmas Classic: Fred Fletcher and My Two Front Teeth

Fred Fletcher, son of Capitol Broadcasting founder A.J. Fletcher, helped launch WRAL-AM in 1939 and went on to play a variety of leadership roles as CBC expanded into television. Besides serving as General Manager, Fletcher was known for his love of performing. He played various radio roles on his show “Tempus Fugit” and later his […]
WRAL-TV groundbreaking celebration with NBC star Dorothy Collins

Collins surrounded by George Geoghegan, Fred Fletcher, A.J. Fletcher, Charles Campbell and Wesley Williams
Ratings Dominator from the Start!

WRAL’s dominance in ratings started right-off-the-bat after The Big 5 signed-on in December, 1956. According to then WRAL General Manager Fred Fletcher in his book Tempus Fugit, “By July, 1958 – a year and a half after sign-on – we were able to claim that we had led in every Raleigh-Durham ARB survey, sign-on to […]
Tempus Fugit show

Host Fred Fletcher conducts an interview during live Tempus Fugit program at NC Farmers Market

1 2 3 … 14 Next »

WRAL 60th Groundbreaking Retrospective by The Tar Heel Traveler

More Highlights for Fred Fletcher

Tune in To WRAL-TV at Noon on Christmas Day for Golden Years Celebration

A CBC Christmas Classic: Fred Fletcher and My Two Front Teeth

WRAL-TV groundbreaking celebration with NBC star Dorothy Collins

Ratings Dominator from the Start!

Tempus Fugit show

Related Highlights