Sports and competition has always a vital part of CBC’s programming. Football and basketball broadcasts helped define the company in the early days, and the tradition continues to this day. Here are some examples of CBC programming from the world of sports:
Over the years WRAL-TV aired and produced weekly programs for some of the ACC’s best-known football and basketball coaches, including Norm Sloan, Jim Valvano and Lou Holtz of NC State plus Mike Krzyzewski, Bill Foster, Steve Sloan and Mike McGee of Duke.
The weekly shows were usually recorded late Saturday night or very early Sunday so they could be distributed in time for other network stations around the region to put them on the air. WRAL was responsible for producing and distributing the shows to the network.
WRAL sports veteran Nick Pond, News Anchor Charlie Gaddy, and Hall of Fame sportscaster Tom Suiter all hosted ACC coaches shows at some point.
With the success of the ACC sports teams in the Triangle, WRAL-TV always had opportunities to provide special coverage. Whether it was UNC, Duke or State chasing a national basketball championship or a look back at one of the area’s fabled arenas, WRAL’s college sports specials will bring back memories.
WRAL-TV’s sportscasters have always showcased high school athletics in a big way. Whether it’s Tom Suiter’s trademark “Football Friday” highlight show or the weekly “Extra Effort Award,” high school athletes get plenty of attention and support on Channel 5.
