James Fletcher “Jim” Goodmon literally grew up in the broadcast industry. He was so young when he first went to work at WRAL-TV that he had to be paid from petty cash so as not to run afoul of wage and hour standards.
Jim Goodmon learned the business of broadcasting at the knee of his grandfather A.J. Fletcher—founder of Capitol Broadcasting Company. Goodmon observed station operations carefully and learned well, and in turn–A.J. Fletcher recognized his grandson’s potential. This close, early relationship laid the groundwork for the future leadership of the company.
Jim Goodmon grew up in Raleigh and graduated from Broughton High School in 1961. He attended Duke University, but left for the Navy in 1965 before obtaining a degree. While serving his enlistment in Memphis, Tennessee, he met and married Barbara Lyons. The couple soon moved to Raleigh.
Upon his return to North Carolina in 1968, Goodmon was named Operations Manager at WRAL-TV. In 1973 he took on corporate responsibilities as Executive Vice President of Capitol Broadcasting Company. In 1975 he became CBC’s President, and in 1979 he was named President and Chief Executive Officer of the company, a position he held until September 2017—when he was succeeded as CBC President by his son Jimmy. Jim remains as the company’s CEO and was elected Chairman of the CBC Board of Directors during the 2017 transition.
During his career Jim Goodmon has guided the growth of CBC’s broadcast holdings and led the company’s expansion into satellite communications, new media, real estate and professional sports.
Known as a trailblazer and a pioneer, Goodmon explores new technology with passion and energy—always seeking out the latest and best methods of serving audiences, clients and community partners.
He holds a fierce dedication to the public interest, and all CBC divisions not only meet but exceed industry requirements and standards. In 1998 he was appointed to the Advisory Committee on Public Interest Obligations of Digital Television Broadcasters. Known as the Gore Commission, this prestigious panel recommended public interest obligations for American broadcasters as they made the transition to digital television.
Goodmon led CBC and its stations into the digital age, gaining industry-wide recognition as a visionary whose stations constantly pushed the boundaries of technology. In 1996 the FCC granted the nation’s first experimental HDTV license to WRAL-TV, which was the first in a long line of CBC technological achievements in the field of high definition television.
Jim Goodmon’s interests go well beyond broadcasting. Under his leadership, Capitol Broadcasting Company has expanded into real estate—developing the American Tobacco Historic District in Durham and turning it into an award-winning example of entrepreneurial restoration.
Durham is also home to another CBC-owned icon, the Durham Bulls. Jim Goodmon has always loved baseball, and in the early 1990s CBC took over the most famous franchise in minor league baseball history. Under CBC ownership the Bulls have won championships, risen to Triple-A status, and set attendance records at the state-of-the-art ballpark that has become a centerpiece in downtown Durham.
Whether it’s broadcasting, real estate, new media or professional sports–Jim Goodmon is at the forefront of the industry. His leadership is based on principle, vision and a strong commitment to the community, and those ideals inspire the divisions of Capitol Broadcasting Company each and every day.
Goodmon has also been instrumental in the success of the A.J. Fletcher Foundation, a charitable fund that donates millions of dollars annually to organizations throughout North Carolina. The Fletcher Foundation supports programs that foster care for the elderly, infirm and indigent. It also provides funding for initiatives in Education, the Arts, Public Recreation, Communication Arts, and Religious Faith. Jim serves as the Foundation’s Chairman of the Board.
Jim is the recipient of numerous awards and honors:
Named 2003 Tar Heel of the Year by The News &Observer of Raleigh. The newspaper gave Jim the honor “because of his involvement and influence in two arenas: the redevelopment of Durham’s American Tobacco complex and the national debate about how many television and radio stations a single media company should be allowed to own.”
Inducted into the North Carolina Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 2003. The Hall recognizes and honors people who have made significant contributions to the broadcast industry over an extended time.
The Nashville/Midsouth Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences presented Jim with the Governor’s Award for Lifetime Achievement in 2000 for his contributions to the community and outstanding achievements in broadcasting.
DTV Pioneer Award. Presented by Broadcasting & Cable magazine, this award recognized Jim’s leadership role and achievements in the advancement of digital television.
Inducted into the North Carolina Journalism Hall of Fame in 1997.
Inducted along with wife Barbara into the Raleigh Hall of Fame in 2008. This recognized the Goodmons’ service to the Raleigh community and their work with the Fletcher Foundation, the Healing Place of Wake County and other groups providing hope to the less fortunate.
Currently Jim serves as Chairman of the Dix Park Conservancy, a private organization backing the development of Dorothea Dix Park in Raleigh.
Jim Goodmon holds honorary Doctor of Laws degrees from Pfeiffer College and Duke University as well as an honorary Doctor of Humanities degree from William Peace University. He serves on the boards of many organizations across the Triangle and state.
Jim and Barbara Goodmon have three children: Elizabeth, Jimmy and Michael, along with ten grandchildren.
