Highlights for 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.