• Al Dunbar

     

     

    • THRILL WEEK Climbing the WRAL Tower

      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.

    • WRAL-TV Department Heads survey new tower

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

    • Raleigh Christmas Parade preparations

      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.

  • Amanda Lamb

     

     

    • Remembering 9/11: WRAL-TV Staffers Reflect

      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
    • “Follow The Truth” Podcast Addresses New Evidence, New Questions in 8th Episode

      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
    • New Episode of Follow The Truth Podcast Released

      Another new episode of CBC/WRAL-TV’s Follow the Truth Podcast came out yesterday, Thursday, July 29, 2021.  WRAL-TV Reporter Amanda Lamb hosts this true crime podcast series, which she also exhaustively researched. In this latest episode, listeners learn more about Michael
    • WRAL News reporter Amanda Lamb Swims with Sharks (2 stories)

      WRAL News reporter Amanda Lamb dives into the shark tank to check out a sea creature that instills fear into many who love the ocean. Shark sightings off the coast of North Carolina are common. However it is the story of “Shark Bites Human” that captures the headline.

      Watch these two reports by Amanda Lamb. She talks to a victim of a shark attack and how one can minimize the possibility of being bitten by one.

      Circa: 2002

    • WRAL-TV’s Lamb Honored for Reporting on Prison Systems

      WRAL-TV Reporter Amanda Lamb often covers stories featuring the North Carolina prison system in her work at the Big 5.  Recently she received special recognition from a criminal justice organization for her work reporting in that field. The North Carolina
  • Andy Griffith

    Andy Griffith

     

  • Angelo Sanders

     

     

  • Ann Devlin

     

     

    • NCSU 1983 Basketball Team Celebration at Reynolds

      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.

    • Premiere of the hour long Action News 5 newscast at 6pm

      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.

    • Fun at the Partners Auction

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

  • Art Anderson

     

     

    • Art Lived Up To His Name

      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
    • Vanity License Plate

      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
    • CBC Logo

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

    • SKY5 gets its logo

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

  • Art Edwards

     

     

    • Art Edwards

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

  • Art Howard

     

     

    • One Day in North Carolina

      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 1990

      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 photographer Art Howard

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

  • Aubrey Moore

     

     

    • AJ Fletcher and WRAL management team

      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.

  • Avery Upchurch

     

     

  • B. Everett Jordan

     

     

    • Oscar Smith interviewing Senator Jordan

      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.

  • Ben Runkle

     

     

  • Ben Waters

     

     

    • Ben Waters

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

  • Bill Altman

     

     

    • Fort Bragg reporters on Femme Fare

      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.

  • Bill Currie

     

     

    • Bill Currie works WRAL Radio remote

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

    • WRAL sportscasting legends

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

    • Bill Currie at WRAL-TV

      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.

    • Bill Currie

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

    • WRAL-FM 20th Anniversary gathering

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

  • Bill Draper

     

     

    • WRAL news coverage of UNC basketball championship 1982

      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 coverage Action News 5 1984

      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.

  • Bill Greene

     

     

    • WRAL-TV newscast

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

  • Bill Johnston

     

     

    • WRAL-TV newscast

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

  • Bill Leslie

    Bill Leslie

     

    • Bill Leslie Revisits Troubles of Neuse River in New WRAL Documentary

      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,
    • Bill Leslie Receives Highest Civilian Honor in NC

      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
    • WRAL-TV Names New Morning Anchor, Set to Replace Retiring Bill Leslie

      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
    • FOCAL POINT Green Acres documentary 2006

      Focal Point: Green Acres looks at how development is affecting ordinary people and places across North Carolina. It examines development trends that may hold the key to managing growth in a way that protects important green spaces and it looks at how conservation groups are scrambling to protect land in the face of rapid growth and skyrocketing land prices.

      The program, hosted by WRAL News anchor Bill Leslie, aired Wednesday, August 9 2006.

    • America’s Favorite Journey: The Blue Ridge Parkway

      America’s Favorite Journey: The Blue Ridge Parkway

      The Blue Ridge Parkway is the most popular destination in our national park system, hosting about 17 million visitors a year.

      Nearly half the 469-mile route runs through North Carolina, including its highest elevations. Some of the parkway’s iconic features are in our state, including its highest peak and the Linn Cove Viaduct at Grandfather Mountain.

      Visitors to the parkway generate more than $2 billion dollars a year for mountain communities. Its biological diversity, rich history and its parks and trails make the parkway a valuable educational and recreational resource.

      Host: WRAL News anchor Bill Leslie
      Producer/writer: Clay Johnson
      Photographer/editor: Jay Jennings

      America’s Favorite Journey’ aired June 29, 2010 on WRAL-TV.

  • Bill Rogers

     

     

  • Bill Schmidt

     

     

    • WRAL anchor team early 80s

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

    • Premiere of the hour long Action News 5 newscast at 6pm

      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 Weather team in 1980s

      Bill Schmidt, Dave Eichorn, Greg Fishel and Bob DeBardelaben

  • Bob Holliday

     

     

    • Holliday: Sports Journalism Just as Important When The Cheering Stops

      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.
    • Revisiting the 2018 ACC Baseball Tourney at the DBAP

      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
    • Dreams of Gold NC Olympic Festival 1987

      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

    • WRAL presents “Attack Of The Cardiac Pack” NCSU 1983 Champs

      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!

    • 1992 NCAA Basketball Final Four tournament Compilation of WRAL Sports Coverage

      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.

  • Bob Sadler

     

     

    • Susan Dahlin wins EMMY award

      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.

    • One Day in North Carolina

      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.

    • It Happened in December Trivia Quiz

      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?
    • In Praise of Nature Ansel Adams photography documentary

      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.

    • Filming the scene

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

  • Bob Scott

     

     

  • Bob Searcy

     

     

  • Bob Vernon

     

     

  • Bozo

    Bozo

     

  • Brenda Irvin

     

     

  • Brent Musberger

     

     

    • CBS Sports Anchor Brent Musburger subs for WRAL’s Tom Suiter

      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.

  • Brian Orzel

     

     

  • Brian Shrader

     

     

    • WRAL-TV Keeps Viewers Informed with New Traffic System

      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
    • WRAL-TV Names New Morning Anchor, Set to Replace Retiring Bill Leslie

      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
    • WRAL Reporters Trade Industry Tips With 5th Grade News Anchors

      Students at Walnut Creek Elementary School in Raleigh received a surprise recently when reporter Brian Shrader and meteorologist Elizabeth Gardner showed up on campus to help them with their newscast. Every day around 9 a.m., the Wake County youngsters deliver
    • LIVE@ with host Brian Shrader and guest Monica Laliberte 5 On Your Side

      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.

    • LIVE@ with host Brian Shrader and guest WRAL Chief Meteorologist Greg Fishel

      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 September 16, 2009 the guest was WRAL Chief meteorologist Greg Fishel. The date marked the 10th anniversary of the landfall of Hurricane Floyd which devasted eastern North Carolina.

  • Bruce Mulder

     

     

    • MIX 101.5 team in 1989

      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.

  • Bruce Wittman

     

     

    • News Coverage of NC Friendship Force Trip to USSR, 1982. Part 8. Soviet Wages

      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.

    • News Coverage of NC Friendship Force Trip to USSR, 1982. Part 7. Home Visits

      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.

    • News Coverage of NC Friendship Force Trip to USSR, 1982. Part 6. Housing Conditions

      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.

    • News Coverage of NC Friendship Force Trip to Russia 1982. Part 5 Consumer Goods

      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.

    • News Coverage of NC Friendship Force Trip to USSR, 1982. Part 4 Churches

      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.

  • Bryan Glazer

     

     

    • Hurricane Diana coverage Action News 5 1984

      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.

  • Carol Sbarge

     

     

    • WRAL Morning Newscast coverage of tornado damage Nov 28, 1988

      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 News satellite truck LIVESTAR 5

      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.

    • News Highlights of 1990

      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.

    • The Crack Invasion

      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

      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.

  • Celia Hartnett

     

     

    • WRAL Control Room 1982

      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.

    • WRAL-TV News team at work covering 1984 primary

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

  • Charles Moye

     

     

  • Charlie Bratten

     

     

    • Interpath launch team

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

    • Interpath launch team celebrates

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

  • Chipper Jones

     

     

    • Chipper Jones

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

  • Chris Mondragon

     

     

    • WRAL Health Team in 1995

      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.

  • Chris Thompson

     

     

  • Chuck Blake

     

     

  • Cindy Sink

     

     

    • “The Pumpkins Strike Back” vignettes

      “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 WRAL Director of Promotion

      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.

    • WRAL.com launch celebration

      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.

    • Staff at work at Partners Auction

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

  • Clarence Williams

     

     

    • A Look Back at CBC’s Nazareth Neighbors

      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 Pumpkins Strike Back” vignettes

      “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-TV’s Smith and Williams Meet the Sir Walters of Combs Elementary

      “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
    • NABJ Honors WRAL-TV Retiree Clarence Williams with Achievers Award

      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,
    • Memorial Dedication for WRAL Radio and Triangle Legend Raymond “Dr. Jocko” Henderson

      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
  • Clay Aiken

     

     

    • 59th Annual Raleigh Christmas Parade 2003

      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.

    • American Idol finalist Clay Aiken appears on WRAL Morning News

      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.

    • AMERICAN IDOL finalist Clay Aiken rides in SKY 5

      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.

    • Clay Aiken arrives at DBAP

      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.

  • Clifford Kurtz

     

     

    • It Happened in December Trivia Quiz

      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?
    • Goodbye Mr. Kurtz

      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.

  • Connie Knox

     

     

  • Connie Lane

     

     

    • Action News 5 promo Image promo 1982

      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 Control Room 1982

      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.

  • Crash Davis

     

     

    • Crash Davis

      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.

  • Crystal Gathers

     

     

  • Cullen Browder

     

     

    • WRAL reporter Ken Smith reports on Hurricane Irma damage in St Thomas

      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.

    • WRAL Focal Point State of Minds

      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@ with host Brian Shrader and guest WRAL News reporter Cullen Browder

      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.”

    • FOX 50 Newscast Sept 12 2001

      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 Wilkinson

     

     

  • Dave Eichorn

     

     

    • WRAL Morning Newscast coverage of tornado damage Nov 28, 1988

      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 Weather team in 1980s

      Bill Schmidt, Dave Eichorn, Greg Fishel and Bob DeBardelaben

  • Dave Waters

     

     

    • Dave Waters in truck driving school

      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.

  • David Crabtree

     

     

  • David Crockett

     

     

    • Crockett and Caudle

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

  • David Gill

     

     

    • Staffers in news studio

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

  • David Guth

     

     

  • David Harbert

     

     

  • David Letterman

     

     

    • David Letterman promo LOVE SONGS

      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 Late Show promo

      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.

    • David Letterman promo

      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.

    • David Letterman promo YOUR TV FRIEND

      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 promo talking about his lousy hair

      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.

  • David Pate

     

     

  • David Witherspoon

     

     

    • Elon College Honors Mr. A.J. Fletcher 1987

      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 First HD Newscast at State Fair

      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.

    • Tuning in with Fletcher

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

    • The Grass Roots Opera

      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.

    • Fun and games with Fred Fletcher

      Fred Fletcher and David Witherspoon having fun with band fundraising letter

  • David Wood

     

     

    • MIX 101.5 team in 1989

      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.

  • Dean Smith

     

     

    • No Joy in Mudville documentary

      “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.

    • UNC vs DUKE 1981

      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

      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 The Place to Be promo SPORTS

      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.

  • Debra Morgan

     

     

    • NCAB Honors WRAL-TV for Coverage of 2020 Riots

      “This type of coverage is what we take pride in here at WRAL…serving our community with the resources, dedication, and passion a story like this deserves.” –WRAL-TV Anchor Debra Morgan The North Carolina Broadcasters Association recognized WRAL-TV with one of the organization’s
    • WRAL-TV’s Morgan, Gardner Make 2020 Maggy Awards List

      Cary Magazine recently released the list of 2020 Maggy Award winners, and two WRAL-TV mainstays made the list. WRAL-TV Anchor/Reporter Debra Morgan and WRAL-TV Meteorologist Elizabeth Gardner both received an Honorable Mention in the “Best Local TV Personality” category. Nearly
    • New Anchor for WRAL-TV: Brad Johansen Joins Team in April 2018

      WRAL-TV welcomes Brad Johansen to the WRAL news team, beginning in April of 2018.  Johansen will anchor a variety of newscasts alongside the current WRAL news team of Debra Morgan, Gerald Owens, Kathryn Brown and David Crabtree, who is set
    • WRAL-TV Tower Now Aglow for Holidays

      WRAL-TV’s tower became a beacon for the holidays as is annual tradition on Thursday, December 1, 2016.  The first day of December always marks the WRAL Tower Lighting.  WRAL-TV Anchors Debra Morgan & David Crabtree hosted the event alongside WRAL-TV
    • Golden Years 2015 Holiday Celebration

      The Golden Years 2015 Holiday Celebration was hosted by WRAL News anchors Debra Morgan, Gerald Owens, and Brian Shrader. Santa Claus makes a special guest appearance.

      Entertainment performances by The Capital Ambassadors, Rozlyn Sorrell, The Gospel Sensations, The Oakwood Waits, and the Casablanca Orchestra. Ballroom dancing performed by Dancing Carolina Ballroom of Cary.

      Every December, Capitol Broadcasting Company sponsors the Golden Years Holiday Celebration luncheon for the members of the Golden Years Association of the Raleigh (NC) Parks and Recreation Department. Held at the Raleigh Convention and Conference Center in the city’s downtown, the celebration attracts over 1,000 senior citizens each year.

      The celebration started in 1958 under the leadership of CBC Corporate Secretary Scottie Stephenson. She continued to be the driving force behind the event every year until her death in 2002. She saw the event grow in attendance from 50 to 1,500 in her over four decades as coordinator. Fred Fletcher, the first General Manager at WRAL-TV, had an active role in the celebration as well.

      The event includes a variety of musical entertainment and ends with the attendees pushing back their chairs and taking a turn on the dance floor. WRAL-TV news anchors host the program which began as a luncheon and converted to become a breakfast and morning event in 2005.

      A portion of the annual event is televised on WRAL-TV on Christmas Day.The Golden Years Association of the Raleigh Parks and Recreation Department sponsors 48 Gold Years Clubs for senior adults aged 55 and older throughout the city. Clubs meet throughout the year and enjoy activities such as hiking, bowling, workshops, trips and a myriad of other activities and special events.

  • Denece Boyer

     

     

    • WRAL anchor team early 80s

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

    • Action News 5 6:00 PM Newscast January 7, 1985

      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.

    • Action News 5 promo Image promo 1982

      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.

    • Action News 5 TEAM OF SPECIALISTS promo

      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.

    • Premiere of the hour long Action News 5 newscast at 6pm

      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.

  • Dick Ellis

     

     

  • Dix Harper

     

     

  • DJ Kazmierczak

     

     

    • Stuart Scott at ESPN

      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.

    • Football Friday in action

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

    • Football Friday in progress

      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

     

     

    • WRAL News reporter Don Griffin promo 1978

      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!

  • Don Ingram

  • Don Kobos

     

     

    • WRAL News reporter Don Kobos promo about pollution 1979

      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.

  • Dona Anderson

     

     

  • Donald Wayne Adams

     

     

    • Capn 5 contest winner

      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.

  • Donna Jones

     

     

  • Dorothy Collins

     

     

    • WRAL-TV groundbreaking celebration with NBC star Dorothy Collins

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

    • WRAL 60th Groundbreaking Retrospective by The Tar Heel Traveler

      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.

  • Dr. Alicia Underwoord

     

     

    • WRAL Health Team in 1995

      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. Allen Mask

     

     

    • Health Team Dr. Allen Mask

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

    • Doctors On Call

      “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 First HD Newscast at State Fair

      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 Health Team in 1995

      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 14th Anniversary Program

      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.

  • Drew Griffin

     

     

    • WRAL Morning Newscast coverage of tornado damage Nov 28, 1988

      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.

    • NCSU Basketball coach Jim Valvano resigns

      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.

    • The Crack Invasion

      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)

  • Duane Pohlman

     

     

    • News Highlights of 1991

      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.

  • Dwight Robinson

     

     

  • Earl Ashe

     

     

    • Earl Ashe first director at WRAL

      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.

    • WRAL staff with first color remote production truck

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

  • Earll Thompson

     

     

    • WRAL-TV film chain

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

  • Ed Hubbard

     

     

  • Elizabeth Gardner

     

     

    • WRAL-TV’s Elizabeth Gardner Talks Snow with “Our State” Magazine

      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
    • WRAL-TV’s Morgan, Gardner Make 2020 Maggy Awards List

      Cary Magazine recently released the list of 2020 Maggy Award winners, and two WRAL-TV mainstays made the list. WRAL-TV Anchor/Reporter Debra Morgan and WRAL-TV Meteorologist Elizabeth Gardner both received an Honorable Mention in the “Best Local TV Personality” category. Nearly
    • WRAL Announces Weather Team Line-up

      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
    • WRAL-TV Names New Morning Anchor, Set to Replace Retiring Bill Leslie

      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
    • WRAL Reporters Trade Industry Tips With 5th Grade News Anchors

      Students at Walnut Creek Elementary School in Raleigh received a surprise recently when reporter Brian Shrader and meteorologist Elizabeth Gardner showed up on campus to help them with their newscast. Every day around 9 a.m., the Wake County youngsters deliver
  • Floyd Fletcher

     

     

  • Franc White

     

     

    • The Southern Sportsman with Franc White

      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 THE SOUTHERN SPORTSMAN Commentary 44

      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 THE SOUTHERN SPORTSMAN Commentary 43

      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 THE SOUTHERN SPORTSMAN Commentary 42

      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 THE SOUTHERN SPORTSMAN Commentary 41

      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)

  • Frank Beall

     

     

    • Halloween with SKY 5 pilot 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.

    • Helicopter rotation explained by SKY 5 pilot Frank Beall and Reporter Joe Oliver

      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)

    • Water skiing as seen from SKY 5

      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.

    • Sports Feature on Hang Gliding

      Autumn in the North Carolina mountains provides spectacular scenery from the ground and the air. WRAL Sports Reporter/Photographer Jay Jennings and SKY 5 pilot Frank Beall give you a bird’s eye view of what it is like to hang glide around Grandfather’s Mountain. Produced October 21, 1985.

    • SKY 5 The Place to Be promo

      SKY 5 and pilot Frank Beall are featured in this image promo using WRAL’s slogan “The Place to Be.” Frank flew SKY 5 from 1984 – 1987.

  • Fred Barber

     

     

    • Fred Barber Senior VP of Broadcasting at CBC

      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.

    • WRAZ 50 Goes On The Air

      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.

    • Clearing the Air… WRAL, Cable, and You

      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)

    • The Healing Place

      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.

  • Fred Taylor

     

     

    • Action News 5 6:00 PM Newscast January 7, 1985

      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.

    • Action News 5 promo Image promo 1982

      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.

    • That’s “Bubba” in the Middle. WRAL News Anchor 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
    • WRAL Action News 5 newscast Dec 12 1978

      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 coverage Action News 5 1984

      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.

  • G.L. Edmond

     

     

  • Gene Reopelle

     

     

  • Gene Walsh

     

     

  • George Habel

     

     

    • Remembering a Capitol Sports Network Connection

      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
    • Throwback Thursday: CBC VP Looks Back to Former Connection with the Braves

      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
    • Miracle League of the Triangle Field Continues to Take Shape

      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
    • Bull City Strong Day

      The Bulls honored those who stepped up to help with the recent gas explosion in Durham.CBC Vice President of Special Projects George Habel wrote about the Bull City Strong Day celebrated at the Durham Bulls on the first day of
    • Ready, Set, Miracle! Construction Set To Begin on Durham Bulls Miracle League Field

      A Photo Story Corp Vice President of Special Projects George Habel reports that construction is about to begin on a special project near the home of the Durham Bulls.  Both Capitol Broadcasting and the Durham Bulls pitched in with a
  • George Spence

     

     

  • Gerald Owens

     

     

    • WRAL News Announces New Anchor Teams

      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
    • Rocky Mount Mills Lights Water Tower for Holidays for First Time

      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
    • New Anchor for WRAL-TV: Brad Johansen Joins Team in April 2018

      WRAL-TV welcomes Brad Johansen to the WRAL news team, beginning in April of 2018.  Johansen will anchor a variety of newscasts alongside the current WRAL news team of Debra Morgan, Gerald Owens, Kathryn Brown and David Crabtree, who is set
    • Black and Blue documentary and forum

      The ambush-style killings of five Dallas police officers on July 7, 2016 ignited a conversation at WRAL-TV about how the station could respond, as tensions increased between police and the African-American community nationwide. After conversations with local leaders, WRAL began work on a documentary focused on shootings of black men in North Carolina, and the relationship between police departments and African American communities in Raleigh, Durham, and Fayetteville, NC.

      WRAL Documentary: Black & BlueThe WRAL Documentary, “Black and Blue,” was the first part of a two-hour community conversation on TV, web and social media. The documentary was simulcast on Capitol Broadcasting’s television stations and OTT channels. The exclusive online forum that followed, “Beyond Black and Blue,” was a critical conversation with law enforcement, faith leaders, and members of the black community. “Beyond Black and Blue” was live-streamed immediately following the premiere of the documentary and supported by additional station-produced online content.

      The National Association of Broadcasters Education Foundation (NABEF) honored Capitol Broadcasting Company with the coveted Service to Community Award at its annual Celebration of Service to America gala in Washington, DC on June 20, 2017.

      Documentary hosted by WRAL News anchor Gerald Owens.
      Forum discussion moderated by Tru Pettigrew.
      Aired December, 2016.

    • “Tar Heel Titans” profiles top global companies based in Raleigh and Cary

      “Tar Heel Titans” looks at three companies based in Raleigh and Cary, North Carolina known for leading edge technology and business culture. Cree’s innovations is in LED lighting, Red Hat’s role in the world of open source software, and SAS’s leadership in the development of analytical software for businesses and government applications. The documentary also looks at what the success of these three companies means for our state’s economic future.

      The documentary aired March 3, 2011.

      Host: WRAL news anchor Gerald Owens
      Producer: Clay Johnson
      Photographer/Editor: Jay Jennings.

  • Gilbert Baez

     

     

    • WRAL-TV, Baez Honored by Salvation Army for Hurricane Matthew Coverage

      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
    • WRAL News bureau in Fayetteville with Gilbert Baez Promo 1992

      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

      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.

  • Giles Lambertson

     

     

  • Governor Jim Hunt

     

     

    • 400th Anniversary Voyage from England to NC Action News 5 Newscast

      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 coverage Action News 5 1984

      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.

    • Plymouth Celebrates the Roanoke 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.

  • Greg Fishel

     

     

    • WRAL-TV’s Fishel Comes Out Tops on Indy’s Best of Triangle 2018

      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
    • Fun on PM Magazine BLOOPERS

      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.

    • Tar River United Way Launches Sunday Supper at Rocky Mount Mills

      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
    • Exploring Climate Change documentary

      “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.

    • LIVE@ with host Brian Shrader and guest WRAL Chief Meteorologist Greg Fishel

      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 September 16, 2009 the guest was WRAL Chief meteorologist Greg Fishel. The date marked the 10th anniversary of the landfall of Hurricane Floyd which devasted eastern North Carolina.

  • Harmon Duncan

     

     

  • Harold Williams

     

     

  • Harry Raynor

     

     

  • Harry Smith

     

     

    • NBC joins WRAL February 29, 2016

      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.

    • CBS This Morning visits WRAL

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

  • Henry Brown

     

     

    • JD Lewis presenting award

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

  • Homer Briarhopper

     

     

  • Howard Fox

     

     

  • Irving Fuller

     

     

  • Ivan Ingram

     

     

    • Action News 5 promo Image promo 1982

      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.

    • Pops in the Park crew in action

      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.

  • Jack Edwards

     

     

  • Jack Stokes

     

     

    • Dateline News in progress

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

  • James Ford

     

     

    • WRAL First HD Newscast at State Fair

      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.

    • First LIVE HD Newscast from State Fair October 13 2000 (Short Version)

      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

      “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

    • Camera operators during WRAL-TV news

      Angelo Sanders and James Ford operate studio cameras

  • Jami Elizondo

     

     

    • MIX 101.5 team in 1989

      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-TV Action News team in 1986

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

  • Jason Priebe

     

     

    • WRAL.com launch celebration

      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.

  • Jay Jennings

     

     

    • WRAL-TV’s Jennings and Jennings Showdown on Fun Football Friday Recap

      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
    • The Making of Take Me Out to the Bulls Game 4K

      “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.

    • Dreams of Gold NC Olympic Festival 1987

      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 documentary about NC wine industry

      “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.

    • Last UNC Men’s Basketball Game in Carmichael Auditorium

      The last UNC Men’s Basketball game in Carmichael. UNC vs NCSU. January 6, 1985.

      Carmichael was known as one of the loudest arenas in the country while the Tar Heel men played there. The architecture of the building had a low roof and a student section that ringed the court.

      UNC Men’s Basketball coach Dean Smith led North Carolina to its arena-opening 82-68 victory over William & Mary in 1965. UNC player, Bob Lewis, made the first shot in Carmichael.

      On January 6, 1986 North Carolina Coach Dean Smith led his Tar Heels to finish its 20-year stay in Carmichael Auditorium the way it started – with a victory. The No. 1 and undefeated Tar Heels defeated rival North Carolina State 90-79. A few weeks later, January 19, the Tar Heels started playing in the Dean Smith Center, AKA “The Dean Dome.” That first game was against Duke.

      The Tar Heels record Carmichael Auditorium, AKA “Blue Heaven” was 169-20.

      Who made the final basket at Carmichael? *Spoiler Alert*
      NCSU basketball coach Jim Valvano made a lay-up basket after the game. He claimed bragging rights to be the last one to make a basket in Carmichael.

  • Jay Joiner

     

     

  • Jean Dietze

     

     

    • Done deal – WRAL-TV becomes the NBC station

      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 signs up new affiliate WRAL-TV

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

  • Jeff Gravley

     

     

    • WRAL Sports Power Duo Jeff Gravley and Steve Logan Debut “FOX 50 Sports Night” Thursday

      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
    • Event Marks 10 Years, $5 Million for Kay Yow Cancer Fund

      Capitol Broadcasting Company serves as Media Sponsor for the 10th Anniversary Celebration of the Kay Yow Cancer Fund, and WRAL-TV Sports Anchor Jeff Gravley, a big supporter of the event, serves as emcee. The Kay Yow Cancer Fund, formed long
    • 1992 NCAA Basketball Final Four tournament Compilation of WRAL Sports Coverage

      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.

    • WRAL Sports 1st Extra Effort Award recipient HOWARD WATSON

      WRAL Sports anchor Tom Suiter delivered the first “Extra Effort” award to Howard Watson in September, 1981. He played defensive end for the Cougars at Apex High School.

      Little did we know in 1981, there was more than one connection Watson had with WRAL. Fast forward 34 years to 2015 when Jeff Gravley, now WRAL Sports Director/anchor, caught up with Watson at his old high school.

      Gravley played high school football at the same time as Watson. He was a quarterback at Webb High School and played against Apex High School. Watson admits he probably tackled Gravley back in the day.

      Watch and listen to what Howard Watson did after high school and what he is doing now.

      This story aired in November, 2015.

    • JamBurger ACC Basketball Preview December 1992

      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.

  • Jenny Brickell

     

     

    • Romper Room in 1960s

      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.

  • Jim Graham

     

     

    • “Back-in-the-Day” Photos

      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
    • Ray Wilkinson spits with the best of them

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

    • WRAL First HD Newscast at State Fair

      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 NC Commissioner of Agriculture swallows tobacco

      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.

  • Jim Griffin

     

     

    • WRAL First HD Newscast at State Fair

      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-TV Department Heads survey new tower

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

  • Jim Hefner

     

     

  • Jim Payne

     

     

    • WRAL 49th Raleigh Christmas Parade 1993

      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

    • Into These Hills documentary about the hunt for Eric Rudolph

      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

    • 1999 Special Olympics World Games Opening Ceremonies

      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 First HD Newscast at State Fair

      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.

    • Farewell promo for WRAL News anchor Jim Payne

      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.

  • Jim Valvano

     

     

    • Dreams of Gold NC Olympic Festival 1987

      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

    • WRAL presents “Attack Of The Cardiac Pack” NCSU 1983 Champs

      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!

    • NCSU 1983 Basketball Team Celebration at Reynolds

      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.

    • 1983 NC State NCAA Basketball Champs talk to Pres Reagan via WRAL

      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.

    • The Jim Valvano Show blooper

      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.

  • Jimmy King

     

     

    • Tower crew working in the clouds

      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.

  • Jimmy Morriss

     

     

    • Coach John Wooden and Reverend Jimmy Morriss

      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.

    • Jimmy Morriss on WRAL-AM

      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.

    • 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.

    • Giving Thanks Always with Jimmy Morriss

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

  • Jo Ann Federspiel

     

     

    • Romper Room

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

    • Romper Room on WRAL-TV

      Children learning from Romper Room teacher Jo Ann Federspiel

    • Romper Room

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

  • JoAnn Federspeil

     

     

  • Joe Louis

     

     

    • Joe Louis and Nick Pond

      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.

  • Joe Morgan

     

     

    • Joe Morgan and teammate

      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.

  • Joe Murnick

     

     

    • Joe Murnick

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

  • Joe Oliver

     

     

    • Action News 5 6:00 PM Newscast January 7, 1985

      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.

    • WRAL News satellite truck LIVESTAR 5

      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.

    • Helicopter rotation explained by SKY 5 pilot Frank Beall and Reporter Joe Oliver

      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)

  • Joe Vetter

     

     

  • Joel Lawhon

     

     

    • Action News 5 6:00 PM Newscast January 7, 1985

      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.

    • Joel Lawhon

      Former WRAL-TV news anchorman in April 1965 staff photo

    • Premiere of the hour long Action News 5 newscast at 6pm

      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 Editorial

      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.

    • Primary 76 with Joel Lawhon

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

  • John Benton

     

     

    • Tower crew working in the clouds

      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.

  • John Conway

     

     

    • Chris Weatherly Promoted to General Manager of WRAL Digital Solutions

      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
    • John Conway Promoted to Vice President of Newly Branded WRAL Digital at Capitol Broadcasting

      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
    • John Conway General Manager CBC New Media

      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.

    • WRAL.com launch celebration

      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.

  • John Glenn

     

     

    • LiveStar 5 at Cape Canaveral

      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.

  • John Harris

     

     

    • Action News 5 funnies with news anchor John Hudson

      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.

    • “I hope this station goes on forever and ever.”

      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
    • First LIVE HD Newscast from State Fair October 13 2000 (Short Version)

      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.

    • WRAL.com launch celebration

      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 Action News team in 1986

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

  • John Hudson

     

     

    • SKY 5 Directs Boy Scout River Rescue

      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.

    • 400th Anniversary Voyage from England to NC Action News 5 Newscast

      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.

    • That’s “Bubba” in the Middle. WRAL News Anchor 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
    • WRAL Morning Newscast coverage of tornado damage Nov 28, 1988

      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 First HD Newscast at State Fair

      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.

  • John Pronk

     

     

    • Tar Heel Traveler Skip Cilley intros the new THT John Pronk

      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.

  • John Whitehead

     

     

    • WRAL.com launch celebration

      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.

  • john Wooden

     

     

    • Coach John Wooden and Reverend Jimmy Morriss

      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.

  • Joshua Lozoff

     

     

    • Cast of Sparks

      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.

    • Former Sparks cast member entertains FOX 50 staff

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

  • Kathleen Sullivan

     

     

    • CBS This Morning visits WRAL

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

  • Kathy Walston

     

     

    • MIX 101.5 team in 1989

      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

     

     

    • Radio remote

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

  • Keith Baker

     

     

    • Behind the Solar Eclipse: Being Camera-Ready for the Big Event

      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
    • Intracoastal Waterway, A “Ribbon of Dreams”

      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
    • WRAL news coverage of Haiti Earthquake 2010

      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.

    • Crossing the Finish Line in Rio: WRAL-TV Team Closes Olympic Journey

      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
    • And the Hits Keep Coming: More Olympic Interviews and Venues from the WRAL-TV in Rio

      The Super Six in Rio are delivering a staggering number of stories, interviews and inside looks at the Summer Olympics to Triangle viewers.  WRAL-TV’s very own Renee Chou, Debra Morgan, Jeff Gravley, Ed Wilson, Keith Baker and Brad Simmons have
  • Keith Harrison

     

     

    • MIX-101.5 remote truck

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

    • WRAL-FM Rockin’ Down the Highway

      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
  • Kelcey Carlson

     

     

    • Stories of Honor documentary

      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

    • NHL Carolina Hurricanes Stanley Cup Victory Parade

      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

      “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

  • Ken Smith

     

     

  • Ken Tanner

     

     

    • CBC Farm Team

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

    • Ken Tanner Tobacco Radio Network and Durham Bulls Baseball

      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.

    • Tobacco Network promotional ad

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

    • Tanner and Seldin at NC State Fair

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

    • Durham Bulls vs Winston Salem Spirit

      WRAL Sports Anchor Tom Suiter and Farm Reporter Ken Tanner call the game between the Durham Bulls and Winston Salem Spirit at the Durham ballpark in the early 80s. The video picks up the action in the 4th inning and continues to the 7th inning. You will also see Tom McNamara, Susan Dahlin, and Sharon Nash sharing things of interest happening at the ballpark and around Durham. Note: you will hear a radio broadcast of the NASCAR race in Talledega playing in the background.

  • Kent Faulcon

     

     

    • Cast of Sparks

      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.

  • Kevin Duffus

     

     

    • “The Pumpkins Strike Back” vignettes

      “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.

    • Project Tanzania compilation

      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.”

    • Charlie Gaddy prepares for report from England

      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.

    • Plymouth Celebrates the Roanoke 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 The First Holly Day

      “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.

  • Kevin Martin

     

     

  • Kevin Shand

     

     

    • Almost Four Decades of Producing: WRAL-TV’s Kevin Shand Retires

      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
    • WRAL-TV’s Brain Game Reveals New Set

      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,
    • Kevin Shand WRAL-TV producer

      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.

  • Kim Brickell

     

     

    • Romper Room in 1960s

      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.

  • Larraine Moore

     

     

  • Larry Stogner

     

     

    • Bowles vs Dole Debate

      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.

  • Laura Leslie

     

     

    • WRAL Political Reporters Make Washington Post List to Follow

      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
    • TheWrap@NCCapitol: Politics, Punditry and Witty Repartee Now in Podcast Form

      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
    • UNC President William Friday interviewed by WRAL News reporter Laura Leslie

      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.

  • Leah Chauncey

     

     

    • INTERPATH

      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 WRAL-TV Director of Business Affairs

      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.

    • WRAL-TV Department Heads survey new tower

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

    • Interpath launch team celebrates

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

    • WRAL-TV Action News team in 1986

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

  • Lee Poole

     

     

  • Leesa Moore

     

     

  • Leila Tvedt

     

     

    • WRAL Action News 5 newscast Dec 12 1978

      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 news reporter promo from 1978

      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

  • Leonard Peeples

     

     

  • Les Boney

     

     

    • WRAL TV Tall Tower Collapse 1989

      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

      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.

  • Leslie Boney

     

     

    • News Highlights of 1990

      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.

    • The Crack Invasion

      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)

  • Leyla Santiago

     

     

    • WRAL News reporter Leyla Santiago talks about Cuba

      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

    • Inside Cuba

      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

    • The Journey Alone

      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.

    • Farm Bureau Honors Santiago and Gooch for WRAL Doc “Inside Cuba”

      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
  • Lori Rentsch

     

     

    • MIX 101.5 team in 1989

      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.

  • Lynda Loveland

     

     

    • FOX 50 Newscast Sept 12 2001

      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.

    • WRAL News Anchor Lynda Loveland Moves From Morning to Evening

      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.
    • WRAL Morning News Anchors 2004 Christmas greeting

      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.

    • WRAL FM Star

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

    • WRAL FM Grandma and the Raindeer

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

  • Lynn Hoggard

     

     

    • WRAL Health Team in 1995

      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.

  • Malinda Adams

     

     

    • WRAL Health Team in 1995

      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

     

     

  • Margaret Thatcher

     

     

    • Senator Jesse Helms and Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher at Helms Center 2001

      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!

  • Mark Copeland

     

     

    • One Day in North Carolina

      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

      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.

  • Mark Kath

     

     

    • Cast of Sparks

      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.

  • Mark Miller

     

     

    • Cast of Sparks

      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.

  • Mark Roberts

     

     

    • Behind the Scenes with WRAL-TV’s “Brain Game”: New Season Begins with Taping

      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
    • BRAIN GAME Nov 15 2003

      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.”

    • WRAL.com program LIVE@ with host Brian Shrader and guests Bill Leslie and Mark Roberts

      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!

    • CRISIS in KOSOVO NC Reaches OUt

      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.

    • 59th Annual Raleigh Christmas Parade 2003

      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.

  • Marlene Carole

     

     

    • WRAL 60th Anniversary “The Early Years” by The Tar Heel Traveler

      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 – First female weathercaster at WRAL-TV

      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.

  • Marty Callaghan

     

     

    • MIX 101.5 team in 1989

      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.

  • Mary Bird

     

     

    • Tuning in with Fletcher

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

  • Mary Cates Gravley

     

     

    • WRAL Health Team in 1995

      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.

  • Mayor Bill Saffo

     

     

  • Meredith Nicholson

     

     

    • Cast of Sparks

      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.

  • Michael Copps

     

     

  • Michelle Singer

     

     

    • WRAL.com launch celebration

      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.

  • Mike Allen

     

     

    • SKY 5 Directs Boy Scout River Rescue

      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 LIVE interview with NC Army National Guard pilot

      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.

    • SKY 5 flies over NC mountains 1983

      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 SKY 5 pilot

      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.

    • Money Desk with Tim Smith featuring Ultralights Parts 1 and 2

      WRAL News reporter Tim Smith was the “Money Desk” expert. On a daily basis Tim provided viewers with money and time saving tips, cautionary advice, and in this case – an affordable way to fly. Bill Pleasants sold recreational ultra-lights. The aircraft did not require a pilot’s license and was quite affordable. Tim Smith convinced SKY 5 pilot Mike Allen to fly the ultralight. This two part report gives you an idea whether or not to consider an ultralight in your future. (Circa November 1982) Tim Smith is now retired from American Airlines where he served as their spokesman.

  • Mike Hight

     

     

  • Mike Krzyzewski

     

     

    • WRAL FM anchors with Coach K at Duke fundraiser

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

    • UNC vs DUKE 1981

      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.

    • Coach K Featured in Third ‘Fan Town Hall’

      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
    • News Highlights of 1991

      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.

    • Bill Jordan and Coach K

      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.

  • Mike Maze

     

     

    • WRAL Announces Weather Team Line-up

      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
    • American Idol finalist Clay Aiken appears on WRAL Morning News

      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.

    • Christmas greeting from Greg Fishel and Mike Maze

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

    • WeatherCenter Hurricane Dennis coverage promo Aug 1999

      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.

    • The Amazing Mike Maze weather promo

      “The Amazing Mike”…as in Mike Maze, meteorologist. The promo was produced in January, 2000 highlighting his knowledge in the field of meteorology and a little play on words with his last name, Maze…amazing. Mike was assigned to the morning newscast at that time.

  • Mike Modrick

     

     

    • Action News 5 promo Image promo 1982

      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.

    • Premiere of the hour long Action News 5 newscast at 6pm

      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.

  • Mike Moss

     

     

  • Mike Upchurch

     

     

  • Mike Urben

     

     

    • MIX 101.5 team in 1989

      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.

  • Mildred Bradley

     

     

    • Uncle Paul publicity card

      Publicity flyer for Uncle Paul

    • Editorial by J.D. Lewis Veteran’s Moving Wall

      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

     

     

    • WRAL News Announces Changes for Award-Winning “5 On Your Side” team

      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
    • Grape Expectations documentary about NC wine industry

      “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@ with host Brian Shrader and guest Monica Laliberte 5 On Your Side

      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.

    • Monica Laliberte 5 On Your Side promo May 2002

      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

     

     

    • First Dialing for Dollars winner

      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.

  • Nancy Gaddy

  • Nancy Lyons

     

     

  • Ned Attayek

     

     

    • Tack

      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
    • Tack Attayek WRAL-FM

      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 101.5 team in 1989

      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.

  • Ned "Tack" Attayek

     

     

    • Tack Attayek WRAL-FM

      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.

    • Tack at the board

      Ned Tack Attayek hosts music show on MIX 101.5.

    • WRAL-FM gang on Christmas parade float

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

  • Nelson Royal

     

     

    • Nick Pond interviews wrestlers

      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.

  • Nick Pond

     

     

    • CRIBBAGE

      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.

    • The Jim Valvano Show blooper

      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.

    • Nick Pond promotion

      Promotion card for WRAL-TV sportscaster Nick Pond.

    • Nick Pond interviews wrestlers

      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.

    • Joe Louis and Nick Pond

      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.

  • Nina Szlosberg

     

     

    • Action News 5 TEAM OF SPECIALISTS promo

      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 coverage Action News 5 1984

      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.

    • Every Fourth Child documentary

      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.

    • Every 4th Child, Two Years Later

      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 News coverage of C 130 military cargo plane crash at Pope AFB

      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.

  • O.B. Garris

     

     

    • The Houston Fearless 16mm film processor

      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.

  • Oscar Cochran

     

     

    • Capn 5 and shipmate

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

  • Oscar Smith

     

     

  • Otis Byrd

     

     

    • Reverend Otis Byrd

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

  • P.B. Jernigan

     

     

    • WRAL engineer PB Jernigan

      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-TV engineering and operations staff with Unit 0

      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.

  • Pam Parris

     

     

    • “The Pumpkins Strike Back” vignettes

      “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.

    • Action News 5 promo Image promo 1982

      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.

    • Premiere of the hour long Action News 5 newscast at 6pm

      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 Control Room 1982

      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.

    • Inauguration of NC Governor Jim Martin

      “Passing the Torch” The Inauguration of North Carolina Governor Jim Martin on January 5, 1985. WRAL-TV produced the live coverage of the inauguration for the North Carolina Association of Broadcasters and was carried by television stations across the state. WRAL-TV Station Manager Neil Kuvin served as Executive Producer. Directed and produced by WRAL-TV director/producer Pam Parris Allen. WRAL-TV News Anchor Bill Leslie served as primary anchor. Other on-air reporters were provided by stations in North Carolina. Technical set-up provided by WRAL-TV.

  • Pam Saulsby

     

     

    • WRAL 49th Raleigh Christmas Parade 1993

      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

    • 1992 NCAA Basketball Final Four tournament Compilation of WRAL Sports Coverage

      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.

    • CRISIS in KOSOVO NC Reaches OUt

      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’s Last Sportscast Dec 18 2008

      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

      “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.

  • Pamela Hart

     

     

  • Paul Crawley

     

     

    • WRAL News reporter Paul Crawley News Promo 1978

      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.

    • WRAL news reporter Paul Crawley promos from 1978

      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.

  • Paul Cyr

     

     

  • Paul Gilster

     

     

    • Interpath launch team celebrates

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

    • Interpath user manual

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

  • Paul Jones

     

     

    • Nick Pond interviews wrestlers

      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.

  • Paul Lowell

     

     

  • Paul Michels

     

     

    • Fort Bragg reporters on Femme Fare

      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.

  • Paul Pope

    Paul Pope

     

    • CBC Trivia “Know Your School Colors”

      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
    • Paul Pope with Post 5 crew

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

    • Former CBC VP Paul Pope Named Man of Year by Dayton YMCA

      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
    • Project Tanzania compilation

      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.”

    • Paul Pope Vice President Capitol Broadcasting Company

      Paul Pope started out working as a studio crew member at WRAL-TV. He worked for over four decades at Capitol Broadcasting and served in a variety of management positions. He retired when was a General Manager of the American Tobacco Campus and Corporate Vice President of Community Relations.

      He was a mentor to many employees. John Harris, Director of CBC Special Projects interviews Paul.

  • Paul Quinn

     

     

  • Peter Anlyan

     

     

    • JamBurger ACC Basketball Preview December 1992

      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

      “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.

    • Frog Hollow

      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.

    • Frog Hollow

      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.

    • SPARKS

      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.

  • Peter Sockett

     

     

    • Digital TV transmitter testing

      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

  • Phil Martin

     

     

  • Phyllis

     

     

  • Phyllis Bullock

     

     

    • Cast of Sparks

      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.

  • Phyllis Parish

     

     

    • WRAL-TV’s Historic Gospel Music Program Dons a “Crown” for 75 Years This Sunday

      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
    • CRISIS in KOSOVO NC Reaches OUt

      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.

    • Kelly’s Story

      “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

    • Smart Start KIDS logo

      Logo for CBC’s award winning children’s program Smart Start Kids. 74 episodes of the program were produced for syndication. The program still airs on WRAL-TV and WILM-TV.

  • Phyllis Parish Howard

     

     

    • Phyllis Parish Howard Director of Local Production

      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.

  • Phyllis Slocum

     

     

  • Powell Kidd

     

     

  • Randy Watkins

     

     

    • SKY5 delivers the chicken

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

  • Ray "Dr. Jocko" Henderson

     

     

    • Ray Henderson – Dr. Jocko

      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.

  • Raymond Farrar

     

     

  • Renee Chou

     

     

    • WRAL-TV Names New Morning Anchor, Set to Replace Retiring Bill Leslie

      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
    • WRAL News reporter Leyla Santiago talks about Cuba

      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.com LIVE@ with host Brian Shrader and guest WRAL News anchor Renee Chou

      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.

    • Reunited: WRAL Team Back from Rio

      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
    • Crossing the Finish Line in Rio: WRAL-TV Team Closes Olympic Journey

      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
  • Renee McCoy

     

     

    • 1992 NCAA Basketball Final Four tournament Compilation of WRAL Sports Coverage

      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 6:00 PM Newscast January 7, 1985

      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.

    • Action News 5 TEAM OF SPECIALISTS promo

      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.

    • NCSU Basketball coach Jim Valvano resigns

      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.

    • September 11 Terrorist Attack WRAL Noon Newscast

      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.

  • Richard Adkins

     

     

    • Paddling Down the Neuse: WRAL-TV’s Richard Adkins Shares Behind the Scenes of New WRAL Doc

      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
    • Look to the Rainbow, After Tropical Storm Michael

      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
    • Olympic-Sized Debrief from WRAL-TV Team on Return from South Korea

      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
    • On Korea, Cold, and a Big Adventure: WRAL’s Team Readies Reports from Winter Olympics

      WRAL-TV Anchors David Crabtree and Kathryn Brown, along with WRAL Photojournalists Richard Adkins and Jamie Munden, are in South Korea, gearing up for the start of the 2018 Winter Olympics.  These WRAL staffers have already started posting blog entries and
    • Hurricane Irma reported by WRAL reporter Ken Smith

      Hurricane Irma caused massive devastation to the US Virgin Islands during early September, 2017.

      In response, the US ARMY 602 medical company – based at Fort Bragg, North Carolina – deployed on recovery and medical mission to ST. Thomas. WRAL reporter Ken Smith and photojournalist Richard Adkins flew with the military team to document the effort.

      While there, another hurricane named Maria approached ST Thomas. The 602nd medical company had to temporarily suspend their activity and transfer to a Navy ship for safety until Hurricane Maria passed by.

      WRAL news anchor: Kathryn Brown
      Aired: September 17, 2017

  • Richard Simmons

     

     

  • Rick Armstrong

     

     

    • Tar Heel Tartans

      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” photo essay by Bill Leslie

      “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” vignettes

      “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.

    • Jamburger sports promo with sports anchor Tom Suiter

      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.

    • News Highlights of 1990

      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.

  • Rick Smith

     

     

    • American Tobacco Gets Durham’s First Taste of Fiber Internet

      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
    • Interpath launch team

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

    • Interpath launch team celebrates

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

  • Rick Sullivan

     

     

    • 1992 NCAA Basketball Final Four tournament Compilation of WRAL Sports Coverage

      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.

  • Rick Williams

     

     

    • PM Magazine full episode September 28, 1987

      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 sends Christmas greeting from AZ

      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 Bloopers

      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.

    • PM Magazine 1986 year in review

      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 Bird

     

     

    • Tuning in with Fletcher

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

  • Robert Sarnoff

     

     

    • WRAL-TV studio and office dedication

      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

      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

     

     

    • Ron Price CBC Corporate Communication Director

      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.

  • Ronald Reagan

     

     

    • Senator Helms with President Reagan

      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.

  • Rowell Gormon

     

     

    • “The Pumpkins Strike Back” vignettes

      “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.

    • FBI, Zoot and Rowell Gormon

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

    • One Man; Many Voices

      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
    • Rowell Gormon the voice of Zoot

      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 Show promo 1977

      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.

  • Roy Williams

     

     

  • Rudolph Scott

     

     

  • Russell Capps

     

     

  • Sallie Blackwell

     

     

    • Uncle Paul audience

      Sallie Blackwell entertains the kids during a Time for Uncle Paul Show in 1965.

  • Sally Blackwell

     

     

  • Sandra Byrd

     

     

    • Sandra Byrd and the Weslyan choir

      Sister Garys sister Sandra Byrd leads the Weslyan TV choir. Byrd and the choir performed weekly on the Sister Gary Spiritual program and later she hosted Spiritual Awakenings.

    • Sandra Byrd

      Former host of Spiritual Awakening gospel music program on WRAL-TV

  • Scott Mason

     

     

    • Looking Back at 65 Years on Air for WRAL-TV

      Earlier in December, WRAL-TV celebrated 65 years on the air.  WRAL-TV Reporter Scott Mason, the Tar Heel Traveler, created this video package in honor of the milestone:
    • Remembering 9/11: WRAL-TV Staffers Reflect

      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
    • Tar Heel Traveler Scott Mason Honored for His Impact on North Carolina

      Scott Mason, WRAL’s Tar Heel Traveler, was honored with the Sanford Chamber of Commerce’s Lifetime Achievement Award on Tuesday, February 5, 2019. Meg Moss, executive director for the Sanford Chamber of Commerce, said the award honors Mason for his significant impact
    • WRAL 60th Anniversary “The Early Years” by The Tar Heel Traveler

      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.

    • Dec. 15 Marks 60 years for WRAL-TV

      WRAL-TV’s Tar Heel Traveler Scott Mason features WRAL-TV on his latest installment, in honor of an important anniversary for the Big 5.  Dec. 15, 2016, marks 60 years since WRAL-TV first signed on the air. Check out more from about
  • Shelly Kofler

     

     

    • News Coverage of NC Friendship Force Trip to USSR, 1982. Part 8. Soviet Wages

      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.

    • News Coverage of NC Friendship Force Trip to USSR, 1982. Part 7. Home Visits

      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.

    • News Coverage of NC Friendship Force Trip to USSR, 1982. Part 6. Housing Conditions

      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.

    • News Coverage of NC Friendship Force Trip to Russia 1982. Part 5 Consumer Goods

      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.

    • News Coverage of NC Friendship Force Trip to USSR, 1982. Part 4 Churches

      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.

  • Sheri Logan

     

     

  • Skip Cilley

     

     

    • Tar Heel Traveler Skip Cilley intros the new THT John Pronk

      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.

    • Tar Heel Traveler Skip Cilley and corn shuck chairs

      Skip Cilley was the Tar Heel Traveler from February 1977 – July 1978. In this installment of THT, Skip talks with Thelma Graham in Columbus County, North Carolina. Thelma demonstrates the almost lost art of crafting the bottom of wood chairs with layers of twisted corn shucks.

      Circa 1977. Film.

    • Tar Heel Traveler with Skip Cilley The Les and Sally Moore Story

      Tar Heel Traveler reporter Skip Cilley shares the story of Les and Sally Moore’s heartbreaking departure from their home and business of 18 years at Cape Lookout as the National Park Service takes over the property.

      Skip was the Tar Heel Traveler from February 1977 to July 1978.

    • Tar Heel Traveler Skip Cilley checks out life on the farm

      Skip Cilley was the Tar Heel Traveler from February 1977 to July 1978. In this video, Skip travels to Johnston County to find out what it is like to live and work on a farm.

      (film)

    • Tar Heel Traveler Skip Cilley finds a house made of cans

      Skip Cilley, the Tar Heel Traveler from February 1977 – July 1978, traveled around North Carolina looking for interesting people with interesting stories. While in Willow Springs he finds a building being made with beer cans.

      (film)

  • Sonny Dowdy

     

     

  • Sonya Hamm

     

     

    • Sonya Hamm

      Hamm was one of the hosts of WRAL gospel program Spiritual Awakening. The program grew out of the Sister Gary gospel radio and television programs.

  • Steve Grissom

     

     

    • Steve Grissom Vice President Capitol Broadcasting Company

      Steve Grissom started at WRAL-TV in 1980 as Promotion Director and was responsible for launching the locally produced program PM Magazine. Steve also arrived with plenty of news experience and quickly became News Director of Action News 5 and oversaw many changes including the expansion of the evening newscast from 30 minutes to an hour.

      His gift for innovation and entrepreneurship led him to a start-up division within Capitol Broadcasting Company that became known as Microspace. Grissom served as a VP of CBC until 1993 when he left to start his own venture.

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

    • AP teletype machine

      This AP wire machine operated in the WRAL-TV newsroom for many years. It was decommissioned in the mid-1980s and was eventually refurbished by former WRAL News Director Steve Grissom.

  • Steve Hammel

     

     

    • NBC joins WRAL February 29, 2016

      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.

    • Done deal – WRAL-TV becomes the NBC station

      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.

    • WRAL and NBC contract signing

      CBC VP Jimmy Goodmon and WRAL-TV VP-GM Steve Hammel relax at 30 Rock after signing NBC affiliation agreement January 13, 2016.

    • WRAL-TV’s Hammel Named Broadcasting & Cable Market 1-25 GM of Year

      WRAL-TV Vice President & General Manager Steve Hammel is the Broadcasting & Cable 2015 Station General Manager of the Year for Markets 1-25.  The announcement came in the Monday, December 21st edition of the publication. Hammel joined Capitol Broadcasting, taking
    • Hammel and Dwight Robinson re-live TV winning moment

  • Steve Ramsey

     

     

  • Steve Shumake

     

     

  • Steve Wiley

     

     

    • AMERICAN IDOL finalist Clay Aiken rides in SKY 5

      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.

    • SKY 5 Hurricane Coverage promo

      SKY 5 can show the viewer images that cannot be seen from the ground. The aerial perspective is very important in telling the whole story, especially while surveying storm damage. This promo shows damage from Hurricane Floyd, September 1999. (Steve Wiley, SKY 5 pilot)

    • SKY 5 Technology promo

      WRAL has always been recognized as a technology leader in the broadcasting industry. In 1999, SKY 5 upgraded to a brand new Bell Helicopter 407. Mulitple HD cameras were installed to bring crystal clear, stable pictures to the viewers.

    • SKY 5 News Promo Feb 94

      SKY 5 promo from 1994. The pilot is Steve Wiley. The helicopter is a Hughes 500 D. The promo demonstrates how the helicopter can provide a unique view of a situation when seen from the air.

    • SKY 5 HD Fay promo

      The phrase “Look Up for SKY 5” is a nod to the original SKY 5 when it was introduced in 1979. The new SKY5 HD ushered in a new era of high tech news gathering from the air 2000. You can see the HD camera mounted near the front of the helicopter. A news photographer seated in the back seat operates the camera by remote control. You can also see the microwave unit mounted underneath the helicopter between the skids.

  • Tammy Martin

     

     

    • WRAL Control Room 1982

      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.

  • Terence Jenkins

     

     

    • Spiritual Awakenings host

      Bishop Terence Jenkins is the current host of the gospel music program that grew out of the Sister Gary Spiritual program.

  • Thad Eure

     

     

    • “Back-in-the-Day” Photos

      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
    • Thad Eure hosts Tempus Fugit

      NC Secretary of State Thad Eure guest hosts Tempus Fugit program on WRAL FM in 1951.

  • Thomas Crowder

     

     

  • Tim Kent

     

     

    • Dreams of Gold NC Olympic Festival 1987

      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

    • Action News 5 6:00 PM Newscast January 7, 1985

      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.

    • Hurricane Diana coverage Action News 5 1984

      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 Action News 5 snow storm coverage Jan 22 1987

      Action News 5 at 6:00 newscast on January 22, 1987. The “A” block is devoted to reports of snow in North Carolina and the problems caused by the inclement weather. Sports includes stories about Darrell Waltrip driving for Rick Hendrick, Duke and NC State basketball. Part of the last story, “Spirit of Carolina,” had to been cut short due to the corruption of video. (very old 3/4 inch tape format). Vintage commercials and promos are included in this posting.

    • WRAL-TV Action News team in 1986

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

  • Tim Sikes

     

     

  • Tim Smith

     

     

    • Action News 5 promo Image promo 1982

      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.

    • Tim Smith

      WRAL-TV reporter who was the first to produce consumer reports under the Money Desk franchise title.

    • Money Desk with Tim Smith featuring Ultralights Parts 1 and 2

      WRAL News reporter Tim Smith was the “Money Desk” expert. On a daily basis Tim provided viewers with money and time saving tips, cautionary advice, and in this case – an affordable way to fly. Bill Pleasants sold recreational ultra-lights. The aircraft did not require a pilot’s license and was quite affordable. Tim Smith convinced SKY 5 pilot Mike Allen to fly the ultralight. This two part report gives you an idea whether or not to consider an ultralight in your future. (Circa November 1982) Tim Smith is now retired from American Airlines where he served as their spokesman.

    • Premiere of the hour long Action News 5 newscast at 6pm

      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.

  • Tina Seldin

     

     

    • Action News 5 6:00 PM Newscast January 7, 1985

      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.

    • 1991 State Games of NC

      The 1991 State Games of North Carolina was an Olympic-style competition for residents of North Carolina. The goal of the State Games was to promote fitness, sportsmanship, and a drug-free environment to North Carolina athletes.

      This special presentation of the 1991 State Games of North Carolina is hosted by WRAL Sports anchor Tom Suiter. Reporting from the various sports venues are Mark Roberts, Tina Selden, Rick Sullivan and Jay Jennings. Sport activities include cycling, polo, soccer, baseball, wrestling, volleyball, sailing, and more.

      The program aired August 6, 1991. The Executive producer was Susan Dahlin. The producer was David Creech.

    • Action News 5 TEAM OF SPECIALISTS promo

      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 Action News 5 snow storm coverage Jan 22 1987

      Action News 5 at 6:00 newscast on January 22, 1987. The “A” block is devoted to reports of snow in North Carolina and the problems caused by the inclement weather. Sports includes stories about Darrell Waltrip driving for Rick Hendrick, Duke and NC State basketball. Part of the last story, “Spirit of Carolina,” had to been cut short due to the corruption of video. (very old 3/4 inch tape format). Vintage commercials and promos are included in this posting.

    • WRAL-TVs 5:30 First News

      5:30 First Newscast. This edition aired on September 21, 1988. Donna Gregory was the news anchor. Rick Sullivan anchored sports. Meteorologist Greg Fishel provided weather information.

  • Tom Crichton

     

     

  • Tom Lawrence

     

     

    • WRAL.com launch celebration

      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.

    • Pigs Politics and Pollution

      Tobacco reigned as the king crop industry in North Carolina for many years. In the mid-80s, hogs became big business as well. However, the hog farming industry provided social, political, and environmental concerns for the state. This documentary produced in 1995 explores the questions raised over pigs, politics and pollution.

  • Tom Suiter

     

     

    • Tom Suiter to be inducted in North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame after decorated career

      A legend in sports broadcasting whose name is synonymous with WRAL will be honored statewide this spring. Tom Suiter will be inducted into the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame. Suiter, who spent four decades as a sports reporter and
    • Dreams of Gold NC Olympic Festival 1987

      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

    • WRAL anchors old and new at 50th reuncion newscast

      Bob DeBardelaben, Bobbie Battista, Charlie Gaddy and Tom Suiter are joined by successors at reunion in 2006

    • WRAL presents “Attack Of The Cardiac Pack” NCSU 1983 Champs

      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!

    • WRAL.com program LIVE@ with host Brian Shrader and guest WRAL sports anchor Tom Suiter

      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 Sports anchor Tom Suiter, semi-retired in 2009, was Brian’s guest on July 23, 2009. Tom fully retired in July, 2016. There is non-stop laughter during this 10 minute interview. Fasten your seatbelts!

  • Tommie Bland

     

     

    • Tommie Bland and projector

      WRAL-TV employee Tommie Bland threading a film projector, which was an everyday task until videotape replaced film at the station.

    • Tommie Bland

      WRAL-TV videotape operator Tommie Bland threads two-inch wide videotape onto a Quad machine, one of the earliest tape machines at WRAL.

    • Post 5 ID Card

      1970 Post 5 ID card for Tommie Bland. Bland is now one of the longest-serving employees on the WRAL-TV staff.

    • Tale of Two Towers

      WRAL-TVs old and new station-to-transmitter link towers in 2000. The new triangular tower on the right replaced the older four sided version on the left when WRAL-TV expanded its facilities. WRAL Broadcast Operator Tommie Bland is in the foreground.

  • Tony Gupton

     

     

    • Tony Gupton “Mr. GPS”

      You might be surprised to find out how some of our long-term employees got their foot in the door at Capitol Broadcasting. Tony Gupton has quite a tale to tell from how he went from digging in the dirt to
    • WRAL TV live truck crew with the boss looking on

      ENG truck operator Tony Gupton and colleague on location as Jim Goodmon observes the action

    • Tony Gupton WRAL broadcast engineer

      WRAL-TV Broadcast Engineer Tony Gupton has had a fascinating career since his first day on May 8, 1980. While a student at NCSU, Tony earned money to pay his way through college by working in the gardens on the campus at WRAL. Management noticed Tony and his work ethic and invited him to transfer to the broadcast division. It didn’t take long for the “broadcast bug” to bite him. Even though Tony has two degrees in finance from NCSU, Tony knew he had discovered the perfect job. Watch and listen to Tony talk about his exciting job working in engineering field operations that has required him to travel to exotic locations on interesting assignments. Tony is interviewed by John Harris, Director of CBC Special Projects. Recorded September 15, 2015.

  • Verne Strickland

     

     

    • CBC Farm Team

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

    • First Live Shot using Action Cam 5

      The first broadcast using ACTION CAM 5, a news van equipped with microwave equipment to send a signal back to the station to broadcast to the viewers. WRAL Farm Reporter, Verne Strickland interviewed NCSU Chancellor Thomas on the grounds of one of the dairy research farms. We included a shot of Action Cam 5 at the end of the clip.

  • Virgil Duncan

     

     

    • The Ampex VR-1000

      WRAL-TV Chief Engineer Virgil Duncan inspects the stations first videotape machine in the summer of 1958.

    • First WRAL videotape truck

      This was the first WRAL-TV videotape truck capable of recording a program on location. GM Fred Fletcher and Director of Engineering Virgil Duncan enjoy the moment. The truck contained a huge videotape machine, which can be seen behind Fletcher.

    • Patent awarded to Duncan and CBC

      Patent for Wide Range Tunnel Diode Oscillator awarded to CBC Director of Engineering Virgil Duncan in 1962. The invention was useful for feeding background music into distribution systems for TV and FM radio sets.

    • Virgil Duncan and Lee Poole

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

    • WRAL-TV videotape truck

      Fred Fletcher and Director of Engineering Virgil Duncan with WRAL-TV’s first videotape truck. This vehicle allowed programs and other material to be recorded on location.

  • Wahoo McDaniel

     

     

    • Wahoo McDaniel

      Legendary wrestler during one of his appearances at WRAL-TV. Mid-Atlantic Championship wrestling matches were recorded every Wednesday at WRAL.

  • Waltye Rasulala

     

     

    • The Great Fiddle Chase episode of Frog Hollow

      “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.

    • Project Tanzania earns award from NEA

      “Project Tanzania” garnered an award from the National Education Association. WRAL-TV Public Affairs Director, Waltye Rasulala accepts the award on behalf of Capitol Broadcasting Company. Teacher, Eddie Davis, led the educational piece of Project Tanzania.
      Project Tanzania was an ongoing effort to help people in the East African nation of Tanzania overcome the effects of hunger, drought and poverty.

    • Waltye Rasulala WRAL-TV Public Affairs

      Waltye Rasulala was the Public Affairs Director at WRAL-TV. She hosted several programs including “AWARE,” “Carolina Saturday” and “Carolina Sunday.” PROJECT TANZANIA was the most ambitious project she was involved in while at WRAL.

      Watch and listen to how Waltye engaged the community through projects sponsored by WRAL-TV. Waltye was interviewed by John Harris, Corporate Director of Special Projects at CBC.

    • Project Tanzania compilation

      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.”

    • Tanzania A Need Beyond Hunger

      Waltye Rasulala, Director of WRAL-TV Public Affairs, reports from Tanzania. Spearheaded by Capitol Broadcasting Company with the help of the Raleigh Catholic Dioces and Catholic Relief Services. Three volunteers; teacher, farmer, doctor traveled to Tanzania to provide services to the people of Tanzania and also enlighten North Carolinians to the Tanzanian’s plight.

  • Wesley Williams

     

     

    • WRAL-TV groundbreaking celebration with NBC star Dorothy Collins

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

    • WRAL 60th Groundbreaking Retrospective by The Tar Heel Traveler

      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.

  • Wilbur Brann

     

     

    • Aerial video of the new Tall Tower and building under construction

      WRAL-TV’s Tall Tower collapsed in 1989 due to uneven thawing of ice on the tower and supporting structure. This is aerial video taken from SKY 5 showing construction underway for the new transmitter building and the tall tower. Note: part of the video is corrupted. The tower is located in Auburn, near Garner.

    • Wilbur Brann gets first hand view of tower construction

      Engineering Director Wilbur Brann inspecting construction of the new WRAL Tall Tower in 1990. Brann oversaw the mammoth construction project for CBC.

    • Tall Tower Good Luck Charm

      Engineering director Wilbur Brann places a penny beneath the first section of the WRAL-TV tower in 1990. The penny is a traditional good luck charm for new towers under construction.

    • Wilbur Brann WRAL Chief Engineer

      Wilbur Brann started at WRAL as Chief Engineer in 1984. Brann oversaw the major engineering transitions from the analog era to the digital. These eras included many firsts in broadcast engineering, including the first satellite truck for news gathering. Wilbur Brann recalls the day when the WRAL-TV tall tower collapsed after an ice storm and what it took to build another tower.

  • William Friday

     

     

    • WRAL 60th Anniversary “The Early Years” by The Tar Heel Traveler

      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.

    • Recollections of President Kennedy’s 1961 visit to NC

      October 12, 1961 President John F. Kennedy visited the campus of University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Later that day, the President traveled to Fort Bragg near Fayetteville. UNC Chancellor William Friday shared his recollections of that historic day with WRAL News reporter Scott Mason.

    • Dixie Classic Basketball Tournament Terminated

      The Dixie Classic featured the “Big Four” universities in North Carolina – Duke, UNC, NC State and Wake Forest – playing basketball in a tournament against four teams from across the country. The tournament was played at Reynolds Coliseum on the campus of NC State in Raleigh, North Carolina from 1949 -1960.

      The “classic” was the brainchild of Everett Case, then head basketball coach at NC State University.

      A point shaving scandal involving players from UNC and NC State brought the tournament to an end in 1961.

      William Friday, President of UNC system, was informed of the scandal in 1960 and was told that gamblers had allegedly threatened to harm members of the teams. Friday took action and pressed the chancellors at the other universities to back his decision to discontinue the highly popular tournament. The vintage film shows, in part, Friday making the announcement to end the Dixie Classic basketball tournament.

    • UNC President William Friday interviewed by WRAL News reporter Laura Leslie

      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.

  • Willis Boyd

     

     

  • Woody Hayes

     

     

  • Wool E Bull

     

     

  • Wooly Bull

     

     

    • Clay Aiken arrives at DBAP

      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.

    • Post 50 cameraman with Wool E. Bull

      One of the Post 50 student production crew operating a camera at a Durham Bulls game. Team mascot Wooly Bull has fun on camera.

  • Zoot

     

     

    • FBI and Zoot

      WRAL-FM Morning Man Bob Inskeep in photo with Zoot, a puppet character who was popular on the show. Zoot was a creation of voice actor Rowell Gormon.

    • WRAL-FM gang on Christmas parade float

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