WRAL Sports photographer Jay Jennings got to be on the other side of the camera during “Thrill Week” November, 1987. This episode shows Jay, under the supervision of WRAL engineer Al Dunbar, taking a ride up the broadcast tower via a tiny elevator, so tiny that Jay had to ride on top of the elevator. You will hear Jay talking with SKY 5 pilot Frank Beall as aerial video is a gathered for the story.

Leah Chauncey, David Harbert, Paul Quinn, Al Dunbar and Jim Griffin get a look at one section of the new transmitting tower in 1990.

WRAL-TV Chief Engineer Al Dunbar makes last-minute adjustments to the crane-camera that would rise high above the parade route in downtown Raleigh.

After 25 years at the Big 5, WRAL-TV Investigative Reporter Cullen Browder is moving on to a new chapter.  A group of his cohorts from over the years came to say farewell on his last day, Tuesday, June 20, 2023. WRAL-TV Podcast Reporter Amanda Lamb talked to her long-time colleague about his career, his legacy, […]

Debuting this week, WRAL Daily Download is the first daily, original podcast from WRAL News. Each episode features an in-depth conversation on a single topic. Several WRAL journalists will share hosting duties; WRAL-TV Reporters Amanda Lamb, Travis Fain, Julian Grace and Jack Hagel will be the regular hosts. These hosts will interview other WRAL reporters […]

Episodes one and two of CBC’s new What Remains Podcast came out on Wednesday, June 22, 2022.  One new episode will drop each week after this.  The series shares the story of the people behind cold cases who are passionate about connecting unidentified remains to the missing and murdered: By Amanda Lamb, WRAL reporter If […]

As the 20th anniversary of the tragic events of 9/11 approaches, WRAL-TV Reporter Amanda Lamb spoke to two WRAL Photojournalist Ed Wilson and WRAL-TV Reporter Scott Mason who vividly remember driving north to cover the aftermath in New York City and at the Pentagon and all that they saw and experienced. See video of Lamb’s story, […]

WRAL’s Follow The Truth podcast dropped the 10-part debut true-crime series’ 8th episode on Thursday, September 2, 2021.  WRAL-TV Reporter Amanda Lamb, the podcast’s executive producer and host, talked to WRAL-TV Anchor/Reporter Ken Smith on WRAL’s Morning News a day early to set the stage for the episode focusing on Chris Mumma, the executive director […]

The case can be made that Andy Griffith owes his start in showbiz to Fred Fletcher. Actually, Fred Fletcher made that claim in his book Tempus Fugit. One thing for sure, Fred knew talent when he heard or saw it. Read on to see how Fred makes his case. I still claim that the good […]

WRAZ-TV went on the air September 8, 1995 with an Andy Griffith Show marathon. This is the program log that operators followed in Master Control.

Bette Elliott with Andy Griffith on Femme Fare

Angelo Sanders and James Ford operate studio cameras

The “Cardiac Pack,” or the “Cardiac Kids” or “Desting Darlings” or just plain Wolfpack, the 1983 NCSU basketball team celebrated their victory in Reynolds Coliseum after being crowned NCAA Basketball Champions in a buzzer beater victory over the University of Houston.

WRAL Sports Anchor Tom Suiter and WRAL News Reporter Ann Devlin host the live coverage of the jubilation in Reynolds Coliseum on the campus of NC State. You’ll see legendary coach Jim Valvano and all the players step up to the microphone and thank their fans.

WRAL-TV launched the hour long version of Action News 5 at 6:00PM on June 14, 1982. You will also see vintage commercials that aired during the newscast. WRAL News had been preparing for this moment for a couple of years. The preps ranged from a ramp-up of resources ranging from reporters, photographers, producers, to moving to newsroom/set. You will notice that Charlie Gaddy does not have a co-anchor at this point. Bobbie Battista, former co-anchor joined CNN in Atlanta in December, 1981. Adele Arakawa would join Charlie on March 14, 1983.
The news department manager was Steve Grissom. The newscast was produced by Connie Lane and directed by Pam Parris -Allen.
If you look closely at the end of the newscast, you can see a crowd of people at the back of the newsroom (left of the Action News 5 logo) standing in the shadows; they are huddled around a television set watching the premiere.
*NOTE* You will notice several quick video break-ups during “The Money Desk” segment with reporter Tim Smith.

WRAL-TV anchors John Hudson and Ann Devlin have fun at the 1983 Partners Auction

Art Anderson. His work was his name. He was an artist who creatively put an exclamation point on every visual element representing Capitol Broadcasting Company. Many of CBC’s divisions still carry the logos created by Art. Art was the lead artist and assistant promotion director at WRAL-TV from February 16, 1960 to January 4, 1993. […]

Can you guess who had this license plate (right) on his car in 1961?  A.J. Fletcher, Founder of WRAL “Channel 5” Herb Marks, AKA “Captain 5” Art Anderson, Assistant Promotion Director/artist at Channel 5 Ray Reeve, Sportscaster   (Scroll down for answer)     ANSWER:  B) Herb Marks                 […]

The official Capitol Broadcasting Company logo. Designed originally by WRAL-TV Art Director Art Anderson.

WRAL-TV Art Director Art Anderson applies station logo to the first SKY5

Art was a WRAL TV news reporter and anchor in the early 90s.

WRAL-TV is known nationwide for their award winning photographers. The documentary, “One Day in North Carolina,” specifically October 14, 1989, is a compilation of work by eight photographers who were picked to travel to various locations across North Carolina to chronical a day in the life of everyday people. No reporters; just photographers. The story unfolds through the lens of the camera.

The photographers were Rick Armstrong, Mark Copeland, David Creech, Art Howard, Jay Jennings, Jody Kratz, Lori Lair, Bob Sadler.

Field producers: Phyllis Parish and Susan Dahlin. Producer Peter Anlyan. Executive producer Susan Dahlin.

1990 News Highlights include the following top stories: WRAL news covers the buildup of U.S. military troops prior to the combat phase of Operation Desert Storm, sometimes referred to as the first gulf war. The trial of Blanche Taylor Moore resulted in the jury finding Moore guilty of first degree murder. County residents in Richmond, Montgomery and Iredell counties protest a plan to build a hazardous waste incinerator landsite. In politics, incumbent Senator Jesse Helms defeats Harvey Gantt in the elections. Severe weather caused a dredge to ram into the Bonner Bridge, knocking out several sections, rendering it impassable and causing Hatteras Island to be cut off from the mainland. Duke University’s basketball team losses to the Running Rebels of UNLV in the NCAA Championship game held in Denver, Colorado.

Howard won numerous honors for his photography over the years. Here he is shown with an Ikegami videotape camera in the 1980s.

A.J. Fletcher conducting the regular morning meeting at his desk in WRAL-TV. Seated with him from left to right are Chief Financial Officer Aubrey Moore, Jesse Helms and General Manager Fred Fletcher.

WRAL-FM morning man Bob Inskeep with Raleigh Mayor Avery Upchurch at POPS in the Park concert.

Avery Upchurch, Mayor of Raleigh in 1987, provides guest commentary on WRAL-TV.

WRAL-TV reporter Oscar Smith interviews US Senator B. Everett Jordan during political coverage. Smith was the first African-American to report news at WRAL.

WRAL-TV newsman in 1960s staff photo

Former CBC VP Ben Waters with employees of The Leader at a function.

Every week reporters from Fort Bragg would appear on Femme Fare to bring viewers military news. L-R: Private Paul Michels and Sergeant Bill Altman in a December 1966 photo.

WRAL FM anchor Bill Currie working in remote truck at 1958 Watermelon Day festivities at the NC State Farmers Market.

Mouth of the South Bill Currie and The Squire Ray Reeve catch up on old times.

The legendary sports announcer who would later be known as the Mouth of the South in his earlier days at WRAL-TV. Currie was Director of Radio for CBC and occasionally appeared on WRAL-TV.

Currie in a 1960s PR shot. Currie was Director of Radio for Capitol Broadcasting between 1959-62.

Notables include Bill Currie, Fred Fletcher and AJ Fletcher – 3rd, 4th and 5th from left plus Ray Reeve – 5th from right.

This video is news coverage of the Tar Heels of the University of North Carolina winning the NCAA Basketball Championship in 1982. They played against the Hoyas of Georgetown University. The game was played in New Orleans.

Hurricane Diana hit the coast of North Carolina with category 4 winds on September 13, 1984. WRAL news, at that time called “Action News 5,” sent news crews to various NC coastal locations to cover evacuations and damage. This video is a compilation of news stories that aired over several days. You will see WRAL news reporters Fred Taylor, Bill Draper, Tim Kent, Shelly Kofler, Bryan Glazer,and Nina Szlosberg.

WRAL-TV anchorman Sam Beard, Bob Debardelaben, Bill Johnston and camera operator Bill Greene take part in newscast.

WRAL-TV anchorman Sam Beard, Bob Debardelaben, Bill Johnston and camera operator Bill Greene take part in newscast.

Three WRAL-TV legends got together with a Triangle acting legend for a conversation in front of a crowd at the Carolina Country Club on Tuesday, June 18, 2024.  Wood interviewed retired WRAL-TV Anchors Charlie Gaddy, David Crabtree and Bill Leslie as part of his Speakers Series. “David, Bill and Charlie reflected on their careers at […]

WRAL-TV and MIX 101.5 WRAL-FM took home major awards from the North Carolina Association of Broadcasters (NCAB) this week, including Anchor of the Year for WRAL-TV’s Lena Tillett and Large Market Radio Personality/Team of the Year for MIX Mornings’ Kyle, Bryan and Sarah.  WRAL alumni Bill Leslie received induction into the NCAB Hall of Fame, […]

Retired WRAL-TV Anchor Bill Leslie will be back to discuss current problems for the Neuse River, a natural resource he first reported on 30 years ago.  The WRAL Documentary “New Trouble on the Neuse River” premieres this Thursday, April 18, 2019, at 7pm on WRAL-TV. Leslie shares about the “Troubled Waters” documentary he created three […]

WRAL-TV lit the 300-foot tower for the 60th time on Monday, December 3, 2018.  The evening began with weather reports from the fountain out front, continuing throughout the newscasts and culminating with a half-hour special at 7pm.  Several special guests helped with the lighting, including WRAL legend Charlie Gaddy, recently retired anchor Bill Leslie, cast […]

On Friday night, November 16, 2018, retired WRAL news anchor and musician Bill Leslie received the state’s highest civilian honor, the North Carolina Award. Leslie is among a group of six civilians that was honored for their contributions to our state. Gov. Roy Cooper presented the North Carolina Award to him for his contributions in […]

Joel Lawhon, Bette Elliott and Bill Rogers at WRAL-TV 10th anniversary celebration.

NC Election Network set and anchors during 1972 primary

Ray Wilkinson, Denece Boyer, Bob Vernon and Bill Schmidt on the set during noon newscast

WRAL-TV launched the hour long version of Action News 5 at 6:00PM on June 14, 1982. You will also see vintage commercials that aired during the newscast. WRAL News had been preparing for this moment for a couple of years. The preps ranged from a ramp-up of resources ranging from reporters, photographers, producers, to moving to newsroom/set. You will notice that Charlie Gaddy does not have a co-anchor at this point. Bobbie Battista, former co-anchor joined CNN in Atlanta in December, 1981. Adele Arakawa would join Charlie on March 14, 1983.
The news department manager was Steve Grissom. The newscast was produced by Connie Lane and directed by Pam Parris -Allen.
If you look closely at the end of the newscast, you can see a crowd of people at the back of the newsroom (left of the Action News 5 logo) standing in the shadows; they are huddled around a television set watching the premiere.
*NOTE* You will notice several quick video break-ups during “The Money Desk” segment with reporter Tim Smith.

Bill Schmidt, Dave Eichorn, Greg Fishel and Bob DeBardelaben

Former WRAL-TV Sports Anchor and frequent WRALSportsFan contributor Bob Holliday penned this piece about reporting on sports when sports are not happening due to the COVID-19 pandemic: It’s a rare event that brings the sports world to a complete pause. Not even the murder of 11 Israeli athletes by the Palestinian terror group Black September […]

The Durham Bulls Athletic Park hosted the 2018 ACC Baseball Championship from Tuesday, May 22, through Sunday, May 27.  WRALSportsFan Contributor Bob Holliday put together a list of his favorite moments from the tournament, as the ACC’s top 12 teams took to the baseball diamond: WRALSportsFan.com:  Unforgettable moments from the ACC Baseball Championship Thanks to WRALSportsFan.com […]

After several years of dreaming, North Carolina landed the Olympic Festival for 1987. The opening ceremonies took place on July 17, 1987 in Carter-Finley stadium in Raleigh. Athletic events were held in nearby cities. Greensboro hosted figure and speed skating. Durham was the site for track and field, soccer and wrestling. Chapel Hill hosted basketball, gymnastics, and swimming. Cary was home base for archery. Raleigh was tapped to host diving, boxing, and equestrian. Kerr Lake was the site for yachting.

WRAL Sports anchors Tom Suiter and Bob Holliday host this special broadcast, Dreams of Gold, leading up to the festival.

Capitol Broadcasting Company was a Grand Patron sponsor of the Festival.

Aired: July 11, 1987

1983 “March Madness” resulted NC State winning the NCAA National Basketball Championship. The team was tagged with the nickname “Cardiac Pack” after winning games that ended in heart-stopping, buzzer beater baskets.

Watch this 30 minute program, complete with vintage commercials, that captures the excitement on campus and in the community. GO PACK!

Enjoy watching a compilation of newscasts featuring coverage of the 1992 NCAA Basketball Final Four and championship game. Spoiler alert! Duke University won the championship.

WRAL sent a news and sports team to cover the excitement of the event. You’ll meet the student who was the Duke Blue Devil in 1992.

Susan Dahlin, best known as co-host of PM Magazine, was also an excellent producer. Susan produced the 1991 investigative documentary “A Very Giving Person: The Blanche Taylor Moore Story.” She was convicted of killing her boyfriend by slipping arsenic into his food, and is suspected of killing three other people and nearly killing another in the same manner.

No matter the subject matter, Dahlin was very capable of tackling diverse subjects and brought a high level of professionalism and integrity to her productions. She received the regional EMMY award in 1991. Bob Sadler served as photographer on this documentary.

WRAL-TV is known nationwide for their award winning photographers. The documentary, “One Day in North Carolina,” specifically October 14, 1989, is a compilation of work by eight photographers who were picked to travel to various locations across North Carolina to chronical a day in the life of everyday people. No reporters; just photographers. The story unfolds through the lens of the camera.

The photographers were Rick Armstrong, Mark Copeland, David Creech, Art Howard, Jay Jennings, Jody Kratz, Lori Lair, Bob Sadler.

Field producers: Phyllis Parish and Susan Dahlin. Producer Peter Anlyan. Executive producer Susan Dahlin.

The first FIVE STAR Award was presented in 1983. Who was the recipient? a) P. B.Jernigan b) Bob Sadler c) Clifford Kurtz d) Charlie Gaddy 2. WRAL-TV signed on the air December 15, 1956. Name the first program to air? a) Teenage Frolics b) Miracle on 34th Street c) NC State basketball game d) Romper […]

The work of Ansel Adams represents the pinnacle of photography to many, forever reverent in its praise for the wonders of nature. More than 60 of Adams’ legendary photographs were placed on exhibit at the NC Museaum of Art from October 2000 to January 2001. The exhibit was called, “In Praise of Nature: Ansel Adams and Photographers of the American West.” WRAL News anchor David Crabtree and production photographer Bob Sadler, along with curator John Coffey, give us insights into the life of Adams and a look at his brilliant photography.

WRAL-TV film photographer Bob Sadler captures footage of bad accident aftermath.

NC Governor Bob Scott addressing viewers live from the WRAL-TV studio. The camera operator is Clarence Williams.

Bob Searcy at the controls in the WRAL transmitter building in November 1966

Ray Wilkinson, Denece Boyer, Bob Vernon and Bill Schmidt on the set during noon newscast

Enjoy watching a compilation of newscasts featuring coverage of the 1992 NCAA Basketball Final Four and championship game. Spoiler alert! Duke University won the championship.

WRAL sent a news and sports team to cover the excitement of the event. You’ll meet the student who was the Duke Blue Devil in 1992.

Bozo interacts with young Tim Sikes, who visited WRAL-TV for a taping of the cartoon show. Sikes says the event took place in the early 1960s.

Bozo the Clown entertaining kids and parents in a theatre.

Bozo the Clown performs for the kids

Bozo with kids in Studio A WRAL-TV

WRAL staffers with remote production truck known as Unit 0. L-R: PB Jernigan, Gene Reopelle, Crystal Gathers, Paul Cyr, Mike Upchurch, Harold Williams, Brenda Irvin and George Spence.

CBS Sports Anchor Brent Musburger subs for WRAL Sports Anchor Tom Suiter on February 21, 1986. Musburger was in the area covering two ACC basketball games. Tom Suiter was sick that day, but Brent Musburger was kind enough to jump in and “pinch hit” to help a fellow sportscaster.

Mike Moss, Brian Orzel, Greg Fishel, Mike Maze and Chris Thompson.

The WRAL WeatherCenter in the mid 1990s. Meteorologist Brian Orzel is in the foreground.

The WRAL-TV newsroom in the late 1980s

WRAL-TV recently got an upgrade.  The old newsroom has a new look!  WRAL-TV Reporter Brian Shrader gave viewers a virtual tour for the “grand opening.”

WRAL-TV Anchor/Reporter Brian Shrader made a big announcement on Friday, April 19, 2024.  After 16 ½ years as morning traffic anchor, Shrader will be moving to evenings on WRAL.  He will be taking over tracking breaking news in the WRAL Live Center during the evening and late newscasts. “I’m really looking forward to SLEEPING, but […]

WRAL-TV Anchor/Reporter Brian Shrader is no stranger to morning television news, but did you know he is also a familiar voice on the radio?  He recently paid a visit to some decades-long radio friends that he has never met in person. “Every weekday morning, I record news updates for both MIX 101.5 and Radio One’s […]

WRAL-TV Anchor Reporter Brian Shrader recently unveiled a new traffic system on WRAL’s Morning News, with the help of some behind the scenes gurus. “We launched successfully November 30, 2021, with the invaluable help of Shan Zhong, who helped build new graphics, and engineer Richard Danchi, who made sure all the cables were plugged into […]

The 64th Annual Golden Years Holiday Celebration will be virtual again this year due to COVID and safety restrictions, but Capitol Broadcasting is working on all new performances for a holiday special that will air the day before and after Christmas! WRAL-TV Anchor/Reporter Brian Shrader will host the 2021 Golden Years Holiday Celebration.  The program […]

MIX programming team: Standing L-R: Ned Attayek, Kathy Walston, Marty Callaghan, Bob Inskeep, Jami Elizondo, Mike Urben, David Wood. Sitting L-R: Bruce Mulder, Lori Rentsch.

In November, 1982 WRAL News sent reporter Shelley Kofler and photographer Bruce Wittman to accompany 100 members of the NC Friendship Force, led by the Carolyn Hunt, wife of NC Governor Jim Hunt, to visit Moscow and Leningrad (now Saint Petersburg).

At that time, the relationship between the governments of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) and America was in a deep freeze. The Berlin Wall remained as a visual reminder that an “Iron Curtain” divided Europe into two separate ideological and geographical areas. Glasnost and perestroika, openness and political reconstruction, were still a few years away for the Soviets.

The NC Friendship Force did not let these barriers keep them from attempting to thaw relations between the two mighty nations. This grass roots approach proved that common, everyday people can be ambassadors by travelling to countries meeting people on a personal level. They typically stay in the homes of families in the host country so they can experience the everyday life of the culture.

In this eighth and final report, WRAL reporter Shelly Kofler and photographer Bruce Wittman discover the surprising wages for workers in the Soviet Union.

In November, 1982 WRAL News sent reporter Shelley Kofler and photographer Bruce Wittman to accompany 100 members of the NC Friendship Force, led by the Carolyn Hunt, wife of NC Governor Jim Hunt, to visit Moscow and Leningrad (now Saint Petersburg).

At that time, the relationship between the governments of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) and America was in a deep freeze. The Berlin Wall remained as a visual reminder that an “Iron Curtain” divided Europe into two separate ideological and geographical areas. Glasnost and perestroika, openness and political reconstruction, were still a few years away for the Soviets.

The NC Friendship Force did not let these barriers keep them from attempting to thaw relations between the two mighty nations. This grass roots approach proved that common, everyday people can be ambassadors by travelling to countries meeting people on a personal level. They typically stay in the homes of families in the host country so they can experience the everyday life of the culture.

In this seventh report, WRAL reporter Shelly Kofler and photographer Bruce Wittman talk with members of the NC Friendship Force about their impressions of Russian hospitality after meeting people in their homes.

In November, 1982 WRAL News sent reporter Shelley Kofler and photographer Bruce Wittman to accompany 100 members of the NC Friendship Force, led by the Carolyn Hunt, wife of NC Governor Jim Hunt, to visit Moscow and Leningrad (now Saint Petersburg).

At that time, the relationship between the governments of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) and America was in a deep freeze. The Berlin Wall remained as a visual reminder that an “Iron Curtain” divided Europe into two separate ideological and geographical areas. Glasnost and perestroika, openness and political reconstruction, were still a few years away for the Soviets.

The NC Friendship Force did not let these barriers keep them from attempting to thaw relations between the two mighty nations. This grass roots approach proved that common, everyday people can be ambassadors by travelling to countries meeting people on a personal level. They typically stay in the homes of families in the host country so they can experience the everyday life of the culture.

In this sixth report, WRAL reporter Shelly Kofler and photographer Bruce Wittman check out the standard of housing for residents in the Soviet Union.

In November, 1982 WRAL News sent reporter Shelley Kofler and photographer Bruce Wittman to accompany 100 members of the NC Friendship Force, led by the Carolyn Hunt, wife of NC Governor Jim Hunt, to visit Moscow and Leningrad (now Saint Petersburg).

At that time, the relationship between the governments of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) and America was in a deep freeze. The Berlin Wall remained as a visual reminder that an “Iron Curtain” divided Europe into two separate ideological and geographical areas. Glasnost and perestroika, openness and political reconstruction, were still a few years away for the Soviets.

The NC Friendship Force did not let these barriers keep them from attempting to thaw relations between the two mighty nations. This grass roots approach proved that common, everyday people can be ambassadors by travelling to countries meeting people on a personal level. They typically stay in the homes of families in the host country so they can experience the everyday life of the culture.

In this fifth report, WRAL reporter Shelly Kofler and photographer Bruce Wittman find out the difference between shopping in communist USSR vs buying in a capitalistic country like America.

In November, 1982 WRAL News sent reporter Shelley Kofler and photographer Bruce Wittman to accompany 100 members of the NC Friendship Force, led by the Carolyn Hunt, wife of NC Governor Jim Hunt, to visit Moscow and Leningrad (now Saint Petersburg).

At that time, the relationship between the governments of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) and America was in a deep freeze. The Berlin Wall remained as a visual reminder that an “Iron Curtain” divided Europe into two separate ideological and geographical areas. Glasnost and perestroika, openness and political reconstruction, were still a few years away for the Soviets.

The NC Friendship Force did not let these barriers keep them from attempting to thaw relations between the two mighty nations. This grass roots approach proved that common, everyday people can be ambassadors by travelling to countries meeting people on a personal level. They typically stay in the homes of families in the host country so they can experience the everyday life of the culture.

In this fourth report, WRAL reporter Shelly Kofler and photographer Bruce Wittman take a look at the role of religion within a country that is officially atheistic.

Hurricane Diana hit the coast of North Carolina with category 4 winds on September 13, 1984. WRAL news, at that time called “Action News 5,” sent news crews to various NC coastal locations to cover evacuations and damage. This video is a compilation of news stories that aired over several days. You will see WRAL news reporters Fred Taylor, Bill Draper, Tim Kent, Shelly Kofler, Bryan Glazer,and Nina Szlosberg.

At 1:00 AM on November 28, 1988 a ferocious F4 tornado touched down in Raleigh, North Carolina. The most intense damage occurred over northwestern Raleigh where the tornado traveled through densely populated areas near major intersections. Many large businesses were damaged or destroyed including a K-Mart. There were two reported fatalities and 105 injuries across Raleigh as the tornado tracked across several subdivisions.

WRAL News anchor Charlie Gaddy became the field anchor as he not only reported on the damage, he brought a sense of calm and genuine compassion to those who survived and then share their experiences. Gaddy also provided live reports to CBS News.

This video is WRAL Morning News with anchor John Hudson, just a few hours after the tornado tore through northwestern Raleigh. The light of day revealed the devastation.

Satellite technology allowed WRAL News to travel great distances to gather stories that impacted WRAL viewers. This promo produced in 1987 shows where some of our reporters traveled to during a one month period of time to gather the news. WRAL’s satellite truck was nicknamed LIVESTAR 5.

1990 News Highlights include the following top stories: WRAL news covers the buildup of U.S. military troops prior to the combat phase of Operation Desert Storm, sometimes referred to as the first gulf war. The trial of Blanche Taylor Moore resulted in the jury finding Moore guilty of first degree murder. County residents in Richmond, Montgomery and Iredell counties protest a plan to build a hazardous waste incinerator landsite. In politics, incumbent Senator Jesse Helms defeats Harvey Gantt in the elections. Severe weather caused a dredge to ram into the Bonner Bridge, knocking out several sections, rendering it impassable and causing Hatteras Island to be cut off from the mainland. Duke University’s basketball team losses to the Running Rebels of UNLV in the NCAA Championship game held in Denver, Colorado.

WRAL-TV News Reporters Carol Sbarge, Drew Griffin and Leslie Boney look into the effects of the drug known as “crack” and the grip it has on the users. “Crack” cuts across all social and economic communities. (1990)

WRAL News Highlights of 1988 include coverage of the tornado that ripped through north Raleigh, hostages held at the Robinsonian Newspaper, problems at the Briarwood Nursing Home, Lifeplanning health series, Charlie Gaddy’s trip to China, Duke makes it to the “Final Four” NCAA Basketball Tournament.

WRAL-TV control room staff prepares for live television just before Action News 5 at 6pm newscast begins. L-R: Producer Connie Lane, Audio operator Tammy Martin, Director Pam Parris and Production Assistant Celia Hartnett.

Charlie Gaddy, Howard Fox, Celia Hartnett and Phyllis Slocum discuss coverage the night of the 1984 primary election.

Staff includes L-R: Sonny Dowdy, Lorraine Moore, David Pate, Powell Kidd, Chuck Blake, Earl Ashe, Charles Moye, Leonard Peebles and Gene Walsh.

CBC employees who were critical to the development of the company’s internet service – Interpath. Photo came at a 20th anniversary celebration in 2014.

Many of the original employees who developed Interpath – CBC’s internet service provider company founded in 1994.

Atlanta Braves star Chipper Jones when he played for the Durham Bulls.

Health Team members accepting the NC Med Society Public Service Award in 1995. L-R: Chris Mondragon, Dr. Allen Mask, Dr. Alicia Underwood, Lynn Hoggard, Mary Cates Gravley and Malinda Adams.

Mike Moss, Brian Orzel, Greg Fishel, Mike Maze and Chris Thompson.

Staff includes L-R: Sonny Dowdy, Lorraine Moore, David Pate, Powell Kidd, Chuck Blake, Earl Ashe, Charles Moye, Leonard Peebles and Gene Walsh.

Chuck Blake running camera on election night in 1972 primary

“The Pumpkins Strike Back” is a delightful, cheesy series of four vignettes that aired on WRAL-TV during the late night Halloween movie on October 31, 1981. During the commercial breaks, “The Pumpkins Strike Back” would air prior to the commercials, then back to the movie.

Rowell Gorman, “The Man of a Thousand Voices”, wrote the script and provided different voices to the pumpkin characters, as well as appearing in the production. Other “actors” were staff members at WRAL, many who had never acted before – and that will be apparent! The vignettes were produced by the WRAL production staff.

The parody is loosely based on several blockbuster movies including STAR WARS, PSYCHO and PATTON. But “The Pumpkins Strike Back” is in a league of its own. Enjoy!

NOTE: Single channel audio. Originally produced on 3/4 inch videotape.

Cindy Sink started work at WRAL-TV in 1980 as a commercial producer. After several years she was promoted to Director of Promotion until she retired in 2004. Her creativity and leadership positioned WRAL with the reputation of innovation and integrity throughout the television industry. John Harris, Corporate Director of Special Projects conducted the interview.

Developers and managers of WRAL.com celebrate launch of the website in 1996. L-R: John Conway, Jason Priebe, Tom Lawrence, unknown, Michelle Singer, John Harris, Cindy Sink and John Whitehead.

WRAL-TV staffers Cindy Sink and Kevin Duffus during production of 1983 Partners Auction.

Guest Capcom writer Clarence Williams spent almost five decades working at WRAL-TV before his retirement in 2015.  He has always been one of our best Capcom scoopers, and recently shared this great history story: The History of the Nazareth Community:  The Pope Family, the Catholic Diocese, Neighbors of WRAL-TV It very difficult to visit the […]

“The Pumpkins Strike Back” is a delightful, cheesy series of four vignettes that aired on WRAL-TV during the late night Halloween movie on October 31, 1981. During the commercial breaks, “The Pumpkins Strike Back” would air prior to the commercials, then back to the movie.

Rowell Gorman, “The Man of a Thousand Voices”, wrote the script and provided different voices to the pumpkin characters, as well as appearing in the production. Other “actors” were staff members at WRAL, many who had never acted before – and that will be apparent! The vignettes were produced by the WRAL production staff.

The parody is loosely based on several blockbuster movies including STAR WARS, PSYCHO and PATTON. But “The Pumpkins Strike Back” is in a league of its own. Enjoy!

NOTE: Single channel audio. Originally produced on 3/4 inch videotape.

“I was honored to be in the company of these future leaders and pledge to assist them in any way I personally can.” — WRAL-TV retiree Clarence Williams When Corp Director of Content Andrea Osborne saw The Sir Walters at their debut at the A.B. Combs Elementary Leadership Day in April, she immediately thought of […]

WRAL-TV Anchor/Reporter Ken Smith recently had the honor of presenting a prestigious award to a CBC legend.  Retired WRAL-TV Director/Producer Clarence Williams received National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) Region III Achievers Award in a special ceremony in Memphis, TN, on Saturday, April 9, 2016. The NABJ Region III Achievers Award is the equivalent of […]

Although he retired from WRAL-TV last fall, Clarence Williams is still sharing CBC stories from the community.  Williams recently wrote this piece to remember a WRAL Radio legend, Raymond “Dr. Jocko” Henderson and his mentor, J.D. Lewis:  The beautiful serene section located on the northeast sector of Oakwood Cemetery is being respectfully referred to as […]

Coverage of the annual Raleigh Christmas Parade has been a tradition at WRAL-TV for many years. Enjoy watching the 2003 LIVE broadcast with WRAL News personalities Laurie Clowers and Mark Roberts. Mark filled in for Bill Leslie who was not feeling well that day. Special guest commentator was Clay Aiken, a finalist in the popular television program “American Idol.” Clay is a resident of Raleigh.

Take a look behind the scenes when 2003 American Idol finalist, Clay Aiken, made a whirlwind trip from Hollywood to his hometown of Raleigh during the final weeks of competition of the hit FOX TV show American Idol. Clay finished as the runner-up to champion Ruben Studdard.

This video shows Clay arriving at WRAL-TV the morning of Friday, May 9 2003. He makes his way into the station greeting employees as he makes his way to the newsroom . You’ll see and hear Clay interviewed by WRAL Morning news anchors.

All the video was shot from a news photographer shooting from behind-the-scenes. Enjoy this unique look of what happens during a live newscast as Clay Aiken has fun “helping” Mike Maze present the weather report and Mark Roberts with his traffic report.

On May 8, 2003, American Idol finalist and hometown star Clay Aiken traveled to Raleigh. He visited the NC Capitol Building and met Governor Mike Easley. Later Clay hopped into SKY 5 to fly to the Durham Bulls Ballpark to sing the national anthen and throw out the first pitch.
This video is the “raw” footage shot from inside SKY 5 during the trip. You will hear Clay respond to questions in an interview with WRAL News anchors while he was inflight. Notice that the helicopter hovered over an area between Raleigh and Durham during the interview. After the interview, Clay changed into a Durham Bulls baseball shirt. SKY 5 then made the descent into Durham and landed at the Durham Bulls Baseball Park. SKY 5 pilot Steve Wiley opens the door for Clay and instructs him where to go; directly to the pitchers mound.

American Idol finalist Clay Aiken arriving via SKY 5 at a Durham Bulls game. Aiken threw out the first pitch and was honored at the game. He is greeted by Bulls mascot Wool E. Bull and GM George Habel.

The first FIVE STAR Award was presented in 1983. Who was the recipient? a) P. B.Jernigan b) Bob Sadler c) Clifford Kurtz d) Charlie Gaddy 2. WRAL-TV signed on the air December 15, 1956. Name the first program to air? a) Teenage Frolics b) Miracle on 34th Street c) NC State basketball game d) Romper […]

Mr. Clifford Kurtz was one of the most beloved members of the WRAL family. He worked in General Services from 1980-2003. Mr. Kurtz was the first recipient of the 5 STAR Award that is given annually to an outstanding employee nominated by staff members. He always greeted each person with a smile and pleasant greeting. He was very soft spoken and always had a positive attitude. Watch as many employees at WRAL bid Mr. Kurtz a fond fairwell. The video was edited by WRAL producer/editor Anita Normanly.

Wilmington Mayor Bill Saffo and FCC Chairman Kevin Martin throw the symbolic switch making local TV stations the first in the country to go digital. WILM was the first CBC affiliate to make the change.

This news image promo from 1982 blends behind-the-scenes video of the newsroom with video of community activity to illustrate the connection between WRAL News and the people it serves.

In the video you will see a variety news anchors and reportors as well as behind-the-scenes production staff and news photographers.

WRAL-TV control room staff prepares for live television just before Action News 5 at 6pm newscast begins. L-R: Producer Connie Lane, Audio operator Tammy Martin, Director Pam Parris and Production Assistant Celia Hartnett.

The legendary Durham Bulls player whose name inspired the main character in the movie titled Bull Durham. Kevin Costner played the role of Davis, who played three seasons in the major leagues after his days in Durham.

WRAL staffers with remote production truck known as Unit 0. L-R: PB Jernigan, Gene Reopelle, Crystal Gathers, Paul Cyr, Mike Upchurch, Harold Williams, Brenda Irvin and George Spence.

After 25 years at the Big 5, WRAL-TV Investigative Reporter Cullen Browder is moving on to a new chapter.  A group of his cohorts from over the years came to say farewell on his last day, Tuesday, June 20, 2023. WRAL-TV Podcast Reporter Amanda Lamb talked to her long-time colleague about his career, his legacy, […]

Hurricane Irma packed category 5 winds when it slammed into the Virgin Islands around September 10, 2017. The devastation was enormous. WRAL reporter Ken Smith is from St. Thomas in the US Virgin Islands and was anxious to see his parents and extended family and friends.

Ken and photographer Richard Adkins were able to fly down to the islands with the ARMY 602 medical company out of Fort Bragg, North Carolina. The US ARMY was deployed to assist with medical needs and recovery missions.

Watch this touching video of Ken reconnecting with his mother. Plus, Ken and Richard see the devastation that Hurricane Irma left in her wake.

News anchor: Cullen Browder.
Saturday, September 16, 2017.

Hosted by WRAL News anchor and reporter Cullen Browder, Focal Point: “State of Minds” profiles mentally ill patients, their families, providers and other people affected by mental health care reform in North Carolina. It looks at the challenges faced by patients and their families in a system that for many has become more complicated, confusing and harder to access. It investigates the controversial spending by some LME’s and the challenges faced by private companies as they try to provide mental health services in a more competitive environment that has driven some providers out of business.

Producer and writer – Clay Johnson
Photographer and editor – Jay Jennings
Aired September 26, 2007

LIVE@ was a unique 10 minute program that streamed “live” from a mini-studio/control room on WRAL.com. The program was hosted by Brian Shrader. Most of the guests were staff members of WRAL-TV and WRAL.COM. The program was spontaneous, unscripted craziness! Guests would offer comments on fun happenings in the local community and offer critiques on movies and other entertainment events.

On October 12, 2009 the guest was WRAL News reporter Cullen Browder who primarily worked with the investigative team. Cullen revealed that his identity nickname is “Talking Bull.”

This FOX 50 (WRAZ) newscast is continuing coverage of the terrorism that hit America on September 11, 2001. Most news outlets had “wall to wall” coverage for several days. This newscast is from September 12, 2001. Note that WRAZ, FOX 50 is branded as FOX 50 and not WRAL News on FOX 50. At this point, FOX 50 had a distinctively different look from WRAL. A few years later FOX 50 would air WRAL News on FOX 50.

Dan and Ray Wilkinson share a happy moment at a company function.

At 1:00 AM on November 28, 1988 a ferocious F4 tornado touched down in Raleigh, North Carolina. The most intense damage occurred over northwestern Raleigh where the tornado traveled through densely populated areas near major intersections. Many large businesses were damaged or destroyed including a K-Mart. There were two reported fatalities and 105 injuries across Raleigh as the tornado tracked across several subdivisions.

WRAL News anchor Charlie Gaddy became the field anchor as he not only reported on the damage, he brought a sense of calm and genuine compassion to those who survived and then share their experiences. Gaddy also provided live reports to CBS News.

This video is WRAL Morning News with anchor John Hudson, just a few hours after the tornado tore through northwestern Raleigh. The light of day revealed the devastation.

Bill Schmidt, Dave Eichorn, Greg Fishel and Bob DeBardelaben

Starshooter uplink truck operator Dave Waters during training at the NC Truck Driving School in Smithfield. Waters passed the eight-week course in 1984 and went on to drive the CBC 18-wheeler.

Three WRAL-TV legends got together with a Triangle acting legend for a conversation in front of a crowd at the Carolina Country Club on Tuesday, June 18, 2024.  Wood interviewed retired WRAL-TV Anchors Charlie Gaddy, David Crabtree and Bill Leslie as part of his Speakers Series. “David, Bill and Charlie reflected on their careers at […]

Former WRAL anchor David Crabtree finds new purpose in ‘retirement’ role at PBS North Carolina A year after leaving the WRAL News anchor desk, David Crabtree is one of six people who were inducted into the NC Media & Journalism Hall of Fame on Friday, April 21, 2023. Crabtree joins Robert J. Brown, Curry Kirkpatrick, […]

WRAL-TV’s David Crabtree anchored the news desk for his final newscast at the Big 5 on Wednesday, May 25, 2022.  Then a few special guests celebrated him at a farewell reception on the station patio. See the tribute from WRAL 6pm newscast and some of Crabtree’s thoughts on his 28 years at CBC and four […]

WRAL-TV Anchor David Crabtree will be on the anchor desk during WRAL’s Evening News for the final time tonight, Wednesday, May 25, 2022. He will move on to focus on his new role of interim CEO of PBS North Carolina. Crabtree has been chronicling his career of stories at WRAL over the past few weeks […]

A new desk for David Crabtree: Longtime anchor leaving WRAL for leadership role with PBSNC Longtime WRAL News anchor David Crabtree is leaving in late May to take a leadership role at PBSNC, he announced on Tuesday. This is the second time Crabtree has announced a “retirement” from the WRAL anchor desk. Back in 2017, Crabtree […]

Wrestling announcers David Crockett and Bob Caudle hosting a match at WRAL-TV Studio A.

News photographer Bruce Wittman and Operations Director David Gill in the WRAL-TV news studio.

News team from WRAL-FM/North Carolina News Network celebrate Peabody Award in New York City

Leah Chauncey, David Harbert, Paul Quinn, Al Dunbar and Jim Griffin get a look at one section of the new transmitting tower in 1990.

David Letterman displays his unique sense of humor in this promo leading up to the launch of his new Late Show on CBS on August 30, 1993.

David Letterman switched from NBC to CBS in 1993. The promo was produced during the lead up to his new Late Show. Note how prominent the CBS logo is behind Dave.

This David Letterman promo was produced during the lead up to his new late night show on CBS in 1993. Dave, in his humorous way, shares his thoughts on smart women.

This promo was produced in 1993 leading up to the launch of Late Show with David Letterman on CBS. In this promo, Dave simply wants to be your “TV Friend.”

David Letterman having a casual conversation about his hair. The promo was produced during the lead up to his new Late Show on CBS in 1993.

Staff includes L-R: Sonny Dowdy, Lorraine Moore, David Pate, Powell Kidd, Chuck Blake, Earl Ashe, Charles Moye, Leonard Peebles and Gene Walsh.

Elon College, located in Elon, North Carolina near Burlington, honored the legacy of Mr. A.J. Fletcher (1987- 1979) on the 100th anniversary on his birth. This video, produced in 1987, features Mr. Robert Anderson who was the assistant to the president of Elon College.

Anderson presents a biography of Fletcher with emphasis on the impact he had on the community of fine arts, specifically in regards to opera.

Included in this video presentation is David Witherspoon who worked at the Fletcher Foundation. Frank Fletcher, one of AJ’s three sons, shares memories of his father.

The video was viewed by an audience prior to a performance by the Elon College community orchestra.

*Elon College is now Elon University.

WRAL-TV led the nation in the development of High Definition broadcasting. On October 13, 2000 WRAL made history by broadcasting the entire 5:00 PM newscast LIVE in HD from the State Fair. The historic newscast was broadcast from a special stage at the North Carolina State Fair in Raleigh. The broadcast came just days after WRAL announced it was purchasing equipment from Panasonic to allow the station to gather all of its news stories in the 1080i format. WRAL was the first in the country to convert its entire news operation into HD. This video documents the historic moment from a behind-the-scenes perspective.

In 1996, WRAL was the first station in the nation to start broadcasting in HD even though most viewers did not have an HD television set.

Robert and Mary Bird, David Witherspoon and Fred Fletcher perform a Latin number for 1954 radio show

Members of the Grass Roots Opera Company cast of Cosi Fan Tutti. CBC founder AJ Fletcher is 3rd from the left. Fletcher played Don Alfonso.

Fred Fletcher and David Witherspoon having fun with band fundraising letter

MIX programming team: Standing L-R: Ned Attayek, Kathy Walston, Marty Callaghan, Bob Inskeep, Jami Elizondo, Mike Urben, David Wood. Sitting L-R: Bruce Mulder, Lori Rentsch.

“No Joy in Mudville” provides an in-depth look into sports on various levels of participation from little league games to college to professional. Sports has become an obession with winning as the only acceptable outcome. The documentary also looks at co-ed sports, injuries, pressure on athletes and coaches, and life after sports.
WRAL-TV participated in the Eighth Decade Consortium comprised of five television stations across the country. The other four stations were WJLA in Washington, D.C., WCVB in Boston, KSTP in Minneapolis, and KOMO in Seattle. Each station produced a segment in the documentary. WRAL produced the first segment, “For Saturday Afternoon Glory” written by WRAL Sports Director Bob Holliday and produced by Chuck Maye.
The program was hosted by WRAL News anchor John Hudson. The opening voice-over was by Bill Leslie. “No Joy in Mudville” aired September 12, 1983. The subject matter is still relevant to this day.

College basketball rivals, UNC and Duke, play at Duke’s Cameron Indoor Stadium at the end of the regular season, March 1, 1981. Duke wins the game by one point. Enjoy this vintage video shot and edited by sports photographer Jay Jennings.

News Highlights of 1991 include the following stories. Coverage of the war in Iraq and Kuwait feature reports live from the field and interviews with troops from Fort Bragg, Pope AFB and Seymour Johnson AFB. Other highlights from 1991 include the explosion and fire at the Imperial Food plant in Hamlet where many employees were killed due to locked doors. Crew members aboard the Navy ship USS Raleigh were caught violating policy by dumping garbage overboard into the ocean. A congressional hearing followed in response to that act. Reporter/anchor Bill Leslie demonstrates what it is like to fight a fire. Duke University wins the NCAA Championship by defeating the Jayhawks of the University of Kansas.

WRAL-TV Image Promo with emphasis on sports from 1987. ACC Basketball coaches Dean Smith (UNC), Jim Valvano (NCSU) and Mike Krzyzewski are featured in the promo. Music performed by Roberta Flack, Lee Greenwood.

WRAL-TV Anchor Debra Morgan is tops in the Triangle.  Cary Magazine released the publication’s annual Maggy Awards winners, voted on by readers, on Monday, April 1, 2024.  Morgan won the Best Local TV Personality category with WRAL-TV Meteorologist Elizabeth Gardner earning an Honorable Mention. Cary Magazine quoted Morgan talking about WRAL in a feature about […]

Longtime WRAL News Anchor Debra Morgan continues extraordinary run; Journalist Ashley Rowe joins WRAL News Team WRAL, part of Capitol Broadcasting Company (CBC), announced on-air anchor lineup adjustments for their award-winning, ratings leading WRAL News team on Wednesday. Longtime anchor Debra Morgan extends her extraordinary 30-year run on the anchor desk, moving to daytime, and […]

Cary Magazine has released the top vote getters for the 2023 Maggy Awards, and three CBC personalities made the list!  WRAL-TV Anchor Debra Morgan and WRAL-TV Meteorologist Elizabeth Gardner both received honorable mentions in the Best Local TV Personality category.  MIX Mornings Co-Host and the Carpool Casanova himself, WRAL-FM’s Bryan Lord ranked with an honorable […]

Gerald Owens joins Debra Morgan on anchor desk for 6 p.m. newscast,continues to anchor 5 p.m., 7 p.m., 10 p.m. & 11 p.m. news WRAL News, the most watched news team in the Triangle, is proud to announce a new anchor team for the highly rated WRAL News at 6 p.m.. WRAL viewers will recognize […]

WRAL’s Nights of Lights is a holiday gift that keeps on giving the whole year through.  Not only did the community enjoy the actual light show last December, proceeds from the event helped support a couple of non-profits in the Triangle.  Santa made a rare off-season appearance to accompany WRAL-TV Anchor Debra Morgan to make […]

Ray Wilkinson, Denece Boyer, Bob Vernon and Bill Schmidt on the set during noon newscast

Action News 5 hour long newscast that air January 7, 1985. At this time, WRAL was still an affiliate with the ABC network.

One of the main stories of the day was Jim Martin’s first full day as Governor of North Carolina. (full coverage of his inauguration on January 6 is available on this website) Other stories of the day were reported by Shelly Kofler, Sharon Nash, Connie Howard, Tim Kent, Tina Seldon, Fred Taylor, Denece Boyer, Renee McCoy and Joe Oliver. Sports with Tom Suiter. Weather with Bob Debardelaben. Editorial by Joel Lawhon.

The commercials that aired that day are included as well.

This news image promo from 1982 blends behind-the-scenes video of the newsroom with video of community activity to illustrate the connection between WRAL News and the people it serves.

In the video you will see a variety news anchors and reportors as well as behind-the-scenes production staff and news photographers.

This 1987 news promo showcases the Team of Specialists. Renee McCoy handled “Call for Action.” Denise Boyer specialized in health related stories called “Medical Beat.” Tina Seldin reported on money matters called “Money Desk.” Nina Szlosberg delved deeper into stories called “In Depth” and Bill Leslie reported on human interest stories specific to North Carolina.

WRAL-TV launched the hour long version of Action News 5 at 6:00PM on June 14, 1982. You will also see vintage commercials that aired during the newscast. WRAL News had been preparing for this moment for a couple of years. The preps ranged from a ramp-up of resources ranging from reporters, photographers, producers, to moving to newsroom/set. You will notice that Charlie Gaddy does not have a co-anchor at this point. Bobbie Battista, former co-anchor joined CNN in Atlanta in December, 1981. Adele Arakawa would join Charlie on March 14, 1983.
The news department manager was Steve Grissom. The newscast was produced by Connie Lane and directed by Pam Parris -Allen.
If you look closely at the end of the newscast, you can see a crowd of people at the back of the newsroom (left of the Action News 5 logo) standing in the shadows; they are huddled around a television set watching the premiere.
*NOTE* You will notice several quick video break-ups during “The Money Desk” segment with reporter Tim Smith.

Photographer Bob Sadler and reporter Dick Ellis interview a newsmaker at a road construction project. Note the film camera in use.

Dick Ellis reports vote returns in NC 1972 Primary

NC Election Network set and anchors during 1972 primary

Advertisement touting the experience of TN announcers Dix Harper, Ray Wilkinson and Ken Tanner.

Sales flyer for the CBC Tobacco Network that covered agricultural news throughout the Southeast

Stuart Scott, a longtime anchor at ESPN and former news reporter at WRAL-TV, died Sunday morning, January 4, 2015 after a long battle with cancer. He was 49. Scott was diagnosed with cancer in November 2007 and dealt with recurring bouts of the disease during the final seven years of his life.

When Sports Reporter Jeff Gravley left WRAL for Cleveland in 2000, he got a special going away spoof from Stuart Scott at the anchor desk where the charismatic former WRAL news reporter took a few shots at “Digger” after a competitive flag football game.

Tom Suiter, DJ Kazmierczak and Tommy Crichton in the studio during a live Football Friday show.

WRAL-TV sports anchor Tom Suiter and sports producer DJ Kazmierczak share a laugh during a Football Friday show. The weekly shows feature highlights from dozens of high school football games in the region.

Don Griffin was a consumer reporter and general assignment reporter, as well as weekend anchor from 1976 – 1982. He is a native of Lexington, North Carolina and is a graduate of UNC-Charlotte. In 1982, he returned to Charlotte and joined WSOC where he continued his career in journalism. Yes, he was one of the good guys!

This news promo produced in 1979 features an investigative story by WRAL News reporter Don Kobos. Citizens living in eastern North Carolina were concerned about air pollution and its effects. Kobos sited the different counties impacted by pollution and then investigated how the state of North Carolina could take corrective measures.

Don Kobos was an investigative reporter at WRAL from 1978 to 1982. In 1982, he moved to Houston, Texas to work as a reporter at KTRK (ABC). In 2000, he became assistant news director at KTRK and retired in 2014. Kobos started his career at WWBT in Richmond, Virginia in 1976.

Spiritual Awakening producer Dona Anderson

Donald Wayne Adams of Raleigh receives set of Encyclopaedia Britannica as winner of the Spotluck contest. Herb Marks, who portrayed Capn 5, presents the books.

News team from WRAL-FM/North Carolina News Network celebrate Peabody Award in New York City

Collins surrounded by George Geoghegan, Fred Fletcher, A.J. Fletcher, Charles Campbell and 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.

Health Team members accepting the NC Med Society Public Service Award in 1995. L-R: Chris Mondragon, Dr. Allen Mask, Dr. Alicia Underwood, Lynn Hoggard, Mary Cates Gravley and Malinda Adams.

Dr. Mask joined the WRAL-TV staff in the early 90s and is the longest-serving television doctor in North Carolina.

“Doctors on Call” was hosted by WRAL Health Team physician Dr. Allen Mask. The program provided viewers with the opportunity to call the station and receive free, confidential medical advice from physicians and specialists with the NC Medical Society. WRAL News anchor Pam Saulsby served as co-host.Dr. Allen Mask interviews the following doctors during this particular program: Dr. Sharon Fekrat – Duke Ophthalmologist, Dr. Joel Schneider – Wake Med Cardiologists, Dr. Roy Cromartie – Kaiser Oncologist, Dr. Marty Sullivan – Duke Integrated Medicine, Dr. Richard Alioto, Duke Orthopedic surgeon.Doctors on Call aired on WRAL for many years. This program aired in 1999.

WRAL-TV led the nation in the development of High Definition broadcasting. On October 13, 2000 WRAL made history by broadcasting the entire 5:00 PM newscast LIVE in HD from the State Fair. The historic newscast was broadcast from a special stage at the North Carolina State Fair in Raleigh. The broadcast came just days after WRAL announced it was purchasing equipment from Panasonic to allow the station to gather all of its news stories in the 1080i format. WRAL was the first in the country to convert its entire news operation into HD. This video documents the historic moment from a behind-the-scenes perspective.

In 1996, WRAL was the first station in the nation to start broadcasting in HD even though most viewers did not have an HD television set.

Health Team members accepting the NC Med Society Public Service Award in 1995. L-R: Chris Mondragon, Dr. Allen Mask, Dr. Alicia Underwood, Lynn Hoggard, Mary Cates Gravley and Malinda Adams.

Doctors on Call started in 1990. This one hour program and all-day telethon format enables viewers to call with specific questions about medical conditions. During the program, various medical experts offer information to increase public health awareness. Over 150 doctors representing a variety of major medical specialties staff the phone lines so viewers can talk on-on-one with a doctor for free, confidential medical advice.

At 1:00 AM on November 28, 1988 a ferocious F4 tornado touched down in Raleigh, North Carolina. The most intense damage occurred over northwestern Raleigh where the tornado traveled through densely populated areas near major intersections. Many large businesses were damaged or destroyed including a K-Mart. There were two reported fatalities and 105 injuries across Raleigh as the tornado tracked across several subdivisions.

WRAL News anchor Charlie Gaddy became the field anchor as he not only reported on the damage, he brought a sense of calm and genuine compassion to those who survived and then share their experiences. Gaddy also provided live reports to CBS News.

This video is WRAL Morning News with anchor John Hudson, just a few hours after the tornado tore through northwestern Raleigh. The light of day revealed the devastation.

The lead story on WRAL News, April 7, 1990 was the resignation of NCSU Basketball coachJim Valvano. The news consumed the “A” block, or first segment of the newscast.
Valvano was a charismatic, popular coach who encouraged and inspired his players to a remarkable win of the NCAA Basketball Championship in 1983. The team was referred to as the “Cardiac Pack” due to their buzzer beater wins that advanced them to the next bracket toward the championship.
Controversy grew from accusations in a book, Personal Fouls, by Peter Golenbock. A 1989 NCAA investigation cleared Valvano. Six separate entities investigated Valvano and the NC State basketball program including the NC State Faculty Senate, the North Carolina Attorney General, the University of North Carolina Board of Governors, the NC State Board of Trustees, and the NCAA. None of them found any recruiting or financial improprieties. Under subsequent pressure from the school’s faculty and Chancellor, Valvano negotiated a settlement with NC State and resigned as basketball coach.

WRAL-TV News Reporters Carol Sbarge, Drew Griffin and Leslie Boney look into the effects of the drug known as “crack” and the grip it has on the users. “Crack” cuts across all social and economic communities. (1990)

News Highlights of 1991 include the following stories. Coverage of the war in Iraq and Kuwait feature reports live from the field and interviews with troops from Fort Bragg, Pope AFB and Seymour Johnson AFB. Other highlights from 1991 include the explosion and fire at the Imperial Food plant in Hamlet where many employees were killed due to locked doors. Crew members aboard the Navy ship USS Raleigh were caught violating policy by dumping garbage overboard into the ocean. A congressional hearing followed in response to that act. Reporter/anchor Bill Leslie demonstrates what it is like to fight a fire. Duke University wins the NCAA Championship by defeating the Jayhawks of the University of Kansas.

Fred Fletcher presents young Dwight Robinson with color television as prize for drawing at WRAL-TV open house

During the 1960’s, the highest rated locally-produced show in the Raleigh/Durham television market was WRAL’s Championship Wrestling. The program was produced weekly in studio A and aired each Saturday afternoon at five o’clock. The show was produced by promoter Joe Murnick and directed by Earl Ashe. Among the “villains” who appeared regularly on the show […]

Earl Ashe was the first director to be hired at WRAL-TV. Ashe shares his stories about the weeks leading up to sign-on in December, 1956. He also shares his background as a pioneer in eastern North Carolina television prior to his arrival in Raleigh. Ashe worked with legendary WRAL personalities Ray Reeves, Bill Armstrong, Bob Knapp, and more. He tells an interesting story about meeting President Ford.

Staff includes L-R: Sonny Dowdy, Lorraine Moore, David Pate, Powell Kidd, Chuck Blake, Earl Ashe, Charles Moye, Leonard Peebles and Gene Walsh.

WRAL-TV’s Earll Thompson operating the film chain for a local production

WRAL Engineer Ed Hubbard and CBC President Jim Goodmon following the collapse of the station tower in December 1989.

WRAL-TV Anchor Debra Morgan is tops in the Triangle.  Cary Magazine released the publication’s annual Maggy Awards winners, voted on by readers, on Monday, April 1, 2024.  Morgan won the Best Local TV Personality category with WRAL-TV Meteorologist Elizabeth Gardner earning an Honorable Mention. Cary Magazine quoted Morgan talking about WRAL in a feature about […]

Cary Magazine has released the top vote getters for the 2023 Maggy Awards, and three CBC personalities made the list!  WRAL-TV Anchor Debra Morgan and WRAL-TV Meteorologist Elizabeth Gardner both received honorable mentions in the Best Local TV Personality category.  MIX Mornings Co-Host and the Carpool Casanova himself, WRAL-FM’s Bryan Lord ranked with an honorable […]

Raleigh Magazine honored WRAL-TV Meteorologist Elizabeth Gardner as one of the Women Shaping Raleigh 2023 at an event on Monday, March 27, 2023. Gardner received the recognition alongside over two dozen others, all featured in the current issue of the publication. The evening celebration at One Glenwood in Raleigh was the “in person” way the […]

In the March 2023 edition, Raleigh Magazine features WRAL-TV Meteorologist Elizabeth Gardner as part of a trio because she is part of a first with the two other local major network morning meteorologists. “Now, for the first time in our city’s history, all three local TV morning meteorologists are women. Raleigh-native Elizabeth Gardner was WRAL’s first female […]

Our State magazine kicks off the new year with a feature about WRAL-TV Meteorologist Elizabeth Gardner in the January 2022 edition.  She talks about her fascination with snow and the science behind it.  WRAL-TV Reporter Bryan Mims penned the piece on his Big 5 colleague. “Snow and other big weather events always inspire in me […]

WRAL-TV President Fred Fletcher with Harmon Duncan and Floyd Fletcher

The Southern Sportsman was Franc White. Franc shot his own film and shared his adventures on his television show produced at the studios of WRAL-TV.

His dog was named Frickus. Frank flew an airplane painted in a zebra pattern. And he would end every program by saying, “Do yourself a favor…take a kid fishing.”

This particular episode was produced in 1992, but apparently aired in January 1993. The video is poor in quality since it was recorded “off-air” by a viewer who lived on the fringes of the television signal. But, it has survived all these years.

Franc passed away in 2012 at the age of 86.

Franc White, better known as The Southern Sportsman, was an avid outdoorsman. Through his television program he shared his love for hunting, fishing, and cooking. Through his “Franc White Commentary” he shared his concerns regarding ecological issues as of 1993. Many say Franc White was way ahead of his time. (Franc White passed away June 6, 2012)

Franc White, better known as The Southern Sportsman, was an avid outdoorsman. Through his television program he shared his love for hunting, fishing, and cooking. Through his “Franc White Commentary” he shared his concerns regarding ecological issues as of 1993. Many say Franc White was way ahead of his time. (Franc White passed away June 6, 2012)

Franc White, better known as The Southern Sportsman, was an avid outdoorsman. Through his television program he shared his love for hunting, fishing, and cooking. Through his “Franc White Commentary” he shared his concerns regarding ecological issues as of 1993. Many say Franc White was way ahead of his time. (Franc White passed away June 6, 2012)

Franc White, better known as The Southern Sportsman, was an avid outdoorsman. Through his television program he shared his love for hunting, fishing, and cooking. Through his “Franc White Commentary” he shared his concerns regarding ecological issues as of 1993. Many say Franc White was way ahead of his time. (Franc White passed away June 6, 2012)

When you allow television folks a little free rein; watch-out! Halloween provides the perfect cover to mask a little tomfoolery. Check out some WRAL blasts from the Halloween past. First up is from October, 1986. SKY 5 pilot Frank Beall decides to spook legendary WRAL weatherman Bob DeBardelaben by donning a vampire mask while flying […]

1. Name the weatherman or meteorologist who presented a weathercast from WRAL’s tall tower. a) Bob Caudle b) Bob Debardelaben c) Bob Knapp d) Greg Fishel 2. Name the SKY 5 pilot who appeared in a live shot wearing a Halloween mask. a) Steve Wiley b) Randy Watkins c) Mike Allen d) Frank Beall   […]

Halloween is not just for kids! SKY 5 pilot Frank Beall and his photographer planned a little “trick or treat” surprise for WRAL weatherman Bob Debardelaben during the noon newscast.

In this video, you will see Frank putting on his scary mask while he is flying. The viewers were not able to see this part of the action, but the microwave feed was recorded at the station. Frank and his photographer have a good laugh prior to going on the air “live” with Bob. Bob has a good laugh too. Circa 1985.

WRAL reporter Joe Oliver and SKY 5 pilot Frank Beall explain how a well executed auto-rotation in a helicopter can make a crash survivable. This story followed the story of a Life Flight helicopter that crashed, but all onboard survived. (1987)

WRAL sports photographer Jay Jennings and SKY 5 pilot Frank Beall keep up with these fabulous water skiiers doing astonishing flips, turns and churns on the water. Hold on while you watch this video produced in 1985.

Fred Barber started with Capitol Broadcasting Company in 1976 as the General Manager of WRAL-TV in Raleigh, NC. He left to manage other stations in Atlanta and Pittsburgh, but returned to the CBC family in 1987 as General Manager of WTTV in Indianapolis, IN. In 1990, he returned to Raleigh to oversee the television properties. He was made a Senior Vice President in 1994 and assumed the additional responsibility of WRAL-FM in 1997.

When he retired in 1998 as senior Vice President for Broadcasting of Capitol Broadcasting he had made an enviable mark in journalism and broadcasting, but he also made a major contribution in service to others. His work focused on mental health, substance abuse, affordable housing, and the homeless. He was co-founder and founding board chairman of The Healing Place in Raleigh, a highly successful residential treatment facility for alcohol and substance abuse.

Fred Barber was a North Carolina native who graduated from High Point College and went into journalism, first in newspapers and then in TV. Barber passed away in May, 2014 at the age of 76.

NOTE: The video was shot in 2006 for the 50th anniversary of WRAL. The video is “raw” which means it has not been edited for broadcast, so you will see several quick camera moves that would have been covered with video by another camera in post production. Barber was interviewed by WRAL News anchor David Crabtree.

On September 7, 1995, WRAZ signed on as an affiliate of WB.
The early history of WRAZ can be traced back to a construction permit granted to Reverend James Layton’s Tar Heel Broadcasting to build a television station in Raleigh on UHF channel 50. Layton entered the under-construction station, originally known as WACN, into a local marketing agreement (LMA) with the Capitol Broadcasting Company. WRAZ would operate out of WRAL’s studios with transmission facilities on the WRAL tower near Auburn.
In this WRAL News story by David Crabtree, you will hear Reverend James Layton, WRAL News General Manager Fred Barber, and WRAL News anchor Debra Morgan.

This program explains the confusion and misunderstanding of laws regarding cable providers and over-the-air broadcasters. WRAL-TV Vice President and General Manager Fred Barber clears the air regarding the rules and regulations of broadcasting and proprietary rights. (1994)

In the late ‘90’s, former WRAL-TV General Manager Fred Barber traveled to Kentucky with Barbara Goodmon and Maria Spaulding to tour the model for what they hoped could be a facility to help homeless men find sobriety in the Triangle. The trio came back determined to make The Healing Place happen in Raleigh. This documentary shows the work of The Healing Place in Louisville, Kentucky which became the inspiration for the The Healing Place in Raleigh, North Carolina.
“Fred just was a unique person,” said Goodmon, now President of the A.J. Fletcher Foundation. “He made a decision and went forward with that. He kept us going. He was our engine.”
They worked together to raise $4 million to build the facility near downtown. They broke ground in 2000, and celebrated the grand opening in January 2001.
“It totally changed Raleigh,” said Goodmon. “It totally changed downtown Raleigh. It could not be the place it is today without the Healing Place.”
Fred Barber served on the Board of Trustees and was an active volunteer at The Healing Place up until the time of his death.

Action News 5 hour long newscast that air January 7, 1985. At this time, WRAL was still an affiliate with the ABC network.

One of the main stories of the day was Jim Martin’s first full day as Governor of North Carolina. (full coverage of his inauguration on January 6 is available on this website) Other stories of the day were reported by Shelly Kofler, Sharon Nash, Connie Howard, Tim Kent, Tina Seldon, Fred Taylor, Denece Boyer, Renee McCoy and Joe Oliver. Sports with Tom Suiter. Weather with Bob Debardelaben. Editorial by Joel Lawhon.

The commercials that aired that day are included as well.

This news image promo from 1982 blends behind-the-scenes video of the newsroom with video of community activity to illustrate the connection between WRAL News and the people it serves.

In the video you will see a variety news anchors and reportors as well as behind-the-scenes production staff and news photographers.

From left to right we see Ray Wilkinson, CBC VP and President of Ag News, WRAL News anchor/reporter John Hudson and WRAL reporter Fred Taylor. The picture was taken in Studio A on September 28, 1989. The occasion was a farewell breakfast for John Hudson, AKA “Bubba,” as he returned to his native state of […]

Action News 5 newscast from December 12, 1978. Charlie Gaddy was the solo news anchor. Bob Debardelaben was the weathercaster, and Rich Brenner was sports anchor. Also seen seated at the anchor desk was reporter Leila Tvedt, who primarily covered high profile court cases. Also seen in the newscast is legendary reporter Fred Taylor and sportscaster Tom Suiter.

The video shows the end of the lead-in ABC network program “Bewitched” followed by headlines, commercial break, Action News 5 open and then the newscast. Classic commercials have been saved as well.

Hurricane Diana hit the coast of North Carolina with category 4 winds on September 13, 1984. WRAL news, at that time called “Action News 5,” sent news crews to various NC coastal locations to cover evacuations and damage. This video is a compilation of news stories that aired over several days. You will see WRAL news reporters Fred Taylor, Bill Draper, Tim Kent, Shelly Kofler, Bryan Glazer,and Nina Szlosberg.

Reverend G.L. Edmond of St. Paul A.M.E. Church delivers a message of the Easter season regarding Good Friday.

WRAL staffers with remote production truck known as Unit 0. L-R: PB Jernigan, Gene Reopelle, Crystal Gathers, Paul Cyr, Mike Upchurch, Harold Williams, Brenda Irvin and George Spence.

Staff includes L-R: Sonny Dowdy, Lorraine Moore, David Pate, Powell Kidd, Chuck Blake, Earl Ashe, Charles Moye, Leonard Peebles and Gene Walsh.

Retired Corp Vice President of Special Projects George Habel played an integral role in making the Miracle League Field in Durham happen in his final years at Capitol Broadcasting.  He was excited to be in attendance on opening day. “Five years in the making, Durham Bulls Miracle League Field premiered this morning,” he celebrated on […]

Capitol Sports Vice President George Habel provides an update and the backstory behind the Durham Bulls Miracle League Park which is nearing completion in downtown Durham.  Here’s the latest from his Note to Self blog: I’ve done a good many construction updates on Twitter about the Durham Miracle League field, but I want to detail this odyssey that began […]

Corp Vice President of Special Projects George Habel looks back on memories of a former CBC sports connection, the pro linebacker Sam Huff, in his blog, Note To Self: Remembering Sam Huff by George Habel Another throwback post, inspired by the passing of NFL great Sam Huff on November 13th at 87. He played – […]

In a very special Throwback Thursday, Capcom looks back at CBC’s connection with recent World Series winners, the Atlanta Braves.  Corp VP of Special Projects George Habel outlined the associated with the team in a post on his Note To Self blog: Celebrating Our Braves Legacy by George Habel The Durham Bulls have been affiliated […]

Construction continues on the Miracle League of the Triangle Field at the Durham Bulls.  Corp Vice President of Special Projects George Habel snapped some photos of the work underway on Tuesday, September 28, 2021.  He tweeted, “Making tangible progress on Miracle League Field at the Durham Bulls.” The Durham Bulls and Capitol Broadcasting Company led […]

WRAL staffers with remote production truck known as Unit 0. L-R: PB Jernigan, Gene Reopelle, Crystal Gathers, Paul Cyr, Mike Upchurch, Harold Williams, Brenda Irvin and George Spence.

Several CBC personalities landed on the list of the 2024 Wake Living Readers’ Choice Awards.  Announced in the January/February issue of the publication, the list honors the best of Raleigh, Wake Forest and Knightdale in numerous categories. And the CBC honorees are: BEST LOCAL TV PERSONALITYWinner: RENEE CHOU, WRAL-TVHonorable Mention: Gerald Owens, WRAL-TV BEST RADIO […]

WRAL-TV Anchor/ Reporter Gerald Owens did not know he would have more than deep respect from a distance for WRAL legend Charlie Gaddy when he arrived at the station in 2002.  But the pair soon found they had a special bond: Guilford College.  Gaddy graduated in 1953, and Owens attended for two years from 1978-1980.  […]

Gerald Owens joins Debra Morgan on anchor desk for 6 p.m. newscast,continues to anchor 5 p.m., 7 p.m., 10 p.m. & 11 p.m. news WRAL News, the most watched news team in the Triangle, is proud to announce a new anchor team for the highly rated WRAL News at 6 p.m.. WRAL viewers will recognize […]

Changes Coming in November Lena Tillett joins Gerald Owens on anchor desk for 4 p.m., 5:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. newscasts  Mikaya Thurmond moves to weekdays, joining Ken Smith from the anchor desk at 7 a.m. and 9 a.m.  Kathryn Brown departure, leaving local news WRAL News, the most watched news team in the Triangle, […]

Saturday, December 1, 2018, was such a special first of what will be a new annual tradition for Rocky Mount Mills! Rocky Mount Mills kicked off the Holiday season with WRAL TV’s Gerald Owens on Saturday at RMM’s first Tower Lighting. The magical night featured performances of talented youth by the Englewood Elementary Glee Club […]

The new WRAL Fayetteville bureau is four times the size of our old office, allowing more room for Fayetteville reporter Gilbert Baez and our dedicated team of journalists who cover local news in and around Cumberland County. For decades, WRAL has had a news bureau in Fayetteville, covering the news of Fort Bragg, Cumberland County […]

For the fourth year in a row, the readers of Up and Coming News Magazine in Cumberland County have voted WRAL-TV as the Best TV Station.  And for the second year running, WRAL-TV also won for Fayetteville’s Best Weather and Best Traffic Reporting TV Station. WRAL-TV Reporter Gilbert Baez attended the 17th Annual Up & […]

The Salvation Army of Fayetteville recently honored WRAL-TV for the station’s coverage of Hurricane Matthew, both during the storm and in the days following.  WRAL-TV Reporter Gilbert Baez accepted the 2016 Media Excellence Award at the Cape Fear Botanical Gardens on Tuesday, May 16, 2017. “In the spirit of camaraderie as a community, we want […]

The WRAL News bureau in Fayetteville plays an important role in news gathering in the southeastern region of North Carolina. Reporter Gilbert Baez has been the point man for covering the news of Fort Bragg, Cumberland County, and the surrounding area. Promo produced in 1992.

News Highlights of 1991 include the following stories. Coverage of the war in Iraq and Kuwait feature reports live from the field and interviews with troops from Fort Bragg, Pope AFB and Seymour Johnson AFB. Other highlights from 1991 include the explosion and fire at the Imperial Food plant in Hamlet where many employees were killed due to locked doors. Crew members aboard the Navy ship USS Raleigh were caught violating policy by dumping garbage overboard into the ocean. A congressional hearing followed in response to that act. Reporter/anchor Bill Leslie demonstrates what it is like to fight a fire. Duke University wins the NCAA Championship by defeating the Jayhawks of the University of Kansas.

Former CBC Editorialist Giles Lambertson.

April 27, 1984 commemorated the 400th anniversary of the voyage from Plymouth, England to the shores of what is now is now North Carolina. Earlier in the day, WRAL aired the ceremonies LIVE via satellite from Plymouth, England. That broadcast can be viewed on this website.

The anniversary celebration was the lead story on the 6 PM newscast. WRAL News anchor Charlie Gaddy reported LIVE from England. He is interviewed by WRAL News anchors Adele Arakawa and John Hudson.

Hurricane Diana hit the coast of North Carolina with category 4 winds on September 13, 1984. WRAL news, at that time called “Action News 5,” sent news crews to various NC coastal locations to cover evacuations and damage. This video is a compilation of news stories that aired over several days. You will see WRAL news reporters Fred Taylor, Bill Draper, Tim Kent, Shelly Kofler, Bryan Glazer,and Nina Szlosberg.

Live coverage of the 400th anniversary of the voyage from Plymouth, England to the shores of North Carolina. The program includes historical background reports, meeting the people of today living in Plymouth, and other points of interest.

The broadcast originated from the west pier of Plymouth harbor on the Barbicon Coast in SW England. The celebration included a parade, horse drawn carriages, Her Majesty Royal Marine marching band, and speeches from dignataries from England and North Carolina including Governor Jim Hunt.

WRAL-TV News Anchor Charlie Gaddy anchored the broadcast carried by stations throughout the state by the North Carolina Association of Broadcasters.

Aired April 27, 1984.

In June, Independent Weekly released their Best of the Triangle 2018 list.  Readers voted on the wide variety of categories, then Indy Week culled the list to finalists.  Readers voted again.  WRAL-TV Chief Meteorologist Greg Fishel won the Best Local TV Weatherperson.  And several other CBC personalities and entities enjoyed spots as Finalists. Best Local Radio […]

WRAL-TV Photojournalists Richard Adkins and Keith Baker knew they had one chance at bringing the solar eclipse live atop Clingman’s Dome to Triangle viewers.  These were the two men behind the cameras in the path of totality with WRAL-TV Chief Meteorologist Greg Fishel and WRAL-TV Weather Executive Producer Nate Johnson.  What came and went in […]

Enjoy these outtakes from the popular evening program “PM Magazine” with hosts Tom McNamara and Susan Dahlin circa 1984. You’ll also see legendary WRAL news anchors Charlie Gaddy and Adele Arakawa, as well as chief meteorologist Greg Fishel in a few of the bloopers. Background music is “Kodachrome” by Paul Simon.

The United Way Tar River Region held their inaugural Sunday Supper at Rocky Mount Mills on Sunday, May 21, 2017. The local nonprofit organization event was hosted by WRAL-TV’s longtime Chief Meteorologist Greg Fishel. The idea of Sunday Supper at the Mills came from a similar event hosted in Raleigh that supported Hurricane Matthew relief […]

“Exploring Climate Change” is a documentary produced in 2015.

From Raleigh, North Carolina to Barrow, Alaska and back again, WRAL Chief Meteorologist Greg Fishel and photojournalist Richard Adkins traveled the continent looking for answers on climate change. They spoke to leading climate scientists, as well as religion experts to understand the science of climate change, what changes we can already see affecting our state and why such a divide exists between scientists and the general public.

WRAL-TV President Fred Fletcher with Harmon Duncan and Floyd Fletcher

WRAL staffers with remote production truck known as Unit 0. L-R: PB Jernigan, Gene Reopelle, Crystal Gathers, Paul Cyr, Mike Upchurch, Harold Williams, Brenda Irvin and George Spence.

Harry Raynor of Raleigh proved to be the loudest contestant in the contest designed to promote the Lone Ranger features on Capn Five.

NBC and WRAL-TV reunited on February 29, 2016. The big switch from CBS to NBC occurred at 7:00 AM with NBC’s long running program “TODAY.” Viewers were able to watch the historic moment as Jim Goodmon, CEO of Capitol Broadcasting, pushed the button labeled with the NBC “peacock” logo on the video switcher in WRAL’s master control room.

Watch this WRAL news story by reporter Brian Shrader to find out why WRAL decided to reunite with NBC after several decades. WRAL signed on in December 1956 as an NBC affiliate. In 1962 WRAL opted to leave NBC and join ABC. The ABC relationship lasted until 1985 when WRAL became an affiliate with CBS. WRAL and NBC are united once again.

April 25 1988 — Harry Smith and Kathleen Sullivan of CBS This Morning hosting their show in front of the WRAL Gardens.

Capitol Broadcasting executive and on-air host JD Lewis congratulating Ligon High School principal Henry Brown at event.

“DAYBREAK with Homer Briarhopper” aired every weekday morning from 6:00-7:00. The morning was filled with country music, farm updates and good times. This program was taped on June 7, 1973 in Studio A at WRAL-TV.

Daybreak Show promotional flyer

Charlie Gaddy, Howard Fox, Celia Hartnett and Phyllis Slocum discuss coverage the night of the 1984 primary election.

Teenage Frolics host JD Lewis and house band leader Irving Fuller enjoying a laugh. Fuller and his band – the Corvettes – acted as the de facto house band on Frolics for many years.

Fuller was a well-known band leader in the Triangle and the Corvettes acted as the house band on the Frolics show for many years.

Irving Fuller and the Corvettes were the longtime house band on Teenage Frolics. This photo depicts a young Fuller with three of his early band mates.

Band leader Irving Fuller led the Corvettes as the house band on Teenage Frolics. Fuller later taught lessons to hundreds of aspiring musicians in the Triangle.

This news image promo from 1982 blends behind-the-scenes video of the newsroom with video of community activity to illustrate the connection between WRAL News and the people it serves.

In the video you will see a variety news anchors and reportors as well as behind-the-scenes production staff and news photographers.

Camera operator Leesa Moore and Floor Manager Ivan Ingram at 1984 Pops concert. The annual affair at Meredith College drew an estimated 18,000 spectators that year.

Cameraman Jack Edwards records Reporter Oscar Smith comments using first videotape field camera and recorder at WRAL-TV.

WRAL News photographer Jack Edwards shares his memories of working at the station over a span of 41 years. He captured history in the making, starting with film and finished shooting news in high definition.

John Harris, Corporate Director of Special Projects, conducted the interview.

WRAL-TV photographer Jack Edwards uses very early mini-cam that utilized videotape.

The WRAL-TV newsroom in the late 1980s

WRAL-TV news photographer Jack Edwards with Ikegami video camcorder.

Crew member Jack Stokes, Sam Beard, Bob DeBardelaben and Russell Capps during live Dateline newscast.

WRAL-TV led the nation in the development of High Definition broadcasting. On October 13, 2000 WRAL made history by broadcasting the entire 5:00 PM newscast LIVE in HD from the State Fair. The historic newscast was broadcast from a special stage at the North Carolina State Fair in Raleigh. The broadcast came just days after WRAL announced it was purchasing equipment from Panasonic to allow the station to gather all of its news stories in the 1080i format. WRAL was the first in the country to convert its entire news operation into HD. This video documents the historic moment from a behind-the-scenes perspective.

In 1996, WRAL was the first station in the nation to start broadcasting in HD even though most viewers did not have an HD television set.

This is a short version showing behind the scenes activity of the first HD Newscast by WRAL, the leader in HD broadcasting. On October 13, 2000 WRAL made history by broadcasting the entire 5:00 PM newscast LIVE in HD from the State Fair. The historic newscast was broadcast from a special stage at the North Carolina State Fair in Raleigh. The broadcast came just days after WRAL announced it was purchasing equipment from Panasonic to allow the station to gather all of its news stories in the 1080i format. WRAL was the first in the country to convert its entire news operation into HD. This video documents the historic moment from a behind-the-scenes perspective.

In 1996, WRAL was the first station in the nation to start broadcasting in HD even though most viewers did not have an HD television set.

The complete 30 minute HD broadcast is available for viewing on this website.

“Kelly’s Story: Weighing the Options” takes a unique look at the issue of self-image and healthy weight in teens and children.
The program begins with Kelly’s Story, a drama using local actors in which an overweight teenage girl struggles with body image and self-worth both at home and school. Scenarios from the drama then springboard a discussion for panelists and a studio audience moderated by WRAL News Anchor Pam Saulsby and anchor/reporter Kelcey Carlson. Executive Producer – Phyllis Parish Howard, Director – James Ford, Post Production – Steve Elizondo.
Aired September 7, 2004

Angelo Sanders and James Ford operate studio cameras

MIX programming team: Standing L-R: Ned Attayek, Kathy Walston, Marty Callaghan, Bob Inskeep, Jami Elizondo, Mike Urben, David Wood. Sitting L-R: Bruce Mulder, Lori Rentsch.

Action News team including Bill Leslie, Adele Arakawa, Charllie Gaddy, Bob DeBardelaben, Fred Taylor and many others.

Developers and managers of WRAL.com celebrate launch of the website in 1996. L-R: John Conway, Jason Priebe, Tom Lawrence, unknown, Michelle Singer, John Harris, Cindy Sink and John Whitehead.

The Leandro case has circulated through North Carolina courts for nearly 30 years now, but many parents of school-aged children are hearing the name for the first time. WRAL’s investigative documentary reporter Cristin Severance and photojournalist Jay Jennings traveled across the state to uncover what’s really at stake when it comes to your child’s education. […]

A father-son duo lobbed a perfect play for the first round of high school playoffs coverage on WRAL-TV last Friday.  WRAL-TV Documentary Photographer Jay Jennings and his son, WRAL-TV Multimedia Sports Journalist Jason Jennings, tag-teamed on a game package to surprise WRAL-TV Sports Anchor Jeff Gravley, who is in his final season as host of […]

“Take Me Out to the Bulls” game is a half-hour WRAL Documentary that immerses viewers in the experience of visiting the Durham Bulls Athletic Park and watching America’s most famous minor league baseball team play a game.
Employing multiple cameras and even a drone over a four-game home stand, the documentary offers perspectives of the DBAP and a Bulls game that a typical fan in the stands would not see.

The documentary also goes behind the scenes to let viewers see the entire production that goes into creating the Bulls experience, from coordinating the on-field events between innings, putting replays and other images on the video boards and shooting off the fireworks. Viewers will get an exclusive look into the control room where those events are managed and even a peek into the Bulls locker room as players prepare for a game.

Throughout the program viewers will hear from members of the Bulls’ staff, including the head groundskeeper, PA announcer, manual scoreboard operator as well as the team’s manager, a star player and fans.

“Take Me Out to the Bulls Game” was originally produced in 4K, or Ultra High Definition, making it the first locally produced program in the country in that format.

Although the documentary was shot in 4K, this broadcast will be in normal high definition.

Narrated by WRAL News anchor David Crabtree.

After several years of dreaming, North Carolina landed the Olympic Festival for 1987. The opening ceremonies took place on July 17, 1987 in Carter-Finley stadium in Raleigh. Athletic events were held in nearby cities. Greensboro hosted figure and speed skating. Durham was the site for track and field, soccer and wrestling. Chapel Hill hosted basketball, gymnastics, and swimming. Cary was home base for archery. Raleigh was tapped to host diving, boxing, and equestrian. Kerr Lake was the site for yachting.

WRAL Sports anchors Tom Suiter and Bob Holliday host this special broadcast, Dreams of Gold, leading up to the festival.

Capitol Broadcasting Company was a Grand Patron sponsor of the Festival.

Aired: July 11, 1987

“Grape Expectations” examines the economic success story that is the North Carolina wine industry. Meet the pioneers of the industry, learn how the industry is generating revenue, examine the sustainability of the industry’s growth and explore the wide variety of wineries and vineyards that span our state from the mountains to the coast.

Hosted by WRAL reporter Monica Laliberte.
Produced by Clay Johnson.
Photographer/editor Jay Jennings
Aired 2012.

News team from WRAL-FM/North Carolina News Network celebrate Peabody Award in New York City

Jean Dietze, Jimmy Goodmon and Steve Hammel enjoy the moment after the official contract signing that made WRAL-TV the local NBC affiliate on January 13, 2016.

NBC Affiliate Relations President Jean Dietze signs agreement January 13, 2016 making WRAL-TV the new NBC station in the Raleigh-Durham television market.

WRAL-TV Sports Anchor Kacy Hintz made history last Friday night.  She became the first woman to ever anchor Football Friday, hosting the full episode on September 9, 2022.  Up until now only former WRAL-TV Sports Anchors Tom Suiter, Jeff Gravley and current WRAL-TV Sports Anchor Chris Lea have hosted. Due to a last-minute shuffle, Hintz […]

A father-son duo lobbed a perfect play for the first round of high school playoffs coverage on WRAL-TV last Friday.  WRAL-TV Documentary Photographer Jay Jennings and his son, WRAL-TV Multimedia Sports Journalist Jason Jennings, tag-teamed on a game package to surprise WRAL-TV Sports Anchor Jeff Gravley, who is in his final season as host of […]

Former NFL and ECU coach Steve Logan and WRAL-TV’s Jeff Gravley will talk all things college and pro football weekly at 7 p.m. on Thursdays on FOX 50.  FOX 50 Game Night starts September 27, running through December 13. Gravley shared the scoop on the new show: Many have asked me, “Where did the Logan […]

WRAL-TV’s annual coverage of high school football begins in earnest on Friday, August 17, 2018.  “HighSchoolOT Live” is back for season three at 7pm, commercial-free and debuting a brand new set.  And then the 38th year of WRAL-TV’s “Football Friday” premieres at 11:35pm. WRAL-TV Sports Anchor Jeff Gravley hosts the first “Football Friday” of the […]

In a wide-ranging discussion of rules, rights and the billions of dollars that course through college athletics, the athletic directors of Tobacco Road’s top three universities – NC State’s Debbie Yow, UNC’s Bubba Cunningham and Duke’s Kevin White – had candid answers for questions from fans, from each other and from WRAL’s Jeff Gravley. The […]

WRAL-TVs second Romper Room teacher Margaret Brickell holds class in the early 60s. Brickells daughters Kim and Jenny are to her immediate left and right. Brickell was known as Miss Margaret.

1. Can you name this North Carolina politician who was a guest disc-jockey on WRAL-AM on a summer day in 1951? a) Thad Eure, NC Secretary of State b) W. Kerr Scott, Governor c) Jim Graham, NC Commissioner of Agriculture d) Luther H. Hodges, Governor   2. CBC has always been fond of watermelons. We […]

WRAL legend spits watermelon seed while NC Ag Commissioner Jim Graham cheers him on.

WRAL-TV led the nation in the development of High Definition broadcasting. On October 13, 2000 WRAL made history by broadcasting the entire 5:00 PM newscast LIVE in HD from the State Fair. The historic newscast was broadcast from a special stage at the North Carolina State Fair in Raleigh. The broadcast came just days after WRAL announced it was purchasing equipment from Panasonic to allow the station to gather all of its news stories in the 1080i format. WRAL was the first in the country to convert its entire news operation into HD. This video documents the historic moment from a behind-the-scenes perspective.

In 1996, WRAL was the first station in the nation to start broadcasting in HD even though most viewers did not have an HD television set.

Jim Graham (1921 – 2003) was appointed by Governor Terry Sanford to be the NC Commissoner of Agriculture in 1964 and was relected eight times. He served until January 2001. Graham was very popular with North Carolinians. He was easily recognized wearing a Stetson hat, cowboy boots, and a cigar in his hand. In this video we see the peril of chewing tobacco while giving an interview. Graham was a graduate of NCSU.

WRAL-TV led the nation in the development of High Definition broadcasting. On October 13, 2000 WRAL made history by broadcasting the entire 5:00 PM newscast LIVE in HD from the State Fair. The historic newscast was broadcast from a special stage at the North Carolina State Fair in Raleigh. The broadcast came just days after WRAL announced it was purchasing equipment from Panasonic to allow the station to gather all of its news stories in the 1080i format. WRAL was the first in the country to convert its entire news operation into HD. This video documents the historic moment from a behind-the-scenes perspective.

In 1996, WRAL was the first station in the nation to start broadcasting in HD even though most viewers did not have an HD television set.

Leah Chauncey, David Harbert, Paul Quinn, Al Dunbar and Jim Griffin get a look at one section of the new transmitting tower in 1990.

Charlie Gaddy chats with WRAL GM Jim Hefner before reunion newscast in 2006

Fomer WRAL-TV VP-GM John Greene following his induction into the North Carolina Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame. Pictured with Greene is another former WRAL VP-GM Jim Hefner.

Live coverage of the 49th Annual Raleigh Christmas Parade aired on WRAL-TV in November 1993. WRAL News anchors Pam Saulsby, Donna Gregory and Jim Payne hosted the broadcast.

This video only shows the first hour of the live broadcast. 1993

At age 29, Eric Rudolph was the perpetrator of the Centennial Olympic Park bombing in Atlanta, which occurred on July 27, 1996, during the 1996 Summer Olympics. He called the police, warning about the bomb before it detonated. The blast killed spectator Alice Hawthorne and wounded 111 others.

Law enforcement officials implement one of the largest manhunts in US history in their search for bomber Eric Rudolph. Host WRAL News anchor Jim Payne and the WRAL Documentary unit travel to western NC for a look inside the investigation, the impact of the search on the local community and the various fringe groups that might sympathize with the fugitive. “Into These Hills” originally aired April 24, 1999

Rudolph was arrested in Murphy, North Carolina, on May 31, 2003, by rookie police officer Jeffrey Scott Postell of the Murphy Police Department behind a Save-A-Lot store. Rudolph was unarmed and did not resist arrest. Federal authorities charged him on October 14, 2003.

On April 8, 2005, the Department of Justice announced that Rudolph had agreed to a plea bargain under which he would plead guilty to all charges he was accused of in exchange for avoiding the death penalty. The deal was confirmed after the FBI found 250 pounds (110 kg) of dynamite he hid in the forests of North Carolina.

Rudolph released a statement in which he explained his actions and rationalized them as serving the cause of anti-abortion and anti-gay activism. The terms of the plea agreement were that Rudolph would be sentenced to four consecutive life terms. He was officially sentenced July 18, 2005, to two consecutive life terms without parole for the 1998 murder of a police officer. He was sentenced for his various bombings in Atlanta on August 22, 2005, receiving two consecutive life terms.

Producer/Writer: Scott Mason
Photographer/Editor: Jay Jennings
Aired: April 24, 1999

WRAL provided coverage of the opening ceremonies of the 1999 Special Olympics World Summer Games held at Carter-Finley Stadium in Raleigh, North Carolina. The competition venues were primarily located in Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill between June 26 and July 4, 1999. A few events were held in neighboring towns of Cary, Pittsboro, and Garner.
Special Olympics was created by Eunice Kennedy Shriver when she saw how unjustly and unfairly people with intellectual disabilities were treated. She also saw that many children with intellectual disabilities didn’t even have a place to play. She decided to take action. The first International Special Olympics Summer Games were held at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois, USA on July 20, 1968.
In this video, you’ll watch the international athletes representing their countries march through the stadium. Learn how North Carolina became the host of this massive event that became the largest international sporting held in North Carolina.

WRAL-TV led the nation in the development of High Definition broadcasting. On October 13, 2000 WRAL made history by broadcasting the entire 5:00 PM newscast LIVE in HD from the State Fair. The historic newscast was broadcast from a special stage at the North Carolina State Fair in Raleigh. The broadcast came just days after WRAL announced it was purchasing equipment from Panasonic to allow the station to gather all of its news stories in the 1080i format. WRAL was the first in the country to convert its entire news operation into HD. This video documents the historic moment from a behind-the-scenes perspective.

In 1996, WRAL was the first station in the nation to start broadcasting in HD even though most viewers did not have an HD television set.

Jim Payne was a very popular news anchor at WRAL from August 1992 until December 2000. Jim is from Green Bay, Wisconsin and graduated from Purdue University with a BA degree in Communication. During his time at WRAL he earned numerous awards from the Associated Press and the Radio and TV News Directors Association, and he received the North Carolina Governor’s Award for Community Service. Jim left WRAL in 2000 to become a news anchor at WESH (NBC) in Orlando, Florida. You will be able to tell by this promo that Jim was loved by the WRAL news staff and viewers.

After several years of dreaming, North Carolina landed the Olympic Festival for 1987. The opening ceremonies took place on July 17, 1987 in Carter-Finley stadium in Raleigh. Athletic events were held in nearby cities. Greensboro hosted figure and speed skating. Durham was the site for track and field, soccer and wrestling. Chapel Hill hosted basketball, gymnastics, and swimming. Cary was home base for archery. Raleigh was tapped to host diving, boxing, and equestrian. Kerr Lake was the site for yachting.

WRAL Sports anchors Tom Suiter and Bob Holliday host this special broadcast, Dreams of Gold, leading up to the festival.

Capitol Broadcasting Company was a Grand Patron sponsor of the Festival.

Aired: July 11, 1987

1983 “March Madness” resulted NC State winning the NCAA National Basketball Championship. The team was tagged with the nickname “Cardiac Pack” after winning games that ended in heart-stopping, buzzer beater baskets.

Watch this 30 minute program, complete with vintage commercials, that captures the excitement on campus and in the community. GO PACK!

The “Cardiac Pack,” or the “Cardiac Kids” or “Desting Darlings” or just plain Wolfpack, the 1983 NCSU basketball team celebrated their victory in Reynolds Coliseum after being crowned NCAA Basketball Champions in a buzzer beater victory over the University of Houston.

WRAL Sports Anchor Tom Suiter and WRAL News Reporter Ann Devlin host the live coverage of the jubilation in Reynolds Coliseum on the campus of NC State. You’ll see legendary coach Jim Valvano and all the players step up to the microphone and thank their fans.

The North Carolina State University basketball team won the NCAA Championship in 1983. The team advanced through the basketball season in thrilling fashion and won the championship with a buzzer beater! Final score: NCSU 54. University of Houston 52.

According to NCSU, the White House extended an invitation for the team to visit Washington, and WRAL offered to cover the expenses, but N.C. State didn’t accept the offer because of NCAA rules. WRAL did the next best thing. Since the station is conventiently located across the street (Western Blvd) the team gathered at WRAL in Studio A. WRAL engineering figured a way to uplink a satellite feed from WRAL into the White House and coordinate a downlink from the White House back into WRAL for a two-way audio/video exchange. It took two control rooms to accomplish the live broadcast. This was the first time a satellite feed from a commercial television station had ever been received by the White House.

The video is an old VHS copy of the WRAL broadcast which explains the low grade video quality. The copy is an edited version as well.

May 9, 2016 the 1983 NCSU Championship Team finally made it to the White House. President Barak Obama warmly received the team for a recognition long over due. Sadly, Lorenzo Charles who scored the winning goal passed away a few years earlier.

This short video clip demonstrates that even pros like legendary WRAL sportscaster Nick Pond can get tongue tied.

The early version of The Jim Valvano Show was taped in Studio A at WRAL-TV. The campus of NCSU is located across the street from WRAL which made it convenient for NCSU coaches and athletes. During this taping, Pond finds himself struggling to say “NAIA” while referring to the division below NCAA. He finally gives up. Valvano takes it in stride with a simple whistle. The director fades to black so they can regroup and record the segment again.

Circa 1982.

Crew from Tower King company working near the top of the new WRAL tower in 1990. Company owner Jimmy King is pictured at the bottom preparing to attach a 60-thousand pound guy wire to the tower. Crew member John Benton is at upper left.

1. Many well-known preachers had their programs produced in the studios of WRAL and/or WRAL radio. Which person did NOT broadcast from the studios of WRAL and/or WRAL radio? A) Sister Gary B) Oral Roberts C) Billy Graham D) Jimmy Morriss 2. While in Minneapolis, Minnesota covering the 1994 NCAA Basketball Championship, which WRAL Sports […]

Legendary UCLA basketball coach Wooden being interviewed by Reverend Morriss at the 1973 Campbell basketball camp. Morriss was a well-known host of religious programs on WRAL-TV.

Announcer Jimmy Morriss broadcasts his popular Mail Bag program on WRAL-AM in the early 1940s. Morriss went on to become a minister who produced religious programs on WRAL-TV, including Church of Our Fathers, Light Unto My Path and Light For Living.

Rev. Jimmy Morriss, pastor at St. John’s Baptist Church in Raleigh, North Carolina, provided homilies through his short broadcasts called “Light for Living.” Here are a few examples of his broadcasts taped in October, 1985.

Dr. Jimmy Morriss presents a Thanksgiving program with music by New Hope Baptist Church and guitarist Bill Kiele.

WRAL-TV version of Romper Room in the late 1950s. Jo Ann Federspiel was the first Romper Room teacher on air.

Children learning from Romper Room teacher Jo Ann Federspiel

Early WRAL-TV Romper Room class with on-air teacher Jo Ann Federspiel

Miss JoAnn Federspeil blows out the candle to celebrate Romper Room first birthday. The party took place May 25, 1959 and was attended by some 150 lively youngsters.

Romper Room teacher JoAnn Federspeil greets fans at end-of-summer party in Pullen Park.

Former World Heavyweight Boxing Champion Joe Louis being interviewed in WRAL-TV Studio A by Nick Pond. Louis appeared as a celebrity referee at a taping of Mid-Atlantic Championship Wrestling in the mid-1960s.

Bulls legend Joe Morgan and an unidentified teammate. Morgan played for the Bulls in 1963 and went on to a tremendous career with the Cincinnati Reds. Morgan is the only baseball Hall of Fame member to play with the Bulls.

During the 1960’s, the highest rated locally-produced show in the Raleigh/Durham television market was WRAL’s Championship Wrestling. The program was produced weekly in studio A and aired each Saturday afternoon at five o’clock. The show was produced by promoter Joe Murnick and directed by Earl Ashe. Among the “villains” who appeared regularly on the show […]

WRAL-TV sales representative and wrestling promoter in 1960s staff photo

Action News 5 hour long newscast that air January 7, 1985. At this time, WRAL was still an affiliate with the ABC network.

One of the main stories of the day was Jim Martin’s first full day as Governor of North Carolina. (full coverage of his inauguration on January 6 is available on this website) Other stories of the day were reported by Shelly Kofler, Sharon Nash, Connie Howard, Tim Kent, Tina Seldon, Fred Taylor, Denece Boyer, Renee McCoy and Joe Oliver. Sports with Tom Suiter. Weather with Bob Debardelaben. Editorial by Joel Lawhon.

The commercials that aired that day are included as well.

Satellite technology allowed WRAL News to travel great distances to gather stories that impacted WRAL viewers. This promo produced in 1987 shows where some of our reporters traveled to during a one month period of time to gather the news. WRAL’s satellite truck was nicknamed LIVESTAR 5.

WRAL reporter Joe Oliver and SKY 5 pilot Frank Beall explain how a well executed auto-rotation in a helicopter can make a crash survivable. This story followed the story of a Life Flight helicopter that crashed, but all onboard survived. (1987)

Fr. Joe Vetter of the Catholic Diocese of Raleigh presents the message of Easter.

Action News 5 hour long newscast that air January 7, 1985. At this time, WRAL was still an affiliate with the ABC network.

One of the main stories of the day was Jim Martin’s first full day as Governor of North Carolina. (full coverage of his inauguration on January 6 is available on this website) Other stories of the day were reported by Shelly Kofler, Sharon Nash, Connie Howard, Tim Kent, Tina Seldon, Fred Taylor, Denece Boyer, Renee McCoy and Joe Oliver. Sports with Tom Suiter. Weather with Bob Debardelaben. Editorial by Joel Lawhon.

The commercials that aired that day are included as well.

Former WRAL-TV news anchorman in April 1965 staff photo

WRAL-TV launched the hour long version of Action News 5 at 6:00PM on June 14, 1982. You will also see vintage commercials that aired during the newscast. WRAL News had been preparing for this moment for a couple of years. The preps ranged from a ramp-up of resources ranging from reporters, photographers, producers, to moving to newsroom/set. You will notice that Charlie Gaddy does not have a co-anchor at this point. Bobbie Battista, former co-anchor joined CNN in Atlanta in December, 1981. Adele Arakawa would join Charlie on March 14, 1983.
The news department manager was Steve Grissom. The newscast was produced by Connie Lane and directed by Pam Parris -Allen.
If you look closely at the end of the newscast, you can see a crowd of people at the back of the newsroom (left of the Action News 5 logo) standing in the shadows; they are huddled around a television set watching the premiere.
*NOTE* You will notice several quick video break-ups during “The Money Desk” segment with reporter Tim Smith.

Joel Lawhon, former news director at WRAL-TV, delivers one of the editorials during the evening newscast. This one was produced on September 26, 1985.

WRAL News Director Joel Lawhon intros the 1976 candidates for the US House of Representatives from the 2nd, 3rd, 4th districts of North Carolina.

Crew from Tower King company working near the top of the new WRAL tower in 1990. Company owner Jimmy King is pictured at the bottom preparing to attach a 60-thousand pound guy wire to the tower. Crew member John Benton is at upper left.

Capitol Broadcasting recently announced CBC New Media Director of Sales and Operations Chris Weatherly has been promoted to General Manager of WRAL Digital Solutions.  The title change came on the heels of the promotion of John Conway to Vice President of WRAL Digital and the rebranding of the CBC New Media division to WRAL Digital […]

John Conway has been promoted from General Manager of New Media to Vice President of WRAL Digital at Capitol Broadcasting.  Corp President & COO Jimmy Goodmon made the announcement to employees on Friday, February 28, 2020. The change in title for Conway coincides with the rebranding of his division on January 1st from CBC New […]

Capitol Broadcasting’s digital division, CBC New Media, began undergoing a re-brand at the end of 2019.  The division created to encompass technology and the internet is now being referred to as WRAL Digital. “It was time for a change,” said WRAL Digital Vice President John Conway.  “New Media is more than 15 years old, so […]

John Conway is General Manager of digital platforms for CBC New Media. Its flagship website, WRAL.com, is the most visited local media site in the North Carolina and is consistently ranked as a top rated television news website in the nation.

Conway first joined Capitol Broadcasting Company in 1995 as the first managing editor of what was then called WRAL OnLine. He has served as WRAL.com’s product development director and creative services director.

Conway is a 1985 graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he received a B.A. in journalism. He has worked as a newspaper reporter and editor for newspapers in Raleigh, Greensboro and Orlando. He has held administrative positions with the UNC School of Journalism, including assistant dean for distance education and executive education.

Watch and listen to find out how CBC uses New Media now and anticipates its usage in the future.

Developers and managers of WRAL.com celebrate launch of the website in 1996. L-R: John Conway, Jason Priebe, Tom Lawrence, unknown, Michelle Singer, John Harris, Cindy Sink and John Whitehead.

WRAL-TV’s ku-band satellite truck outside the NASA Vehicle Assembly Building at Cape Canaveral, FL. LiveStar was on location to uplink HDTV coverage of the historic return to space by astronaut John Glenn.

Sometimes the best made plans go awry, especially if it is a “live” shot during a newscast. Here are two examples of WRAL news anchor John Hudson having a bit of fun with two situations. (circa 1984)

The first example shows reporter Bryan Glazer reporting “live” from a post office on tax filing day, April 15. Before the day of electronic filing, tax payers needed to mail their tax returns in an envelope stamped before midnight. Last minute deliveries were common and created long lines at the post office. It just so happened that the “live” shot occurred during a lull. That left Bryan without someone to interview. News anchor John Hudson helped relieve the awkward moment with a little humor.

The second video shows WRAL news anchor John Hudson offering up a humorous comment after WRAL reporter Howard Fox finished his “live” shot at the fairgrounds at the expense of reporter, Bryan Glazer, who was not even on the scene. You’ll recall in the previous video that Glazer waited in hope of interviewing someone about filing their tax returns at the last minute. Hudson cleverly connected the wait to Howard Fox having to wait for a mule to dive into the water. The humor left Adele Arakawa speechless and the studio camera crew doubled over in laughter.

There are days when we hit the CBC History jack-pot. One of the days was in January 2016 when John Harris and I were digging through one of the boxes filled with old corporate papers in his office. Lo and behold we discovered what looked like a larger and heavier-than-usual record album. The label referenced […]

This is a short version showing behind the scenes activity of the first HD Newscast by WRAL, the leader in HD broadcasting. On October 13, 2000 WRAL made history by broadcasting the entire 5:00 PM newscast LIVE in HD from the State Fair. The historic newscast was broadcast from a special stage at the North Carolina State Fair in Raleigh. The broadcast came just days after WRAL announced it was purchasing equipment from Panasonic to allow the station to gather all of its news stories in the 1080i format. WRAL was the first in the country to convert its entire news operation into HD. This video documents the historic moment from a behind-the-scenes perspective.

In 1996, WRAL was the first station in the nation to start broadcasting in HD even though most viewers did not have an HD television set.

The complete 30 minute HD broadcast is available for viewing on this website.

Developers and managers of WRAL.com celebrate launch of the website in 1996. L-R: John Conway, Jason Priebe, Tom Lawrence, unknown, Michelle Singer, John Harris, Cindy Sink and John Whitehead.

Action News team including Bill Leslie, Adele Arakawa, Charllie Gaddy, Bob DeBardelaben, Fred Taylor and many others.

SKY 5 pilot Mike Allen finds two missing boy scouts and their scoutmaster clinging to trees after their canoes overturned in the Cape Fear River in Harnett County.

Since SKY 5 is not equipped with rescue gear, the National Guard helicopter was called to execute the rescue., while SKY 5 oversaw the direction.

Circa 1983.

April 27, 1984 commemorated the 400th anniversary of the voyage from Plymouth, England to the shores of what is now is now North Carolina. Earlier in the day, WRAL aired the ceremonies LIVE via satellite from Plymouth, England. That broadcast can be viewed on this website.

The anniversary celebration was the lead story on the 6 PM newscast. WRAL News anchor Charlie Gaddy reported LIVE from England. He is interviewed by WRAL News anchors Adele Arakawa and John Hudson.

From left to right we see Ray Wilkinson, CBC VP and President of Ag News, WRAL News anchor/reporter John Hudson and WRAL reporter Fred Taylor. The picture was taken in Studio A on September 28, 1989. The occasion was a farewell breakfast for John Hudson, AKA “Bubba,” as he returned to his native state of […]

At 1:00 AM on November 28, 1988 a ferocious F4 tornado touched down in Raleigh, North Carolina. The most intense damage occurred over northwestern Raleigh where the tornado traveled through densely populated areas near major intersections. Many large businesses were damaged or destroyed including a K-Mart. There were two reported fatalities and 105 injuries across Raleigh as the tornado tracked across several subdivisions.

WRAL News anchor Charlie Gaddy became the field anchor as he not only reported on the damage, he brought a sense of calm and genuine compassion to those who survived and then share their experiences. Gaddy also provided live reports to CBS News.

This video is WRAL Morning News with anchor John Hudson, just a few hours after the tornado tore through northwestern Raleigh. The light of day revealed the devastation.

WRAL-TV led the nation in the development of High Definition broadcasting. On October 13, 2000 WRAL made history by broadcasting the entire 5:00 PM newscast LIVE in HD from the State Fair. The historic newscast was broadcast from a special stage at the North Carolina State Fair in Raleigh. The broadcast came just days after WRAL announced it was purchasing equipment from Panasonic to allow the station to gather all of its news stories in the 1080i format. WRAL was the first in the country to convert its entire news operation into HD. This video documents the historic moment from a behind-the-scenes perspective.

In 1996, WRAL was the first station in the nation to start broadcasting in HD even though most viewers did not have an HD television set.

WRAL Tar Heel Traveler Skip Cilley introduces the new Tar Heel Traveler John Pronk. John criss-crossed North Carolina finding interesting folks and their stories from July 1978 – March 1979.

After Cilley left WRAL, he continued to work in television in Texas, Utah, and Massachusetts before taking a position in St. Louis, Missouri with the Evening Magazine Program. He won several EMMY awards throughout his career.

After leaving broadcasting, he started Cilley Communications. He made St Louis his home for the remainder of his life. Cilley passed away June 2005.

Developers and managers of WRAL.com celebrate launch of the website in 1996. L-R: John Conway, Jason Priebe, Tom Lawrence, unknown, Michelle Singer, John Harris, Cindy Sink and John Whitehead.

Legendary UCLA basketball coach Wooden being interviewed by Reverend Morriss at the 1973 Campbell basketball camp. Morriss was a well-known host of religious programs on WRAL-TV.

Sparks was a WRAL-TV locally-produced childrens program that premiered August 10, 1985. The program was produced by Peter Anlyan and featured Meredith Nicholson (foreground(, Kent FAulcon, Mark Miller, Mark Kath, Phyllis Bullock and Joshua Lozoff.

Illusionist Joshua Lozoff entertains WRAZ-TV staff at 2014 Christmas party. Lozoff played the grandson in the WRAL-TV childrens show Sparks.

April 25 1988 — Harry Smith and Kathleen Sullivan of CBS This Morning hosting their show in front of the WRAL Gardens.

MIX programming team: Standing L-R: Ned Attayek, Kathy Walston, Marty Callaghan, Bob Inskeep, Jami Elizondo, Mike Urben, David Wood. Sitting L-R: Bruce Mulder, Lori Rentsch.

Kay Fletcher does WRAL-FM radio remote from a pool. Remote broadcasts were common in the 1940s and 50s.

WRAL-TV Photojournalists Richard Adkins and Keith Baker knew they had one chance at bringing the solar eclipse live atop Clingman’s Dome to Triangle viewers.  These were the two men behind the cameras in the path of totality with WRAL-TV Chief Meteorologist Greg Fishel and WRAL-TV Weather Executive Producer Nate Johnson.  What came and went in […]

July Throwback Thursday continues with the Dream Theme. Today we revisit the 2002 documentary titled “Ribbon of Dreams.” Ol’ Huck Finn had the muddy Mississippi River, but WRAL News anchor David Crabtree and photographer Keith Baker had the mighty Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway. Instead of a home-made raft, Crabtree and Baker opted for seaworthy boat. In […]

On January 12, 2010 Haiti was rocked by a 7.0 magnitude earthquake. The devastation was enormous. Many countries responded with humanitarian aide, including the United States. Locally, Pediatrician William C. Carr, MD, and Family Physician Lawrence J. Watts, MD, served on the medical mission organized by Global Medical Outreach of Sampson County.

WRAL News anchor David Crabtree and photographer Keith Baker spent a week in Haiti covering the work performed by Sampson County physicians. They set up make-shift clinics and provided healthcare under primitive conditions. Crabtree and Baker were pressed into service by holding equipment and providing light from the news camera.

Watch these two stories to gain insight into what Crabtree and Baker witnessed up close and personal.

WRAL sent other reporters, photographers and engineers to Haiti to cover the devastation. This is just a glimpse into the coverage.

They’re baaaaccckkk!  The Super Six arrived back in Raleigh on the evening of Tuesday, August 23, 2016, after over three weeks covering the Summer Olympics in Rio.  Thankfully WRAL-TV Anchors Debra Morgan, Renee Chou, Jeff Gravley & WRAL-TV Photojournalists Brad Simmons, Keith Baker & Ed Wilson had no flight delays and got home with all […]

It’s not how you begin, it’s how you finish.  WRAL-TV Anchor/Reporter Debra Morgan, Renee Chou & Jeff Gravley, along with WRAL-TV Photojournalists Ed Wilson, Keith Baker and Brad Simmons dealt with delayed flights, missed connections and lost luggage on their way to Rio.  Once they finally made it to the 2016 Summer Olympics, the Super Six […]

WRAL-FM Engineering Director Keith Harrison with radio station remote van

Check out this vintage 1985 photo of Keith Harrison, Director of radio engineering, getting ready to kick the tires of the recently – arrived 1976 GMC RV converted into a mobile news van. I hope you noted the age of the vehicle when the station took possession of it; nine years old! The description of […]

World War II: the defining moment of the 20th century. More than 16 million soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen served in the war, and more than 400,000 lost their lives. They have become known as the Greatest Generation for their service and their sacrifice. In 2004, a national memorial was dedicated on the mall in Washington D.C. in their honor.

The Triangle Flight of Honor is a nonprofit, volunteer organization that is flying WWII veterans to Washington, D.C., to see the memorial. While the organization serves veterans of all wars, special priority is being given to WWII veterans, because they are dying at a rate of 1,200 a day nationwide. Flights, ground transportation and personal assistance are offered free of charge to veterans who might not otherwise have the opportunity to see the memorial in their lifetime.

WRAL News viewers raised $50,481 dollars to help fund the first flight on Oct. 7, 2010.

“Stories of Honor” is a half-hour documentary profiling three veterans who made the flight. They are:
Derwood Copeland, a B-17 pilot who was shot down over France and spent nearly two years in a German POW camp. Hugh Shearin, a soldier who fought in the Battle of the Bulge and whose unit suffered many casualties. D.C. Lawson, a Marine who was wounded and nearly died in the battle of Okinawa.

WRAL News Anchor Kelcey Carlson
Producer/Writer Clay Johnson
Photographer/Editor Jay Jennings

Enjoy watching the victory parade after the NHL Carolina Hurricanes won the Stanley Cup championship in 2006. The Canes beat the Edmonton Oilers 3-1. It marked the first professional major league sports title for a team from North Carolina. The win came in the 7th game of the series and was played before the second-largest home crowd of “Caniacs” in franchise history. Cam Ward was honored with the Conn Smythe Trophy for most valuable player. Several players raised the Cup for the first time in long NHL careers; Rod Brind’Amour and Bret Hedican had both played over 15 years without winning the Cup, while Glen Wesley — the last remaining Hartford Whaler on the Hurricanes’ roster — had waited 18 seasons. Let’s Go Canes!

“Kelly’s Story: Weighing the Options” takes a unique look at the issue of self-image and healthy weight in teens and children.
The program begins with Kelly’s Story, a drama using local actors in which an overweight teenage girl struggles with body image and self-worth both at home and school. Scenarios from the drama then springboard a discussion for panelists and a studio audience moderated by WRAL News Anchor Pam Saulsby and anchor/reporter Kelcey Carlson. Executive Producer – Phyllis Parish Howard, Director – James Ford, Post Production – Steve Elizondo.
Aired September 7, 2004

What better way to start a day in the office that with live music outside your window?  Blake Christiana and Rick Bugel of the band Yarn came to the WRAL Gardens to celebrate the return of the Mill Music Sessions at Rocky Mount Mills this fall.  WRAL-TV Anchor/Reporter Ken Smith chatted with the duo on […]

Chatham County Line’s Dave Wilson and John Teer stopped by the WRAL Azalea Gardens to talk with WRAL-TV Anchor Ken Smith and play a couple of tunes on the WRAL Morning News on FOX 50 on Wednesday, June 22, 2022.  The band is one of the headliners at the inaugural That Music Fest, coming to […]

The Nashville/Midsouth Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences streamed the awards presentation for the 36th Annual Midsouth Regional Emmys via livestream on Saturday, February 26, 2022, and WRAL-TV received 7 of the top honors. The winners were chosen from among 900 entries in 73 categories.  WRAL-TV Anchors Debra Morgan and Ken Smith […]

WRAL’s Follow The Truth podcast dropped the 10-part debut true-crime series’ 8th episode on Thursday, September 2, 2021.  WRAL-TV Reporter Amanda Lamb, the podcast’s executive producer and host, talked to WRAL-TV Anchor/Reporter Ken Smith on WRAL’s Morning News a day early to set the stage for the episode focusing on Chris Mumma, the executive director […]

Changes Coming in November Lena Tillett joins Gerald Owens on anchor desk for 4 p.m., 5:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. newscasts  Mikaya Thurmond moves to weekdays, joining Ken Smith from the anchor desk at 7 a.m. and 9 a.m.  Kathryn Brown departure, leaving local news WRAL News, the most watched news team in the Triangle, […]

Long-time Durham Bulls broadcaster, in-game host and team ambassador Ken Tanner died on Monday. There was no bigger Bulls fan than Ken, who fans loved to hear yell “Bulls win!” during postgame interviews that were played over the stadium speakers and radio broadcast. Many know Tanner from his role on WRAL-TV as the station’s farm […]

Farm broadcasters Verne Strickland, Ray Wilkinson and Ken Tanner enjoy a moment in the field.

Ken Tanner joined Capitol Broadcasting in December, 1979. He was a Farm reporter/anchor on WRAL-TV and on radio. Prior to WRAL, Ken worked at WNCT radio in Greenville, North Carolina where he caught the eye and ear of Ray Wilkinson, VP of Capitol Broadcasting.

During this interview with CBC Special Projects Director John Harris, Ken shares behind-the-scenes stories, bloopers, fun at the NC State Fair, and his admiration for the CBC Farm team led by Ray Wilkinson.

Ken began his broadcasting career during his high school years as a sportscaster. He has returned to his radio roots as the radio announcer for the Durham Bulls Baseball team.

Tanner is interviewed by John Harris, CBC Director of Special Projects.

Advertisement touting the experience of TN announcers Dix Harper, Ray Wilkinson and Ken Tanner.

Farm reporter Ken Tanner and WRAL-TV Money Desk reporter Tina Seldin on location at the NC State Fair.

Sparks was a WRAL-TV locally-produced childrens program that premiered August 10, 1985. The program was produced by Peter Anlyan and featured Meredith Nicholson (foreground(, Kent FAulcon, Mark Miller, Mark Kath, Phyllis Bullock and Joshua Lozoff.

“The Pumpkins Strike Back” is a delightful, cheesy series of four vignettes that aired on WRAL-TV during the late night Halloween movie on October 31, 1981. During the commercial breaks, “The Pumpkins Strike Back” would air prior to the commercials, then back to the movie.

Rowell Gorman, “The Man of a Thousand Voices”, wrote the script and provided different voices to the pumpkin characters, as well as appearing in the production. Other “actors” were staff members at WRAL, many who had never acted before – and that will be apparent! The vignettes were produced by the WRAL production staff.

The parody is loosely based on several blockbuster movies including STAR WARS, PSYCHO and PATTON. But “The Pumpkins Strike Back” is in a league of its own. Enjoy!

NOTE: Single channel audio. Originally produced on 3/4 inch videotape.

Many Africans were affected by the massive drought in the early 1980’s. In 1985, a group of dedicated people from the Raleigh/Durham area went on a fact-finding trip to find an area that wanted assistance in becoming more self-sufficient. The rural Shinyanga Region was selected and Project Tanzania was born.
WRAL-TV produced an hour-long documentary that introduced North Carolinians to the situation in Shinyanga and identified ways to help Tanzanians help themselves. This wasn’t another hand-out program, but a way to give these people a hand up to a better life.
This video is a sampling of news reports in 1985 and 1986 about the efforts to help the people in Tanzania.
WRAL-TV received the 1986 World Hunger Media Award for the documentary “Tanzani: A Need Beyond Hunger.”

WRAL-TV anchorman Charlie Gaddy looks on as Executive Director Kevin Duffus readies equipment. The WRAL team was in England for live broadcasts to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the Plymouth voyages.

Live coverage of the 400th anniversary of the voyage from Plymouth, England to the shores of North Carolina. The program includes historical background reports, meeting the people of today living in Plymouth, and other points of interest.

The broadcast originated from the west pier of Plymouth harbor on the Barbicon Coast in SW England. The celebration included a parade, horse drawn carriages, Her Majesty Royal Marine marching band, and speeches from dignataries from England and North Carolina including Governor Jim Hunt.

WRAL-TV News Anchor Charlie Gaddy anchored the broadcast carried by stations throughout the state by the North Carolina Association of Broadcasters.

Aired April 27, 1984.

“Frog Hollow” was an award winning children’s program for pre-school aged children. “Frog Hollow” received the prestigous Iris Award for Best Children’s Program in medium market stations. It also won an Action for Children’s Television award in 1982.

Wilmington Mayor Bill Saffo and FCC Chairman Kevin Martin throw the symbolic switch making local TV stations the first in the country to go digital. WILM was the first CBC affiliate to make the change.

A WRAL-TV fixture will close up shop on Friday, May 18, 2018, after 38 years with the Big 5.  His face may not be known to viewers, but Producer Kevin Shand spent decades behind the scenes creating everything from newscasts to Brain Game. Pam Parris Allen formerly worked as a newscast producer/director at WRAL-TV decades […]

Last weekend CBC’s long-running local high school quiz show Brain Game debuted a new look.  Capcom checked in with WRAL-TV Producer Kevin Shand to get the scoop on the new set: The new Brain Game Set premiered on-air January 9, 2016, at 11:00am. The original set served us for 19 years, having only received minor […]

Kevin Shand joined WRAL in June 1980. He arrived with a great deal of knowledge about the broadcasting business since his father was a pioneer in television in Richmond, Virginia.

Kevin has held many titles at WRAL in a variety of different departments. He has produced newscasts, station promos, commercials, special projects, and local programs. He can answer just about any question posed to him, and if he doesn’t know the answer, he can point you to a person who does know. Kevin is truly a “jack of all trades and a master of them.”

Kevin is also known as the comedian at WRAL. He can always find humor in the midst of a disaster.

Kevin is interviewed by John Harris, CBC Director of Special Projects.

WRAL-TVs second Romper Room teacher Margaret Brickell holds class in the early 60s. Brickells daughters Kim and Jenny are to her immediate left and right. Brickell was known as Miss Margaret.

Staff includes L-R: Sonny Dowdy, Lorraine Moore, David Pate, Powell Kidd, Chuck Blake, Earl Ashe, Charles Moye, Leonard Peebles and Gene Walsh.

Charlie Gaddy and Larraine Moore prepare for “Good Morning, Charlie” show

Democrat Erskine Bowles and Republican Elizabeth Dole debated the pressing issues of 2002 in hope of garnering votes in the upcoming election to represent North Carolina in the United States Senate. The debate was held at Jones Hall on the campus of Meredith College in Raleigh on October 14, 2002. The moderators were WRAL News Anchor David Crabtree and WTVD News Anchor Larry Stogner.

The Washington Post released a 2020 list of outstanding politics reporters to follow, and the WRAL-TV team made the list. WRAL Capitol Bureau Chief Laura Leslie and WRAL State Government Reporter Travis Fain earned spots in “The Fix’s 2020 list of outstanding politics reporters to following every state.” The Fix Editor Natalie Jennings penned the […]

TheWrap@NCCapitol, WRAL News’ regular roundup of political and government news, is now available via podcast. Capitol Bureau Chief Laura Leslie and statehouse reporter Travis Fain offer insightful reporting, smart analysis and just the right amount of attitude as they explain the workings of North Carolina politics. You’ve seen TheWrap@NCCapitol on WRAL.com and on Facebook. Now […]

Gov. Pat McCrory and challengers Roy Cooper and Lon Cecil have agreed to a final debate before the Nov. 8 election. WRAL News will host the hour-long debate, which will be held at 7 p.m. Oct. 18. Anchor David Crabtree and Capital Bureau Chief Laura Leslie will serve as moderators. McCrory, a Republican seeking his […]

WRAL News reporter Laura Leslie interviewed UNC System President emeritus William Clyde “Bill” Friday on March 6, 2012. The 15 minute interview was used as a segment within another WRAL news/public affairs program. President Friday addressed several topics including NCAA investigations into the UNC Football program, higher education, tuition costs, politics, and civility.

Friday was assistant Dean of Students at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill from 1948 to 1951, assistant to the President of the Consolidated University of North Carolina Gordon Gray from 1951 to 1955, then Secretary of the University of North Carolina system, and acting president from 1956 to 1957, when he was chosen to take the position permanently. Friday led the UNC system from 1956 to 1986, a period that included desegregation, challenges to free speech and the creation of a 16-campus state university system in 1971. Enrollment began to surge during his tenure, setting the stage for major expansions and battles over tuition increases in the years since he retired.

Friday was born in Virginia July 13, 1920 and grew up in Dallas, North Carolina. He died in his sleep on October 12, 2012, coincidentally UNC’s University Day. He was 92.

Interpath was a division of Capitol Broadcasting Company. It was an internet service provider in the Carolinas and was honored as one of the 50 fastest growing technology companies in North Carolina after it was launched in 1994. In December 1997, Capitol Broadcasting Company (CBC) announced that Interpath would merge with CaroNet (a subsidiary of Carolina Power and Light) to become part of a new company called Interpath Communications. The merger was effective January 1, 1998.

Leah Chauncey proved to be one of the most versatile managers to work at WRAL-TV. She started in June, 1981 as the business manager. Her desire to know more about the behind-the-scenes part of broadcasting led her to wear many different hats at the station.

In the mid-80s, she became a manager in the news department. She handled the resource logistics required to gather the news. Leah then became manager of local production (non-news) which included commercial and promotion material. Her depth of knowledge led her to become operations manager where she oversaw the work of the engineering department.

She was then tapped to manage the internet start-up business called “Interpath” when the internet was still in its in infancy. Her final position was TV Director of Business of Affairs.

Leah retired in January, 2015 after a very successful career at WRAL-TV.

She is interviewed by John Harris, Corporate Director of Special Projects.

Leah Chauncey, David Harbert, Paul Quinn, Al Dunbar and Jim Griffin get a look at one section of the new transmitting tower in 1990.

Many of the original employees who developed Interpath – CBC’s internet service provider company founded in 1994.

Action News team including Bill Leslie, Adele Arakawa, Charllie Gaddy, Bob DeBardelaben, Fred Taylor and many others.

WRAL-TV engineers tweaking one of the station studio cameras in 1965.

CBC completed the trifecta of tower lightings for the holidays, as well as a half-hour special on WRAL-TV to broadcast the triple-event, on Wednesday, November 29, 2023.  The WRAL-TV tower turned into a Christmas tree for the 65th time that night, and WRAL-TV Director of News Operations, Sports & Special Projects Leesa Moore has been […]

Flowers weren’t the only thing popping up all over the WRAL Gardens this past weekend.  The gardens were apparently the place to be for prom photos.  WRAL-TV Director of News Operations, Sports & Special Projects Leesa Moore snapped this photo at the end of her workday on Friday, April 29, 2022. “In all my years […]

“Our coverage is going to be BIG to match one of the biggest matchups in the history of college basketball!” – WRAL-TV’s Leesa Moore Capitol Broadcasting has a crew of ten headed to New Orleans for the Final Four, the ultimate Battle of the Blues in the Bayou!  WRAL-TV’s Debra Morgan, Jamie Munden, Kacy Hintz, […]

The 2020 Tokyo Olympics are in full swing and WRAL-TV is your place to catch the Games, and stories about local athletes and much more.  WRAL-TV Director of New Operations, Sports & Special Projects Leesa Moore gave Capcom a behind-the-scenes look on the nightly half-hour special The Olympic Zone, a program she knows well as she […]

It’s obvious a brand new high school football season is about to kick off in the Triangle when you peek into the office of WRAL-TV Director of New Operations, Sports & Special Projects Leesa Moore. She posted this photo (left) on Social Media, saying: The current situation in my office … 37th year of Football Friday […]

Action News 5 newscast from December 12, 1978. Charlie Gaddy was the solo news anchor. Bob Debardelaben was the weathercaster, and Rich Brenner was sports anchor. Also seen seated at the anchor desk was reporter Leila Tvedt, who primarily covered high profile court cases. Also seen in the newscast is legendary reporter Fred Taylor and sportscaster Tom Suiter.

The video shows the end of the lead-in ABC network program “Bewitched” followed by headlines, commercial break, Action News 5 open and then the newscast. Classic commercials have been saved as well.

Leila Tvedt served as a reporter, producer, and assignment editor at WRAL news from the late 1970’s to mid 1980’s. She is well know for her reporting of the murders that took place at Fort Bragg that involved ARMY Doctor Jeffrey MacDonald and his family and his trial. Leila eventually left broadcasting and became successful in public relations and was appointed associate vice chancellor for public relations at Western Carolina University

Staff includes L-R: Sonny Dowdy, Lorraine Moore, David Pate, Powell Kidd, Chuck Blake, Earl Ashe, Charles Moye, Leonard Peebles and Gene Walsh.

Sunday, December 10, 1989 is a day etched in the memory of so many employees at Capitol Broadcasting. It was the day the 2000’ “Tall Tower” crashed to the ground. This WRAL news story by reporter Les Boney.

News Highlights of 1991 include the following stories. Coverage of the war in Iraq and Kuwait feature reports live from the field and interviews with troops from Fort Bragg, Pope AFB and Seymour Johnson AFB. Other highlights from 1991 include the explosion and fire at the Imperial Food plant in Hamlet where many employees were killed due to locked doors. Crew members aboard the Navy ship USS Raleigh were caught violating policy by dumping garbage overboard into the ocean. A congressional hearing followed in response to that act. Reporter/anchor Bill Leslie demonstrates what it is like to fight a fire. Duke University wins the NCAA Championship by defeating the Jayhawks of the University of Kansas.

1990 News Highlights include the following top stories: WRAL news covers the buildup of U.S. military troops prior to the combat phase of Operation Desert Storm, sometimes referred to as the first gulf war. The trial of Blanche Taylor Moore resulted in the jury finding Moore guilty of first degree murder. County residents in Richmond, Montgomery and Iredell counties protest a plan to build a hazardous waste incinerator landsite. In politics, incumbent Senator Jesse Helms defeats Harvey Gantt in the elections. Severe weather caused a dredge to ram into the Bonner Bridge, knocking out several sections, rendering it impassable and causing Hatteras Island to be cut off from the mainland. Duke University’s basketball team losses to the Running Rebels of UNLV in the NCAA Championship game held in Denver, Colorado.

WRAL-TV News Reporters Carol Sbarge, Drew Griffin and Leslie Boney look into the effects of the drug known as “crack” and the grip it has on the users. “Crack” cuts across all social and economic communities. (1990)

WRAL News reporter Leyla Santiago and photographer Zac Gooch travelled to Cuba to explore the changing relationship between American and the island nation. Their trip yielded an award winning documentary titled, “Inside Cuba.”

On the day “Inside Cuba” aired, Leyla talked with WRAL Morning News anchors Michelle Marsh and Renee Chou about the people she met during her trip.

October 21, 2015

WRAL News reporter Leyla Santiago takes you inside Cuba, where many people are hopeful the change results in a better future. We will explore the potential opportunities ahead, including trade between the two countries. We’ll also explain how the North Carolina agriculture industry hopes to benefit.

“Inside Cuba” is a 30-minute documentary that looks at Cuba as it is now; its people, culture, and way of life. It also explores Cuba in the days, months, and years ahead as its relationship with the U.S. improves.

Aired October 21, 2015

Rio Grande Valley – a Texas community on the border of Mexico – is ground zero for the nation’s newest immigration crisis. More than 52,000 children, some as young as 2, have crossed the border alone, without a parent.

WRAL reporter Leyla Santiago and photojournalist Zac Gooch traveled to Texas to trace the path of the children, find out what kind of care they’re receiving and learn how the crisis is impacting North Carolina.

(produced in 2014)

The documentary garnered multiple awards, including the highly coveted Alfred I. Dupont-Columbia Award.

Leyla Santiago is now a correspondent for CNN.

WRAL Anchor/Reporter Leyla Santiago and WRAL Photojournalist Zac Gooch received an award following their hard work on the documentary, “Inside Cuba.” The North Carolina Farm Bureau presented them with the organization’s Communications Award for 2015. The award is given each year to members of the media who exhibit fair and balanced coverage and outstanding insight […]

MIX programming team: Standing L-R: Ned Attayek, Kathy Walston, Marty Callaghan, Bob Inskeep, Jami Elizondo, Mike Urben, David Wood. Sitting L-R: Bruce Mulder, Lori Rentsch.

This FOX 50 (WRAZ) newscast is continuing coverage of the terrorism that hit America on September 11, 2001. Most news outlets had “wall to wall” coverage for several days. This newscast is from September 12, 2001. Note that WRAZ, FOX 50 is branded as FOX 50 and not WRAL News on FOX 50. At this point, FOX 50 had a distinctively different look from WRAL. A few years later FOX 50 would air WRAL News on FOX 50.

Loveland joins co-anchor Gerald Owens for WRAL News on FOX 50 at 4 and 10 p.m. and WRAL’s 5:30 p.m. evening news Veteran WRAL News anchor Lynda Loveland moves from WRAL’s morning newscasts to join the station’s evening news team. Loveland takes the desk with co-anchor Gerald Owens for WRAL News on FOX 50 at […]

The WRAL Morning News team is always upbeat, but around Christmas time they become jolly! Enjoy this 2004 Christmas greeting from meteorologist Elizabeth Gardner, news anchors Bill Leslie and Lynda Loveland, and traffic reporter Mark Roberts.

Mix 101.5 Morning co-hosts Bill Jordan and Lynda Loveland spread Christmas cheer on WRAL-FM.

Mix 101.5 Morning co-hosts Bill Jordan and Lynda Loveland celebrate the Christmas season with music and a bit of humor.

Health Team members accepting the NC Med Society Public Service Award in 1995. L-R: Chris Mondragon, Dr. Allen Mask, Dr. Alicia Underwood, Lynn Hoggard, Mary Cates Gravley and Malinda Adams.

Health Team members accepting the NC Med Society Public Service Award in 1995. L-R: Chris Mondragon, Dr. Allen Mask, Dr. Alicia Underwood, Lynn Hoggard, Mary Cates Gravley and Malinda Adams.

Margaret Brickell cuts cake at 2nd anniversary celebration for Romper Room.

Paul Montgomery and Margaret Brickell ride the TV5 float in the 1959 Raleigh Christmas parade.

Miss Margaret rides merry-go-round with children at WRAL-TV end of summer celebration.

Margaret Brickell became the second teacher of the WRAL Romper Room in September 1959. Brickell was an instructor at NC State. She replaced JoAnn Federspeil as the show hostess.

Romper Room teacher Margaret Brickell leads children in a lively march as part of the classroom activities.

The friendship between British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and NC Senator Jesse Helms was special. Both fought for conservative principles in their countries. Helms stood by Thatcher and President Reagan as they fought to bring down the Iron Curtain. In April, 2001 Lady Margaret Thatcher served as the guest speaker at the grand opening the A.J. Fletcher Building, a 23,000 square-foot interactive museum that now serves as the headquarters for the Jesse Helms Center in Wingate, North Carolina. In his 2005 memoir “Here’s Where I Stand” Helms wrote, “From the beginning I knew she would be a leader like few the world has seen.”

The video features a meet and greet time with Thatcher and a Question and Answer session that took place April 27, 2001 at Quail Hollow Country Club, Charlotte, N.C. On April 28, 2001 Helms and Thatcher cut the ribbon at the grand opening of the Jesse Helms Center, followed by a speech by Prime Minister Thatcher.

The Right Honorable Margaret Thatcher ends her speech by quoting poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.
“Sail on, O Ship of State!
Sail on, O Union, strong and great!
Humanity with all its fears,
With all the hopes of future years,
is hanging breathless on thy fate!”
May God always bless America!

WRAL-TV is known nationwide for their award winning photographers. The documentary, “One Day in North Carolina,” specifically October 14, 1989, is a compilation of work by eight photographers who were picked to travel to various locations across North Carolina to chronical a day in the life of everyday people. No reporters; just photographers. The story unfolds through the lens of the camera.

The photographers were Rick Armstrong, Mark Copeland, David Creech, Art Howard, Jay Jennings, Jody Kratz, Lori Lair, Bob Sadler.

Field producers: Phyllis Parish and Susan Dahlin. Producer Peter Anlyan. Executive producer Susan Dahlin.

News Highlights of 1991 include the following stories. Coverage of the war in Iraq and Kuwait feature reports live from the field and interviews with troops from Fort Bragg, Pope AFB and Seymour Johnson AFB. Other highlights from 1991 include the explosion and fire at the Imperial Food plant in Hamlet where many employees were killed due to locked doors. Crew members aboard the Navy ship USS Raleigh were caught violating policy by dumping garbage overboard into the ocean. A congressional hearing followed in response to that act. Reporter/anchor Bill Leslie demonstrates what it is like to fight a fire. Duke University wins the NCAA Championship by defeating the Jayhawks of the University of Kansas.

Sparks was a WRAL-TV locally-produced childrens program that premiered August 10, 1985. The program was produced by Peter Anlyan and featured Meredith Nicholson (foreground(, Kent FAulcon, Mark Miller, Mark Kath, Phyllis Bullock and Joshua Lozoff.

Sparks was a WRAL-TV locally-produced childrens program that premiered August 10, 1985. The program was produced by Peter Anlyan and featured Meredith Nicholson (foreground(, Kent FAulcon, Mark Miller, Mark Kath, Phyllis Bullock and Joshua Lozoff.

The smartest 30 minutes on television recently got geared up for a new season on WRAL-TV.  The 21st season of WRAL-TV’s Brain Game kicked off with the taping of the first competition.  Brain Game Host Mark Roberts welcomed students from nine schools to the station on Wednesday, October 11, 2017, to record the first games […]

Three North Carolina High Schools compete for academic accolades on “Brain Game.”

This episode of Brain Game aired November 15, 2003. The competition was between St. David’s High School in Wake County, Jordan High School in Durham County, and Bunn High School in Franklin County. The host is Mark Roberts.

Watch and find out who won this episode of “Brain Game.”

LIVE@ was a unique 10 minute program that streamed “live” from a mini-studio/control room on WRAL.com. The program was hosted by Brian Shrader. Most of the guests were staff members of WRAL-TV and WRAL.COM. The program was spontaneous, unscripted craziness! Guests would offer comments on fun happenings in the local community and offer critiques on movies and other entertainment events.

This edition of LIVE@ appeared on WRAL.COM November 11, 2009. The guests were WRAL News anchor Bill Leslie and “Trafficologist” Mark Roberts. Bill and Mark wrote a song poking fun at self-centered news anchors who think a little too much about themselves. Enjoy!

Capitol Broadcasting Company recognizes the vast impact its broadcasting networks can have on our community, and uses them to help provide critical information in times of disaster and need. Sometimes that need is in another country.

In 1999, WRAL-TV stepped in to help victims across the globe with “Crisis In Kosovo: North Carolina Reaches Out.” The award-winning documentary gave viewers an opportunity to call in donations. The program helped raise over $150,000 for the American Red Cross, Church World Service and Samaritan’s Purse to use in Kosovo. Even though the need was half way around the world from North Carolina, WRAL viewers stepped in to help meet it.

WRAL News anchors David Crabtree and Pam Saulsby talk with WRAL reporter Mark Roberts, who shared his insights from his recent assignment in Kosovo. Prior to this production, Roberts and news photographer Joe Frieda had been on a ten-day assignment to cover life in several Albanian refugee camps, traveling to the Albanian capital of Tirana filing reports on the conditions under which the refugees were forced to live.

Senior Producer Phyllis Parish won a silver Telly Award for her writing and producing this WRAL-TV documentary. The station also won recognition for its general reporting on the crisis. WRAL received a Special Report First Place Award for coverage of the “Crisis in Kosovo” from the Radio and Television News Directors Association of the Carolinas Awards for 2000.

Are you smarter than a high school student?  Probably not, if we’re talking about Raleigh Charter High School.  WRAL-TV recently crowned the Raleigh Charter Team as the 2016 Brain Game Champions. On Tuesday, May 17, 2016, Brain Game Host Mark Roberts visited Raleigh Charter to present Ben Rutherford, Prakruth Adari, Alicia Chen, and Kim Sharp […]

WRAL celebrated 60 years of broadcasting on December 15, 2016. In recognition of that anniversary, Scott Mason – better known as The Tar Heel Traveler – took viewers on a time travel, via black and white film footage, to witness several news events covered by WRAL during the early years.

A few of the highlights include President John F. Kennedy’s visit to the campus of UNC to WRAL News Director Bill Armstrong’s interview with NASA astronaut Neil Armstrong while he was training at the Morehead Planetarium in Chapel Hill. Meet Marlene Carole, WRAL’s first female weatherperson who used a chalkboard to write the high and low temperatures – with an eye-wink. Later we see WRAL transition to color and then lead the nation in HD technology.

Feature edited by WRAL Tar Heel Traveler photographer Bob Meikle.

Marlene Carole was the first woman to present the weather on WRAL-TV. She was probably best known for finishing her presentation with a wink to the viewers.

MIX programming team: Standing L-R: Ned Attayek, Kathy Walston, Marty Callaghan, Bob Inskeep, Jami Elizondo, Mike Urben, David Wood. Sitting L-R: Bruce Mulder, Lori Rentsch.

Robert and Mary Bird, David Witherspoon and Fred Fletcher perform a Latin number for 1954 radio show

Health Team members accepting the NC Med Society Public Service Award in 1995. L-R: Chris Mondragon, Dr. Allen Mask, Dr. Alicia Underwood, Lynn Hoggard, Mary Cates Gravley and Malinda Adams.

Wilmington Mayor Bill Saffo and FCC Chairman Kevin Martin throw the symbolic switch making local TV stations the first in the country to go digital. WILM was the first CBC affiliate to make the change.

Sparks was a WRAL-TV locally-produced childrens program that premiered August 10, 1985. The program was produced by Peter Anlyan and featured Meredith Nicholson (foreground(, Kent FAulcon, Mark Miller, Mark Kath, Phyllis Bullock and Joshua Lozoff.

Wilmington Mayor Bill Saffo and FCC Chairman Kevin Martin throw the symbolic switch making local TV stations the first in the country to go digital. WILM was the first CBC affiliate to make the change.

Developers and managers of WRAL.com celebrate launch of the website in 1996. L-R: John Conway, Jason Priebe, Tom Lawrence, unknown, Michelle Singer, John Harris, Cindy Sink and John Whitehead.

SKY 5 pilot Mike Allen finds two missing boy scouts and their scoutmaster clinging to trees after their canoes overturned in the Cape Fear River in Harnett County.

Since SKY 5 is not equipped with rescue gear, the National Guard helicopter was called to execute the rescue., while SKY 5 oversaw the direction.

Circa 1983.

SKY5 pilot Mike Allen conducts a live interview with Major Les Everett with the N.C. Army National Guard. While Major Everett pilots a Huey helicopter and Mike pilots SKY5, they talk about the recent successful annual summer camp and what the Army National Guard provides to the state on a daily basis.

Circa 1983.

1. Name the weatherman or meteorologist who presented a weathercast from WRAL’s tall tower. a) Bob Caudle b) Bob Debardelaben c) Bob Knapp d) Greg Fishel 2. Name the SKY 5 pilot who appeared in a live shot wearing a Halloween mask. a) Steve Wiley b) Randy Watkins c) Mike Allen d) Frank Beall   […]

SKY 5 often criss-crosses across North Carolina to cover a story. While enroute, or on the way back, the photographer will often take advantage of the beautiful landscape by videotaping the scenery and then later add music to complement visuals. This video was shot and edited in 1983 as SKY 5 pilot Mike Allen flew the news crew back to Raleigh.

Mike Allen was the second pilot to fly SKY 5, but the first SKY 5 pilot to report LIVE on camera from the air on a regular basis. He arrived at WRAL in January 1982 with a great deal of flying experience. Mike served as a pilot in the US ARMY flying Chinook helicopters and then became a civilian helicopter pilot working primarily in the western states and Alaska. Mike flew the popular SKY 5 helicopter known for the graphic “bumble bee stripes” made by Hughes Helicopters. You can also watch a behind-the-scenes video about Mike and SKY 5 on this website. Look for the video titled “SKY 5 featured on WRAL AWARE Public Affairs Program.” Mike is now a retired Presbyterian minister.

Mike Hight and the Daybreak gang entertain WRAL-TV audiences

Daybreak Show promotional flyer

Sheri Logan and Bill Jordan join Duke Coach K to raise funds for Duke Childrens Hospital.

College basketball rivals, UNC and Duke, play at Duke’s Cameron Indoor Stadium at the end of the regular season, March 1, 1981. Duke wins the game by one point. Enjoy this vintage video shot and edited by sports photographer Jay Jennings.

The third installment of 99.9 The Fan’s ‘Fan Town Hall’ series took place on Thursday, July 2, 2015, featuring Mike Krzyzewski, coach of the 2015 NCAA Men’s College Basketball champion Duke Blue Devils. The 60-minute Q&A session had Coach K addressing questions about his own success as well as basketball in general. “It was a […]

News Highlights of 1991 include the following stories. Coverage of the war in Iraq and Kuwait feature reports live from the field and interviews with troops from Fort Bragg, Pope AFB and Seymour Johnson AFB. Other highlights from 1991 include the explosion and fire at the Imperial Food plant in Hamlet where many employees were killed due to locked doors. Crew members aboard the Navy ship USS Raleigh were caught violating policy by dumping garbage overboard into the ocean. A congressional hearing followed in response to that act. Reporter/anchor Bill Leslie demonstrates what it is like to fight a fire. Duke University wins the NCAA Championship by defeating the Jayhawks of the University of Kansas.

February 15, 2007 – MIX 101.5 and WCMC-FM pass the $1 million mark for the first time during the Radiothon for Duke Children’s Hospital.

WRAL-TV is taking weather forecasting to where the weather is: outside! On Thursday, November 9, 2023, the station debuted the WRAL Weather Patio during the 4p and 5p newscasts. “It will be great to experience the weather first-hand instead of being indoors all day!” said WRAL-TV Meteorologist Mike Maze. The WRAL team does not remember […]

There are some exciting changes happening on the WRAL campus! WRAL-TV Meteorologist Mike Maze recently gave social media a sneak peek of the wonderful transformation taking place out back of the studio. Get ready for WRAL’s weather segments to become even more vibrant and captivating with the addition of a weather set in the beautiful […]

Elizabeth Gardner to continue on Mornings, Mike Maze and Kat Campbell to lead Evening Weather Coverage WRAL News viewers will continue to get the life-saving weather coverage they rely on as WRAL News announced their new on-air weather team. Familiar faces will headline the Triangle’s largest and most experienced team of meteorologists on WRAL. Elizabeth […]

Take a look behind the scenes when 2003 American Idol finalist, Clay Aiken, made a whirlwind trip from Hollywood to his hometown of Raleigh during the final weeks of competition of the hit FOX TV show American Idol. Clay finished as the runner-up to champion Ruben Studdard.

This video shows Clay arriving at WRAL-TV the morning of Friday, May 9 2003. He makes his way into the station greeting employees as he makes his way to the newsroom . You’ll see and hear Clay interviewed by WRAL Morning news anchors.

All the video was shot from a news photographer shooting from behind-the-scenes. Enjoy this unique look of what happens during a live newscast as Clay Aiken has fun “helping” Mike Maze present the weather report and Mark Roberts with his traffic report.

Enjoy this musical 2004 Christmas greeting from WRAL Meteorologist Greg Fishel and prankster WRAL Meteorologist Mike Maze.

This news image promo from 1982 blends behind-the-scenes video of the newsroom with video of community activity to illustrate the connection between WRAL News and the people it serves.

In the video you will see a variety news anchors and reportors as well as behind-the-scenes production staff and news photographers.

WRAL-TV launched the hour long version of Action News 5 at 6:00PM on June 14, 1982. You will also see vintage commercials that aired during the newscast. WRAL News had been preparing for this moment for a couple of years. The preps ranged from a ramp-up of resources ranging from reporters, photographers, producers, to moving to newsroom/set. You will notice that Charlie Gaddy does not have a co-anchor at this point. Bobbie Battista, former co-anchor joined CNN in Atlanta in December, 1981. Adele Arakawa would join Charlie on March 14, 1983.
The news department manager was Steve Grissom. The newscast was produced by Connie Lane and directed by Pam Parris -Allen.
If you look closely at the end of the newscast, you can see a crowd of people at the back of the newsroom (left of the Action News 5 logo) standing in the shadows; they are huddled around a television set watching the premiere.
*NOTE* You will notice several quick video break-ups during “The Money Desk” segment with reporter Tim Smith.

Well known for cross-divisional collaboration and staying connected with our former employees, Capitol Broadcasting recently heard from one of our beloved past weather guys.  Retired WRAL-TV Meteorologist Mike Moss is a big fan of That Station, CBC’s app-based radio station. One of his favorite ways to listen?  On his Sunday morning walk, He kindly snapped […]

The WRAL WeatherCenter is staffed with AMS certified meteorologists who keep track of potential threats of rough weather 24/7. Hurricane season typically keeps them busy. This promo was produced in August 1999 in anticipation of Hurricane Dennis.

Mike Moss, Brian Orzel, Greg Fishel, Mike Maze and Chris Thompson.

WRAL staffers with remote production truck known as Unit 0. L-R: PB Jernigan, Gene Reopelle, Crystal Gathers, Paul Cyr, Mike Upchurch, Harold Williams, Brenda Irvin and George Spence.

MIX programming team: Standing L-R: Ned Attayek, Kathy Walston, Marty Callaghan, Bob Inskeep, Jami Elizondo, Mike Urben, David Wood. Sitting L-R: Bruce Mulder, Lori Rentsch.

Publicity flyer for Uncle Paul

This editorial by J.D. Lewis, Directory of Minority Affairs at Capitol Broadcasting Company, urges the public to visit the Vietnam Memorial Moving Wall. The “wall” was a scaled down version of the Vietnam Memorial on permanant display in Washington, D.C.
You will notice on the information card at the beginning of the tape a reference to “Miss Bradley.” Mildred Bradley was a long time employee and secretary. She made sure everything was in order during the taping of the editorials.

Monica Laliberte moves from WRAL News team to corporate role   Keely Arthur to front “5 On Your Side” daily reports WRAL News, the most watched news team in the Triangle, announced changes to its award-winning “5 On Your Side” team Wednesday evening during the 6pm news. Long-time consumer advocate and “5 On Your Side” anchor/reporter […]

“Grape Expectations” examines the economic success story that is the North Carolina wine industry. Meet the pioneers of the industry, learn how the industry is generating revenue, examine the sustainability of the industry’s growth and explore the wide variety of wineries and vineyards that span our state from the mountains to the coast.

Hosted by WRAL reporter Monica Laliberte.
Produced by Clay Johnson.
Photographer/editor Jay Jennings
Aired 2012.

LIVE@ was a unique 10 minute program that streamed “live” from a mini-studio/control room on WRAL.com. The program was hosted by Brian Shrader. Most of the guests were staff members of WRAL-TV and WRAL.COM. The program was spontaneous, unscripted craziness! Guests would offer comments on fun happenings in the local community and offer critiques on movies and other entertainment events.

The guest on June 17, 2009 was WRAL news reporter Monica Laliberte, best known for the consumer reporter segment “5 On Your Side.” Brian and Monica cover a variety of interesting subjects including her volunteer work raising puppies to become future service dogs.

WRAL News reporter Monica Laliberte specializes in consumer product information and helping viewers resolve their consumer complaint issues. This promo was produced in May 2002.

Mrs. J.T. Bailey of Apex poses with her check for $150 that she won as the first winner of Dialing for Dollars. This took place August 17, 1966.

News team from WRAL-FM/North Carolina News Network celebrate Peabody Award in New York City

Ned Attayek is a Johnston County boy who became known as “Tack” on WRAL-FM, called “101” back in the ‘70s. Today, he still works at WRAL-FM but has gone high tech as the WRAL-FM Web/Computer Network Supervisor. The name Tack was bestowed upon him by his college buddies who could not properly pronounce Attayek, so […]

WRAL-FM announcer Ned Attayek is better known by his nickname, “Tack,” given to him by his college buddies who were tired of mispronouncing Ned’s last name. The nickname stuck.

Tack is a “Johnston County boy” from eastern North Carolina. He always wanted to be a radio guy. Like many of those who were teenagers in the decade of the ‘60s, Tack listened to the top radio stations and identified with big name disc jockeys of that era.

Watch and listen to Tack tell behind-the-scenes stories while working in radio and as a courtside basketball announcer at the NC State home games. Tack still works at WRAL-FM, but has gone high tech as the WRAL-FM Web/Computer Network Supervisor.

Enjoy this interview with Tack conducted by John Harris, Director of CBC Special Projects.

MIX programming team: Standing L-R: Ned Attayek, Kathy Walston, Marty Callaghan, Bob Inskeep, Jami Elizondo, Mike Urben, David Wood. Sitting L-R: Bruce Mulder, Lori Rentsch.

WRAL-FM announcer Ned Attayek is better known by his nickname, “Tack,” given to him by his college buddies who were tired of mispronouncing Ned’s last name. The nickname stuck.

Tack is a “Johnston County boy” from eastern North Carolina. He always wanted to be a radio guy. Like many of those who were teenagers in the decade of the ‘60s, Tack listened to the top radio stations and identified with big name disc jockeys of that era.

Watch and listen to Tack tell behind-the-scenes stories while working in radio and as a courtside basketball announcer at the NC State home games. Tack still works at WRAL-FM, but has gone high tech as the WRAL-FM Web/Computer Network Supervisor.

Enjoy this interview with Tack conducted by John Harris, Director of CBC Special Projects.

Ned Tack Attayek hosts music show on MIX 101.5.

Radio gang riding float, including Zoot the puppet and Rowell Gormon – center – Tack Attayek – 2nd from right, and Bob Inskeep – right.

WRAL-TV Sports anchorman Nick Pond interviews Nelson Royal and Paul Jones as part of Mid-Atlantic Championship Wrestling, which was recorded each week at WRAL-TV.

Cribbage players travel to Raleigh, North Carolina to compete in the annual National Cribbage Tournament – the world’s largest cribbage event.

Nick Pond, former WRAL Sports director/anchor and avid cribbage player, formed the American Cribbage Congress and national tournament in 1973. The competition was held in the studios of WRAL-TV.

We have two vintage stories about the tournament. The first story aired in 2013. Scott Mason, the Tar Heel Traveler, provides a bit of history about this brainy card game.

The second video aired in 1979. WRAL News reporter Del Walters talks with WRAL Sports anchor Nick Pond explains how cribbage, a popular game at family and friend gatherings, came out of the living room to take center stage with its own tournament.

This short video clip demonstrates that even pros like legendary WRAL sportscaster Nick Pond can get tongue tied.

The early version of The Jim Valvano Show was taped in Studio A at WRAL-TV. The campus of NCSU is located across the street from WRAL which made it convenient for NCSU coaches and athletes. During this taping, Pond finds himself struggling to say “NAIA” while referring to the division below NCAA. He finally gives up. Valvano takes it in stride with a simple whistle. The director fades to black so they can regroup and record the segment again.

Circa 1982.

1. In December, 1976 a new morning program premiered at 6:00 called “Good Morning Five Country” with Ed McIntyre, a co-host, and regular visits by early risers from the CBC Farm Department. Can you name the co-host? A. Charlie Gaddy B. Bobbie Battista C. Bette Elliott D. Nick Pond 2. The February 23, 1978 edition […]

Promotion card for WRAL-TV sportscaster Nick Pond.

WRAL-TV Sports anchorman Nick Pond interviews Nelson Royal and Paul Jones as part of Mid-Atlantic Championship Wrestling, which was recorded each week at WRAL-TV.

This 1987 news promo showcases the Team of Specialists. Renee McCoy handled “Call for Action.” Denise Boyer specialized in health related stories called “Medical Beat.” Tina Seldin reported on money matters called “Money Desk.” Nina Szlosberg delved deeper into stories called “In Depth” and Bill Leslie reported on human interest stories specific to North Carolina.

Hurricane Diana hit the coast of North Carolina with category 4 winds on September 13, 1984. WRAL news, at that time called “Action News 5,” sent news crews to various NC coastal locations to cover evacuations and damage. This video is a compilation of news stories that aired over several days. You will see WRAL news reporters Fred Taylor, Bill Draper, Tim Kent, Shelly Kofler, Bryan Glazer,and Nina Szlosberg.

WRAL-TV Reporter Nina Szlosberg and photographer Art Howard’s stirring documentary focusing on an impoverished family in Eastern NC that has minimal resources but is trying to break the cycle of poverty. The documentary is followed by a round table discussion with state and community leaders led by news anchor Charlie Gaddy.

In February, 1989 WRAL-TV News Reporter Nina Szlosberg revisits the family she documented two years earlier in December, 1986. She reveals if progress has been made in regards to their finances, health, and living conditions.

WRAL dedicated the “A” block (first segment in a newscast) to covering the crash of a C-130 military plane during a demonstration at Pope AFB near Fort Bragg. July 1, 1987.

WRAL-TV photographer O.B. Garris looks over the brand new processor that sped up the news department workflow immensely. The unit went into service summer 1958.

Herb Marks and Oscar Cochran meet with kids of all ages in their uniforms

Cameraman Jack Edwards records Reporter Oscar Smith comments using first videotape field camera and recorder at WRAL-TV.

WRAL-TV reporter Oscar Smith interviews US Senator B. Everett Jordan during political coverage. Smith was the first African-American to report news at WRAL.

Reverend Otis Byrd was the host of “Spiritual Awakening,” a gospel music program on WRAL-TV

P.B. Jernigan, retired WRAL engineer, started in 1961 and retired December, 2005. P.B. is a man of few words, but his work ethic and vaste knowledge demonstrated his passion for engineering and innovation. If you ever wondered who pulled the switch to light the Christmas tree lights on the tower, now you know.
P.B. started work during the black and white era of television and continued to work into the high definition/digitial era. In this video, he shares his memories of working at WRAL and Capitol Broadcasting Company, including a few pranks.

WRAL staffers with remote production truck known as Unit 0. L-R: PB Jernigan, Gene Reopelle, Crystal Gathers, Paul Cyr, Mike Upchurch, Harold Williams, Brenda Irvin and George Spence.

A WRAL-TV fixture will close up shop on Friday, May 18, 2018, after 38 years with the Big 5.  His face may not be known to viewers, but Producer Kevin Shand spent decades behind the scenes creating everything from newscasts to Brain Game. Pam Parris Allen formerly worked as a newscast producer/director at WRAL-TV decades […]

“The Pumpkins Strike Back” is a delightful, cheesy series of four vignettes that aired on WRAL-TV during the late night Halloween movie on October 31, 1981. During the commercial breaks, “The Pumpkins Strike Back” would air prior to the commercials, then back to the movie.

Rowell Gorman, “The Man of a Thousand Voices”, wrote the script and provided different voices to the pumpkin characters, as well as appearing in the production. Other “actors” were staff members at WRAL, many who had never acted before – and that will be apparent! The vignettes were produced by the WRAL production staff.

The parody is loosely based on several blockbuster movies including STAR WARS, PSYCHO and PATTON. But “The Pumpkins Strike Back” is in a league of its own. Enjoy!

NOTE: Single channel audio. Originally produced on 3/4 inch videotape.

This news image promo from 1982 blends behind-the-scenes video of the newsroom with video of community activity to illustrate the connection between WRAL News and the people it serves.

In the video you will see a variety news anchors and reportors as well as behind-the-scenes production staff and news photographers.

WRAL-TV launched the hour long version of Action News 5 at 6:00PM on June 14, 1982. You will also see vintage commercials that aired during the newscast. WRAL News had been preparing for this moment for a couple of years. The preps ranged from a ramp-up of resources ranging from reporters, photographers, producers, to moving to newsroom/set. You will notice that Charlie Gaddy does not have a co-anchor at this point. Bobbie Battista, former co-anchor joined CNN in Atlanta in December, 1981. Adele Arakawa would join Charlie on March 14, 1983.
The news department manager was Steve Grissom. The newscast was produced by Connie Lane and directed by Pam Parris -Allen.
If you look closely at the end of the newscast, you can see a crowd of people at the back of the newsroom (left of the Action News 5 logo) standing in the shadows; they are huddled around a television set watching the premiere.
*NOTE* You will notice several quick video break-ups during “The Money Desk” segment with reporter Tim Smith.

WRAL-TV control room staff prepares for live television just before Action News 5 at 6pm newscast begins. L-R: Producer Connie Lane, Audio operator Tammy Martin, Director Pam Parris and Production Assistant Celia Hartnett.

Live coverage of the 49th Annual Raleigh Christmas Parade aired on WRAL-TV in November 1993. WRAL News anchors Pam Saulsby, Donna Gregory and Jim Payne hosted the broadcast.

This video only shows the first hour of the live broadcast. 1993

Enjoy watching a compilation of newscasts featuring coverage of the 1992 NCAA Basketball Final Four and championship game. Spoiler alert! Duke University won the championship.

WRAL sent a news and sports team to cover the excitement of the event. You’ll meet the student who was the Duke Blue Devil in 1992.

Capitol Broadcasting Company recognizes the vast impact its broadcasting networks can have on our community, and uses them to help provide critical information in times of disaster and need. Sometimes that need is in another country.

In 1999, WRAL-TV stepped in to help victims across the globe with “Crisis In Kosovo: North Carolina Reaches Out.” The award-winning documentary gave viewers an opportunity to call in donations. The program helped raise over $150,000 for the American Red Cross, Church World Service and Samaritan’s Purse to use in Kosovo. Even though the need was half way around the world from North Carolina, WRAL viewers stepped in to help meet it.

WRAL News anchors David Crabtree and Pam Saulsby talk with WRAL reporter Mark Roberts, who shared his insights from his recent assignment in Kosovo. Prior to this production, Roberts and news photographer Joe Frieda had been on a ten-day assignment to cover life in several Albanian refugee camps, traveling to the Albanian capital of Tirana filing reports on the conditions under which the refugees were forced to live.

Senior Producer Phyllis Parish won a silver Telly Award for her writing and producing this WRAL-TV documentary. The station also won recognition for its general reporting on the crisis. WRAL received a Special Report First Place Award for coverage of the “Crisis in Kosovo” from the Radio and Television News Directors Association of the Carolinas Awards for 2000.

WRAL Sports anchor Tom Suiter retired as the primary WRAL Sports anchor on December 18, 2008.
Tom Suiter started at WRAL in 1971 and worked under legendary sportscaster Nick Pond. He worked his way up in Sports and joined the 6 PM anchor team in 1981 … a position he held for nearly 28 years. In 2008, Tom went part-time and continued to play a major role by continuing his signature franchises – Football Friday and the Extra Effort Award. WRAL Sports director Bob Holliday presents Tom with his own Extra Effort Award at the end of the sportscast.

Surrounded by the WRAL News and Sports staff, Tom thanked the viewers for letting him into their homes, via television, every evening.

“Doctors on Call” was hosted by WRAL Health Team physician Dr. Allen Mask. The program provided viewers with the opportunity to call the station and receive free, confidential medical advice from physicians and specialists with the NC Medical Society. WRAL News anchor Pam Saulsby served as co-host.Dr. Allen Mask interviews the following doctors during this particular program: Dr. Sharon Fekrat – Duke Ophthalmologist, Dr. Joel Schneider – Wake Med Cardiologists, Dr. Roy Cromartie – Kaiser Oncologist, Dr. Marty Sullivan – Duke Integrated Medicine, Dr. Richard Alioto, Duke Orthopedic surgeon.Doctors on Call aired on WRAL for many years. This program aired in 1999.

News team from WRAL-FM/North Carolina News Network celebrate Peabody Award in New York City

This vintage promo from 1978 features WRAL news reporter Paul Crawley. He who was a general assignment reporter who covered news in Durham and Orange counties. Paul is a graduate of UNC-CH. He joined WRAL in 1976. In late 1978 he moved to Atlanta to work at WXIA where he became an EMMY award winning journalist and a recipient of the Edward R. Murrow Award.

This vintage promo from 1978 features WRAL news reporter Paul Crawley who was a general assignment reporter. Paul is a graduate of UNC-CH. He joined WRAL in 1976. In late 1978 he moved to Atlanta to work at WXIA where he became an EMMY award winning journalist and a recipient of the Edward R. Murrow Award.

WRAL staffers with remote production truck known as Unit 0. L-R: PB Jernigan, Gene Reopelle, Crystal Gathers, Paul Cyr, Mike Upchurch, Harold Williams, Brenda Irvin and George Spence.

Many of the original employees who developed Interpath – CBC’s internet service provider company founded in 1994.

Original user service manual for CBC ISP Interpath. The manual was authored by Paul Gilster.

WRAL-TV Sports anchorman Nick Pond interviews Nelson Royal and Paul Jones as part of Mid-Atlantic Championship Wrestling, which was recorded each week at WRAL-TV.

Many of the original employees who developed Interpath – CBC’s internet service provider company founded in 1994.

Every week reporters from Fort Bragg would appear on Femme Fare to bring viewers military news. L-R: Private Paul Michels and Sergeant Bill Altman in a December 1966 photo.

May is the month in which area colleges and universities conferred those coveted degrees that represent years of committed studies. On the occasion of the 131st commencement at North Carolina Central University one special commitment was recognized. Retired CBC Vice President Paul Pope, Jr. was awarded a special designation from his beloved alma mater. A […]

Paul Pope, retired VP at CBC, served in a variety of management roles. Paul graduated from North Carolina Central University in Durham. He earned his BA degree in__________? a. Communication b. History c. Art Education d. Engineering   Adele Arakawa co-anchored WRAL news with Charlie Gaddy from 1983-1988. Her next stop was Chicago where she […]

Young members of Post 5 learn production first hand in the WRAL-TV studio

Former CBC Vice President Paul Pope relocated to Ohio after his retirement, but his commitment to community service continues in his adopted new home. The YMCA of Greater Dayton recently awarded him, The Downtown YMCA Volunteer of the Year. Pope has been involved as a volunteer since 2013, coming on to the Board of Directors […]

Many Africans were affected by the massive drought in the early 1980’s. In 1985, a group of dedicated people from the Raleigh/Durham area went on a fact-finding trip to find an area that wanted assistance in becoming more self-sufficient. The rural Shinyanga Region was selected and Project Tanzania was born.
WRAL-TV produced an hour-long documentary that introduced North Carolinians to the situation in Shinyanga and identified ways to help Tanzanians help themselves. This wasn’t another hand-out program, but a way to give these people a hand up to a better life.
This video is a sampling of news reports in 1985 and 1986 about the efforts to help the people in Tanzania.
WRAL-TV received the 1986 World Hunger Media Award for the documentary “Tanzani: A Need Beyond Hunger.”

Leah Chauncey, David Harbert, Paul Quinn, Al Dunbar and Jim Griffin get a look at one section of the new transmitting tower in 1990.

JAMBURGER is a descriptive word created by legendary WRAL sports anchor Tom Suiter. It simply means a basketball player jams the basketball down the hoop with force. Eat that!

The Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) consistently produces top tier college basketball teams. In 1992, the conference was relatively small compared to the number of colleges participating in it today. The perennial college favorites from the state of North Carolina are Duke, UNC, NC State and Wake Forest. Out-of-state contenders are just as talented: Georgia Tech, University of Virginia, University of Maryland, and Clemson University.

“Tom Suiter’s ACC JAMBURGER Preview” produced in December, 1992 features each ACC basketball team. WRAL Sports reporters include Bob Holliday, Jay Jennings, Jeff Gravley, and Rick Sullivan. WRAL Sports anchor Tom Suiter is joined by sports columnists Barry Jacobs and Caulton Tudor.

The program was produced by Jay Jennings and Peter Anlyan.

“The Great Fiddle Chase” episode of Frog Hollow was videotaped on location in several areas of North Carolina and Virginia, including segments shot onboard a train in Covington, Viriginia. Watch how the story develops into a wonderful lesson about forgiveness.
Frog Hollow was an award winning, innovative children’s program for pre-school aged children. The show received the prestigous Iris Award for Best Children’s Program in medium market stations. It also won an Action for Children’s Television award in 1982. This episode was produced by Julie Wick and aired May 12, 1982.

The episode of Frog Hollow was produced in 1984. “Frog Hollow” was an award winning children’s program for pre-school aged children. The show received the prestigous Iris Award for Best Children’s Program in medium market stations. It also won an Action for Children’s Television award in 1982.

This episode of Frog Hollow was produced September 15, 1983 and produced by Julie Wick. “Frog Hollow” was an award winning children’s program for pre-school aged children. The show received the prestigous Iris Award for Best Children’s Program in medium market stations. It also won an Action for Children’s Television award in 1982.

This episode of “SPARKS” features the story of the great magician Harry Houdini. “SPARKS” was an innovative children’s program designed to interest youngsters 6-11 years old. Characters portrayed by local actors. “SPARKS” was a finalist in the National Association of Television Program Executives’ 20th Annual Iris Award and an Honors Program in the Parent’s Choice 1986 Television Awards category. Program debuted on August 10, 1985. Produced by Peter Anlyan. Directed by Bob Gubar.

WRAL Director of Engineering Peter Sockett tests WILM-TV’s new digital transmitter before the historic DTV transition. WILM was the first CBS affiliate to make the switch on September 8, 2008

Engineer Phil Martin works with RCA TR-22 tape machine in 1965.

WRAL-TV’s Coats for the Children Telethon marked two milestones at the daylong event on Friday, December 14, 2018.  First, the Telethon celebrated 30 years of working to keep Triangle children warm, and the second, the broadcast would be the final run for WRAL-TV Director of Local Production Phyllis Parish.  Parish will be retiring in March […]

Spiritual Awakening, the longest running locally produced WRAL program, is celebrating its 75th year. WRAL-TV Local Production Director Phyllis Parish came up with a gem of an idea for this Sunday’s broadcast.  What better way to celebrate your Diamond Anniversary than to pair up with another Triangle institution, the Raleigh Little Theatre? RLT is currently […]

“What could be better during the holiday season than raising money for the Salvation Army, so they can help hundreds of local families have a warmer winter and a more joyful Christmas?” – WRAL-TV Director of Local Production Phyllis Parish On Friday, December 7, 2016, WRAL-TV’s Coats for the Children Telethon took over Studio A.  […]

Mother Nature pulled out her sunniest skies for the 2016 WRAL Raleigh Christmas Parade on Saturday, November 17, 2016.  For the 43rd consecutive year, WRAL-TV broadcast the parade live to viewers around the Triangle.  WRAL-TV Director of Local Programming Phyllis Parish Howard once again head up the station’s team alongside WRAL-TV Producer Randy Mews.  Numerous […]

The weather was balmy but WRAL viewers were thinking about the upcoming chilly temperatures during the 27th Annual WRAL-TV Coats for the Children Campaign.  On Friday, December 11, 2015, generous viewers contributed a staggering $130,000 during the daylong telethon! “It was an amazing day!” said WRAL-TV Director of Local Production Phyllis Parish, the Executive Producer […]

Sparks was a WRAL-TV locally-produced childrens program that premiered August 10, 1985. The program was produced by Peter Anlyan and featured Meredith Nicholson (foreground(, Kent FAulcon, Mark Miller, Mark Kath, Phyllis Bullock and Joshua Lozoff.

WRAL-TV’s Coats for the Children Telethon marked two milestones at the daylong event on Friday, December 14, 2018.  First, the Telethon celebrated 30 years of working to keep Triangle children warm, and the second, the broadcast would be the final run for WRAL-TV Director of Local Production Phyllis Parish.  Parish will be retiring in March […]

Spiritual Awakening, the longest running locally produced WRAL program, is celebrating its 75th year. WRAL-TV Local Production Director Phyllis Parish came up with a gem of an idea for this Sunday’s broadcast.  What better way to celebrate your Diamond Anniversary than to pair up with another Triangle institution, the Raleigh Little Theatre? RLT is currently […]

“What could be better during the holiday season than raising money for the Salvation Army, so they can help hundreds of local families have a warmer winter and a more joyful Christmas?” – WRAL-TV Director of Local Production Phyllis Parish On Friday, December 7, 2016, WRAL-TV’s Coats for the Children Telethon took over Studio A.  […]

Mother Nature pulled out her sunniest skies for the 2016 WRAL Raleigh Christmas Parade on Saturday, November 17, 2016.  For the 43rd consecutive year, WRAL-TV broadcast the parade live to viewers around the Triangle.  WRAL-TV Director of Local Programming Phyllis Parish Howard once again head up the station’s team alongside WRAL-TV Producer Randy Mews.  Numerous […]

Capitol Broadcasting Company recognizes the vast impact its broadcasting networks can have on our community, and uses them to help provide critical information in times of disaster and need. Sometimes that need is in another country.

In 1999, WRAL-TV stepped in to help victims across the globe with “Crisis In Kosovo: North Carolina Reaches Out.” The award-winning documentary gave viewers an opportunity to call in donations. The program helped raise over $150,000 for the American Red Cross, Church World Service and Samaritan’s Purse to use in Kosovo. Even though the need was half way around the world from North Carolina, WRAL viewers stepped in to help meet it.

WRAL News anchors David Crabtree and Pam Saulsby talk with WRAL reporter Mark Roberts, who shared his insights from his recent assignment in Kosovo. Prior to this production, Roberts and news photographer Joe Frieda had been on a ten-day assignment to cover life in several Albanian refugee camps, traveling to the Albanian capital of Tirana filing reports on the conditions under which the refugees were forced to live.

Senior Producer Phyllis Parish won a silver Telly Award for her writing and producing this WRAL-TV documentary. The station also won recognition for its general reporting on the crisis. WRAL received a Special Report First Place Award for coverage of the “Crisis in Kosovo” from the Radio and Television News Directors Association of the Carolinas Awards for 2000.

Phyllis Parish Howard, Director of Local Production, joined WRAL in 1982. Her desire to work in television started at an early age. It all started with a letter written to Carol Burnett, star of the immensely popular CBS variety program “The Carol Burnett Show.” Burnett wrote back to Phyllis – then ten years old, encouraging her to follow her dream. Phyllis took her advice.

At WRAL, she began as Promotion Coordinator, promoted to Promotion Producer, then Special Projects Producer. Now she is Director of Local Production managing commercial production and local programming.

She has been involved in a wide range of projects including WRAL’s “Save Our Sounds” campaign. Phyllis also wrote and co-produced “Troubled Rivers” a documentary that investigated toxic pollution in the Neuse River. Other community outreach projects include “For the Children” campaign resulting in the EMMY award winning special “NC’s Epidemic of Overweight Children”. The list of productions continues with “A Vision, A Voice…40 Years of Service” honoring WRAL’s 40th anniversary, “The Annual Raleigh Christmas Parade,” “NC Symphony Pops in the Park,” “Crisis in Kosovo,” “Coats for Kids,” “Smart Start for Kids,” just to name a few. Many of these projects can be viewed on this website.

One of the hallmarks of Capitol Broadcasting is its desire to serve the community. Phyllis and her team work at the core of those projects.

Mother Nature pulled out her sunniest skies for the 2016 WRAL Raleigh Christmas Parade on Saturday, November 17, 2016.  For the 43rd consecutive year, WRAL-TV broadcast the parade live to viewers around the Triangle.  WRAL-TV Director of Local Programming Phyllis Parish Howard once again head up the station’s team alongside WRAL-TV Producer Randy Mews.  Numerous […]

Charlie Gaddy, Howard Fox, Celia Hartnett and Phyllis Slocum discuss coverage the night of the 1984 primary election.

Staff includes L-R: Sonny Dowdy, Lorraine Moore, David Pate, Powell Kidd, Chuck Blake, Earl Ashe, Charles Moye, Leonard Peebles and Gene Walsh.

1. Name the weatherman or meteorologist who presented a weathercast from WRAL’s tall tower. a) Bob Caudle b) Bob Debardelaben c) Bob Knapp d) Greg Fishel 2. Name the SKY 5 pilot who appeared in a live shot wearing a Halloween mask. a) Steve Wiley b) Randy Watkins c) Mike Allen d) Frank Beall   […]

SKY5 pilot Randy Watkins helps radio station mascot out of helicopter at high school football game

Former WRAL radio disc jockey who moved to Raleighs WLLE-AM. There he became a major personality and soon moved to Detroit, where he hosted radio and television shows and worked as a Motown executive.

Clarence Williams congratulates Farrar on winning the annual 5-Star award

Several CBC personalities landed on the list of the 2024 Wake Living Readers’ Choice Awards.  Announced in the January/February issue of the publication, the list honors the best of Raleigh, Wake Forest and Knightdale in numerous categories. And the CBC honorees are: BEST LOCAL TV PERSONALITYWinner: RENEE CHOU, WRAL-TVHonorable Mention: Gerald Owens, WRAL-TV BEST RADIO […]

Television news veteran Jeff Hogan will join the WRAL Morning News team beginning January 29, 2018.  Jeff will work alongside the team of Renee Chou, Elizabeth Gardner, Brian Shrader and Lena Tillett along with long-time morning anchor Bill Leslie who is retiring in June. WRAL.com:  Bill Leslie to retire from WRAL next summer Hogan is […]

WRAL News reporter Leyla Santiago and photographer Zac Gooch travelled to Cuba to explore the changing relationship between American and the island nation. Their trip yielded an award winning documentary titled, “Inside Cuba.”

On the day “Inside Cuba” aired, Leyla talked with WRAL Morning News anchors Michelle Marsh and Renee Chou about the people she met during her trip.

October 21, 2015

LIVE@ was a unique 10 minute program that streamed “live” from a mini-studio/control room on WRAL.com. The program was hosted by Brian Shrader. Most of the guests were staff members of WRAL-TV and WRAL.COM. The program was spontaneous, unscripted craziness! Guests would offer comments on fun happenings in the local community and offer critiques on movies and other entertainment events.

WRAL News anchor Renee Chou was Brian’s guest on September 9, 2009. They noted that the date is full of nines. Renee shared her background starting with the fact that she was able to skip kindergarten and go directly to the first grade. She also talked about how she met the man who became her husband and life in Iowa.

They’re baaaaccckkk!  The Super Six arrived back in Raleigh on the evening of Tuesday, August 23, 2016, after over three weeks covering the Summer Olympics in Rio.  Thankfully WRAL-TV Anchors Debra Morgan, Renee Chou, Jeff Gravley & WRAL-TV Photojournalists Brad Simmons, Keith Baker & Ed Wilson had no flight delays and got home with all […]

Enjoy watching a compilation of newscasts featuring coverage of the 1992 NCAA Basketball Final Four and championship game. Spoiler alert! Duke University won the championship.

WRAL sent a news and sports team to cover the excitement of the event. You’ll meet the student who was the Duke Blue Devil in 1992.

Action News 5 hour long newscast that air January 7, 1985. At this time, WRAL was still an affiliate with the ABC network.

One of the main stories of the day was Jim Martin’s first full day as Governor of North Carolina. (full coverage of his inauguration on January 6 is available on this website) Other stories of the day were reported by Shelly Kofler, Sharon Nash, Connie Howard, Tim Kent, Tina Seldon, Fred Taylor, Denece Boyer, Renee McCoy and Joe Oliver. Sports with Tom Suiter. Weather with Bob Debardelaben. Editorial by Joel Lawhon.

The commercials that aired that day are included as well.

This 1987 news promo showcases the Team of Specialists. Renee McCoy handled “Call for Action.” Denise Boyer specialized in health related stories called “Medical Beat.” Tina Seldin reported on money matters called “Money Desk.” Nina Szlosberg delved deeper into stories called “In Depth” and Bill Leslie reported on human interest stories specific to North Carolina.

The lead story on WRAL News, April 7, 1990 was the resignation of NCSU Basketball coachJim Valvano. The news consumed the “A” block, or first segment of the newscast.
Valvano was a charismatic, popular coach who encouraged and inspired his players to a remarkable win of the NCAA Basketball Championship in 1983. The team was referred to as the “Cardiac Pack” due to their buzzer beater wins that advanced them to the next bracket toward the championship.
Controversy grew from accusations in a book, Personal Fouls, by Peter Golenbock. A 1989 NCAA investigation cleared Valvano. Six separate entities investigated Valvano and the NC State basketball program including the NC State Faculty Senate, the North Carolina Attorney General, the University of North Carolina Board of Governors, the NC State Board of Trustees, and the NCAA. None of them found any recruiting or financial improprieties. Under subsequent pressure from the school’s faculty and Chancellor, Valvano negotiated a settlement with NC State and resigned as basketball coach.

WRAL Noon newscast aired September 11, 2001. WRAL News anchors Bill Leslie and Renee McCoy update viewers on local reaction to the terrorist attack, including reports from Fort Bragg (Army) and Seymour Johnson AFB in Goldsboro. Other reporters include Tom Lawrence at Raleigh/Durham airport, Mark Roberts at Sacred Heart Cathedral in Raleigh, Melissa Buscher at Fort Bragg in Fayetteville, Brian Bowman at Seymour Johnson AFB in Goldsboro, and Fred Taylor in Raleigh. In Studio A,WRAL News Anchor David Crabtree interviewed four ministers representing the Catholic, Episcopal, Muslim, and Jewish faith communities.

The coverage includes coverage by CBS News with news anchor Dan Rather and CBS news correspondents.

September 11, 2001 is the day terrorists unleashed an attack on America by crashing four commercial airliners filled with passengers into locations in the eastern United States. The first two planes were deliberately flown by the terrorists, who hijacked the airplanes, into the Twin Towers in New York City. A third aircraft was deliberately crashed into the Pentagon, headquarters of the US Military, and a fourth aircraft was retaken by passengers and crashed into a field in Pennsylvania, thereby preventing the aircraft from reaching its intended target. Some have speculated that it was destined to crash into the White House.

WRAL-TV New Photographer 2 Richard Adkins had a unique vantage point for the Dreamville Festival at Dix Park on Saturday, April 2, 2022.    You might say he was in the nosebleed section, but definitely not the cheap seats. Adkins was high aloft in Sky 5, focusing his camera on the stage and the crowd, covering […]

After working on the WRAL Documentary “New Trouble on the Neuse River,” WRAL photojournalist Richard Adkins takes WRAL-TV viewers and WRAL.com visitors for a multi-day, ground-level look at North Carolina’s important waterway. “New Trouble on the Neuse River” premieres on Thursday, April 18, 2019. In the new WRAL Documentary, 30 years after bi-partisan action saved the Neuse […]

It was a sight that would have inspired Judy Garland into song.  After a long day of storm coverage, WRAL-TV News Photojournalist Richard Adkins captured the perfect positive images after the remnants of Tropical Storm Michael moved through Lumberton on Thursday evening.  His full rainbow photo, featured on the WRAL newscast, quickly went viral among […]

The last medals presented, camera bags packed, and flights home complete, the WRAL-TV team from the Winter Olympics returned to the station, full of new experiences.  WRAL-TV News Photographers Richard Adkins and Jamie Munden and WRAL-TV Anchors Kathryn Brown and David Crabtree, spent three weeks in South Korea covering the 2018 Games.  On Tuesday, March […]

The WRAL-TV “Olympians” are now back on U.S. soil but as their time in South Korea wound down last week, the crew shared some final amazing thoughts and pictures.  In the closing days of the 2018 Winter Olympics, WRAL-TV News Photojournalists Richard Adkins and Jamie Munden took some time to walk and wander and take […]

MIX-101.5 Morning Man Bill Jordan having fun with the one and only Richard Simmons at WRAL-FM.

Tar Heel Tartans!

WRAL news anchor Bill Leslie and news photographer Rick Armstrong document North Carolina native Bill Caudill’s search for his Scottish ancestral homeland. Along the way they meet an artist, visit castles, watch Bill Caudill participate in a bagpipe competition and learn about the significance of the tartan.

Enjoy this six part series produced in May, 1986 and aired prior to the annual Grandfather Mountain Highland Games and Gathering of Scottish Clans in July, 1986. You will discover that the people in Scotland have a high regard for the gathering that takes place every year near Linville, North Carolina.

Bill Caudill is Director of the Scottish Heritage Center and Instructor of the College Pipe Band at St. Andrews Presbyterian College in Laurinburg, North Carolina.

“Give Thanks for Carolina” was primarily shot and edited by WRAL news photographer Rick Armstrong and set to music composed and performed by WRAL news anchor Bill Leslie.

“The Pumpkins Strike Back” is a delightful, cheesy series of four vignettes that aired on WRAL-TV during the late night Halloween movie on October 31, 1981. During the commercial breaks, “The Pumpkins Strike Back” would air prior to the commercials, then back to the movie.

Rowell Gorman, “The Man of a Thousand Voices”, wrote the script and provided different voices to the pumpkin characters, as well as appearing in the production. Other “actors” were staff members at WRAL, many who had never acted before – and that will be apparent! The vignettes were produced by the WRAL production staff.

The parody is loosely based on several blockbuster movies including STAR WARS, PSYCHO and PATTON. But “The Pumpkins Strike Back” is in a league of its own. Enjoy!

NOTE: Single channel audio. Originally produced on 3/4 inch videotape.

WRAL sports anchor Tom Suiter coined the phrase “Jamburger” when a basketball player would stuff, or jam, the basketball into the hoop with full force. This creative 30 second promo highlighted an upcoming program featuring ACC basketball players and their teams. Rick Armstrong, WRAL news photog, played the role of “car driver’ at the fast food drive-thru. Produced in 1994.

1990 News Highlights include the following top stories: WRAL news covers the buildup of U.S. military troops prior to the combat phase of Operation Desert Storm, sometimes referred to as the first gulf war. The trial of Blanche Taylor Moore resulted in the jury finding Moore guilty of first degree murder. County residents in Richmond, Montgomery and Iredell counties protest a plan to build a hazardous waste incinerator landsite. In politics, incumbent Senator Jesse Helms defeats Harvey Gantt in the elections. Severe weather caused a dredge to ram into the Bonner Bridge, knocking out several sections, rendering it impassable and causing Hatteras Island to be cut off from the mainland. Duke University’s basketball team losses to the Running Rebels of UNLV in the NCAA Championship game held in Denver, Colorado.

Frontier CEO coming to Durham for fiber news; Capitol is first customer By RICK SMITH, WRAL TechWire Editor Frontier (Nasdaq: FTR) is rolling out its top gun – chairman CEO Maggie Wilderotter – on Thursday, October 23, 2014, for its big network expansion and upgrade in Durham on Thursday. And Capitol Broadcasting is the first customer. […]

CBC employees who were critical to the development of the company’s internet service – Interpath. Photo came at a 20th anniversary celebration in 2014.

Many of the original employees who developed Interpath – CBC’s internet service provider company founded in 1994.

Enjoy watching a compilation of newscasts featuring coverage of the 1992 NCAA Basketball Final Four and championship game. Spoiler alert! Duke University won the championship.

WRAL sent a news and sports team to cover the excitement of the event. You’ll meet the student who was the Duke Blue Devil in 1992.

PM Magazine was a weekly television program that was part local/part national. WRAL was one of many stations that participated in this story sharing cooperative made up of member stations across the country.

This particular episode aired September 29, 1987. It is one of the latter shows produced at WRAL. Susan Dahlin was the co-host along with former news reporter Rick Williams who replaced the original co-host Tom McNamara who accepted a news anchoring position in Arizona. In 1988, Rick – a native New Yorker, returned to his news roots at WPVI in Philadephia.

Vintage commercial and promos are included in this episode.

Former PM Magazine host Tom McNamara became a news anchor at KTVK in Phoenix, Arizona in the late ’80s. But he always remembered his friends back at WRAL-TV and the viewers in Raleigh. Tom sent this Christmas greeting and an update on what was happening in life in Arizona.

Tom is now retired from working in television. His last position was with KVOA in Tucson, Arizona. He anchored the evening newscast for 18 years. Tom announced his retirement in December 2014.

PM Magazine was a syndicated program with local hosts. At WRAL, the hosts were Susan Dahlin and Tom McNamara. After Tom left WRAL to pursue a career in news, Rick Williams joined the fun with Susan.
This video is a compilation of several bloopers caught on tape. The first sequence is Susan cracking up NASCAR driver Benny Parsons.

1986 was a year of celebration for PM Magazine! Susan Dahlin and co-host Tom McNamara traveled beyond North Carolina to Hawaii for fun in the sun. July 1986 also signaled a change in co-hosts when Tom became a news anchor at a station in Arizona. WRAL reporter Rick Williams was tapped to be Susan’s co-host. They traveled to Disney World in Florida where the fun continued. Enjoy the memories of PM Magazine from 1986.

Robert and Mary Bird, David Witherspoon and Fred Fletcher perform a Latin number for 1954 radio show

NBC President Robert Sarnoff cuts the ribbon at newly-constructed WRAL-TV offices and studios. WRAL President and GM Fred Fletcher looks on.

Robert Sarnoff, President of NBC network, addressed the NC Legislature during his visit to Raleigh. Sarnoff participated in the opening ceremonies/dedication of WRAL-TV.

Ron Price served at Capitol Broadcasting in several different roles. He started at WRAL on Labor Day, 1981 as Assistant News Director to Steve Grissom. Price was hired as part of the run-up to the upcoming hour long newscast that premiered June, 1982. Later Ron served as WRAL-TV News Director, Corporate Communication Director, NCNN News Manager,
and eventually became Human Resources Director at CBC.

Ron Price is a graduate of the University of Missouri School of Journalism and is now an accomplished author.

Ron was interviewed by John Harris, CBC Director of Special Projects.

Jesse Helms with President Ronald Reagan. The two were best friends and Reagan credited Senator Helms with saving his political career during his first presidential campaign. Photo from the Jesse Helms Center.

“The Pumpkins Strike Back” is a delightful, cheesy series of four vignettes that aired on WRAL-TV during the late night Halloween movie on October 31, 1981. During the commercial breaks, “The Pumpkins Strike Back” would air prior to the commercials, then back to the movie.

Rowell Gorman, “The Man of a Thousand Voices”, wrote the script and provided different voices to the pumpkin characters, as well as appearing in the production. Other “actors” were staff members at WRAL, many who had never acted before – and that will be apparent! The vignettes were produced by the WRAL production staff.

The parody is loosely based on several blockbuster movies including STAR WARS, PSYCHO and PATTON. But “The Pumpkins Strike Back” is in a league of its own. Enjoy!

NOTE: Single channel audio. Originally produced on 3/4 inch videotape.

Famous Bob Inskeep enjoying a moment with his sidekick puppet Zoot and voice actor Rowell Gormon.

Rowell Gormon created “theater of the mind” through various characters conjured up in his creative cranial recesses. In 1975, he was recruited from a radio station in Winston-Salem to WRAL-FM by Bob Inskeep, better known to listeners as “FBI,” or “Famous Bob Inskeep.” By 1986, Rowell held the position of Station Production Director and had […]

Rowell Gormon is the multi-talented, creative genius who produced award winning commercials for WRAL-FM and served as the Production Manager for many years. Rowell might be best known for creating a puppet named “Zoot” who became a side-kick for FBI – Famous Bob Inskeep, during the morning radio show that aired in the late 70s and 80s. Rowell also provided various puppet characters for The Uncle Paul Show. He acted in an episode of “Sparks” that aired in July 1988.

Rowell continues to act and provides voices for top name brand companies and is a brilliant copy writer.

Rowell is interviewed by John Harris, Corporate Director of Special Projects.

Uncle Paul was a very popular character portrayed by Paul Montgomery, an accomplish jazz pianist who was also legally blind. The video shows Uncle Paul talking with Mr. Anybody, portrayed by Rowell Gormon, about the program, “Time for Uncle Paul,” moving to a new time period. Promo produced in 1977.

WRAL-TV unveiled the super secret Super Bowl commercial with a very special surprise guest during half-time on Sunday, February 12, 2023.  Former UNC Men’s Basketball Coach Roy Williams unveiled himself as the Tar Heel mascot at the end of the spot! (Watch above.) Watch the extended version of the spot: Check out all the fun […]

Roy Williams’ story from intramural official in basketball and horseshoes (yes, horseshoes) to the Naismith Hall of Fame is truly remarkable and unique. In a new 6-part podcast featuring nearly 2-hours of conversations with 99.9FM The Fan’s Joe Giglio and Joe Ovies, various threads from Williams’ career are weaved together to highlight his particular place […]

ESPN anchor Stuart Scott poses with 2007 UNC Tar Heel basketball team and coach Roy Williams. Scott graduated from UNC and always kept close ties to the university.

Manager of the Tobacco Radio Network in 1948