Scottie Stephenson

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Louise “Scottie” Stephenson worked at Capitol Broadcasting Company longer than anyone in history (only recently surpassed by Board Chair & COO Jim Goodmon). Stephenson spent 58 years at CBC, serving the last forty-nine as Corporate Secretary and as a member of the company’s Board of Directors.

Scottie was hired at WRAL-AM Radio in 1944, where she wrote ad copy, answered phones, posted the daily casualty list during WWII, gathered birth announcements from the local hospital and became the “Lost & Found” lady on Fred Fletcher’s morning show.

Stephenson never went to college but was a veritable encyclopedia of knowledge. She could do it all: when an accountant was needed, she balanced the books; when reports had to be filed with the FCC, she studied the detailed requirements and submitted the information with perfection.

“I don’t know how we could have done what we’ve done without Scottie Stephenson,” said CBC President & CEO Jim Goodmon.

Following her radio days, Scottie’s role with the company expanded when Capitol Broadcasting set its sights on television. She was the only female on the five-person team that won the FCC license for WRAL-TV in the early 1950s.

Stephenson helped research and gather a veritable mountain of documents for WRAL’s application—3,000 pages in all. During the arduous 75-day hearing in Washington, DC she underwent hours of grueling questioning and never flinched. In the end, Scottie Stephenson was instrumental in Capitol Broadcasting winning the Channel 5 license and coming home victorious.

Once the license was won, Scottie set out to organize the new station’s workforce. She was the first person on the station payroll and by the time WRAL-TV went on the air in 1956, she had created job descriptions for almost every position. As WRAL’s startup staff was hired, Scottie worked wherever she was needed—serving as Administrative Assistant to the President and taking on temporary positions in the Traffic, Sales and Personnel departments.
Scottie used her newly-attained regulatory knowledge to become the station’s in-house FCC expert. She was responsible for all FCC filings, a cumbersome task that included reams of paperwork and technical detail.

Stephenson made an impact on the community as well, working as an advocate for the arts and the underprivileged. She spent 16 years on the board of the Tammy Lynn Center for profoundly and severely retarded children. She volunteered for the Raleigh Fine Arts Society and the North Carolina Symphony and chaired the Communications Committee of the Raleigh Junior Women’s Club.

One of her favorite projects was the Raleigh Golden Years Annual Holiday Celebration at the Convention Center. Scottie coordinated the festivities for over four decades and saw the luncheon grow from 50 to over 1,500 people.

Scottie received many accolades during her career, including Business and Professional Woman of the Year by the YWCA. She was also the charter recipient of the Junior Women’s Club Outstanding Working Member award. The Raleigh Little Theatre even named its outdoor amphitheater after her to honor years of service to the organization.

As Stephenson’s years at the company grew, CBC had to create gifts to recognize her record-setting tenure at the annual long-term employees’ luncheon. She so far outranked others in longevity that the company presented her with several unique rewards, including a marked parking space near the building entrance.

After Scottie’s death, CBC President Jim Goodmon permanently affixed her name to a parking spot at company headquarters on Western Boulevard; it was a reminder of her legacy and contributions. Goodmon said he wanted future employees to always ask, “Who is Scottie Stephenson?” and thus learn her story of determination, quality and excellence.

Louise “Scottie” Stephenson died April 15, 2002 after a brief illness. She was 80.

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Highlights for Scottie Stephenson

This Day in CBC History: The Legacy of Scottie Stephenson

CBC lost our longest term employee, Corporate Secretary Scottie Stephenson, on April 15, 2002. She had been a cornerstone of Capitol Broadcasting for 58 years, serving a variety of roles, and originating many of the positions she held. While Scottie
Remembering Scottie Stephenson

Many CBC’ers have asked about the parking spot reserved for Scottie Stephenson near the entrance of the company headquarters on Western Blvd. Today is a special anniversary, which seems an appropriate time to provide a reminder. Scottie Stephenson, one of
1964 Election coverage on WRAL-TV

Bill Armstrong, Sam Beard and Scottie Stephenson on set election night at WRAL-TV.
The origin of the Christmas Tower Lighting byScottie Stephenson

The annual lighting of the WRAL Tower on December 1 transforms the structure into an enchanting Christmas tree!

The late Scottie Stephenson, a long time CBC employee who rose to the rank of vice president, shares how CBC Founder, A.J. Fletcher, came up with the idea of adding a bit of sparkle to the holiday season.

This video is part of a conversation with Scottie that was produced in 1996.
History of the Golden Years Celebration

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, especially reprising the song “All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth.”

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.

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Scottie Stephenson

Highlights for Scottie Stephenson

This Day in CBC History: The Legacy of Scottie Stephenson

Remembering Scottie Stephenson

1964 Election coverage on WRAL-TV

The origin of the Christmas Tower Lighting byScottie Stephenson

History of the Golden Years Celebration