WSB-TV presents: 75 Years of Community Impact. Watch this Sunday at 7 p.m. on Channel 2
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By Courtney Martinez
ATLANTA — “WSB-TV is on the air!”
On Sept. 29, 1948, WSB-TV made history as the first television station in Georgia. From news and weather to sports and community, you have counted on WSB-TV over the past 75 years.
But another component of WSB-TV history is partnering with local community.
Nonprofits throughout metro Atlanta are in their peak season, working to make sure families have food and other basic necessities. From Hosea Helps to the Atlanta Community Food Bank, we are taking an up-close look at charities that have been pillars of our community for decades.
They say the need is greater now more than ever. On 75 Years of Community Impact, we will show you behind the scenes of their operations and how they are managing during the holiday season.
WHO: Hosted by Channel 2′s Fred Blankenship and Channel 2′s Lori Wilson
WHEN: Sunday, December 3, 7:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
WHERE: WSB-TV | Channel 2 and Streaming on WSB Now
Synopsis: A celebration of WSB-TV’s 75 year impact on the community and a look at non-profits that have been pillars of North Georgia for decades.
First broadcast On Sept. 2, 1948, WSB-TV came to life, becoming the South’s first TV station. Here's a look at back at 75 years of coverage and memories from our WSB-TV staff.
Morris at White Columns WSB moved into the famous “White Columns” building in 1955-56. Here is an undated photo of longtime news director Aubrey Morris and staffer Bob Ketchersid standing outside. The actual columns still stand in the Cox courtyard on Peachtree Street.
White Columns New home for The Voice of the South", White Columns on Peachtree, 1956
75 years of WSB-TV
WSB-TV Studios This is what the WSB-TV building looks like today.
WSB-TV Celebrates 75 Years
Don Kennedy Don Kennedy in action with the "Gang." Kennedy's long broadcast career includes his stint as "Officer Don" on the Atlanta children's TV show "The Popeye Club," which ran from 1956-1970 on WSB, and his establishment of WKLS-FM, the former radio station 96 Rock. (AJC File)
WSB-TV 75 Years of Memories WSB-TV's Ray Moore was the first to interview Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. after President Kennedy's assassination.
75 Years of WSB-TV Did you know that WSB-TV began the first live broadcasts of Atlanta Braves games in 1966?
75 Years of WSB-TV Memories That's Tom Brokaw reporting for WSB-TV back in the early days of his career.
Lo Jelks Jelks joined WSB-TV in 1967, making him the first Black television reporter in Atlanta, paving the way for many more broadcasters after him. He stayed with WSB-TV until 1976.
(WSB-TV)
Lo Jelks Jelks joined WSB-TV in 1967, making him the first Black television reporter in Atlanta, paving the way for many more broadcasters after him. He stayed with WSB-TV until 1976.
(WSB-TV)
75 Years of WSB-TV Memories Another trailblazer, Jocelyn Dorsey, made history in 1973 as Atlanta’s first African American woman in the market and also the first Black woman to regularly anchor a newscast.
Jocelyn Dorsey Jocelyn Dorsey
75 Years of Memories
75 Years of Memories
75 Years of Memories
75 Years of Memories
75 Years of Memories at WSB-TV
75 Years of Memories at WSB-TV
75 Years of Memories at WSB-TV
75 Years of Memories at WSB-TV
75 Years of Memories at WSB-TV (RANDY MCDOW)
75 Years of Memories at WSB-TV
75 Years of Memories at WSB-TV
75 Years of Memories at WSB-TV
75 Years of Memories at WSB-TV
75 Years of Memories at WSB-TV
75 Years of Memories at WSB-TV
75 Years of Memories at WSB-TV
75 Years of Memories at WSB-TV
75 Years of Memories at WSB-TV
75 Years of Memories at WSB-TV
75 Years of Memories at WSB-TV
75 Years of Memories at WSB-TV
75 Years of Memories at WSB-TV
75 Years of Memories at WSB-TV
75 Years of Memories at WSB-TV
75 Years of Memories at WSB-TV
75 Years of Memories at WSB-TV
75 Years of Memories at WSB-TV
75 Years of Memories at WSB-TV
75 Years of Memories at WSB-TV
75 Years of Memories at WSB-TV
75 Years of Memories at WSB-TV
75 Years of Memories
75 Years of Memories
75 Years of Memories
75 Years of Memories
75 Years of Memories
75 Years of Memories
75 Years of Memories
75 Years of Memories
75 Years of Memories
75 Years of Memories
75 Years of Memories
75 Years of Memories
75 Years of Memories
75 Years of Memories
The ENG center, where all live shots and satellite feeds come into the station.
There were some faces from the past. Retired sports director Chuck Dowdle and retired news anchor John Pruitt spoke at the luncheon.
75 Years of Memories
75 Years of Memories
75 Years of Memories
75 Years of Memories
75 Years of Memories
75 Years of Memories
75 Years of Memories
75 Years of Memories
75 Years of Memories
75 Years of Memories
75 Years of Memories
75 Years of Memories
75 Years of Memories
75 Years of Memories
75 Years of Memories
75 Years of Memories
75 Years of Memories
About Channel 2 WSB-TV
Channel 2 has been serving the people of North Georgia for 75 years. The powerhouse #1 ABC affiliate was the first in the southeast to hire an African American Anchor and has been trailblazer when it comes to covering some of the biggest moments in Georgia and around the world. From the civil rights movement to the Centennial Olympic Park bombing, 9/11 to the major snow storm that shutdown Atlanta and its suburbs. Every big story breaks on Channel 2 Action News and every day more people turn to our linear, digital and free WSB Now streaming platform for impactful storytelling that impacts communities. The station also airs BOUNCE on its digital sub-channel 2.2, and DABL on 2.3.
About Cox Media Group CMG Media Corporation (d/b/a Cox Media Group) is an industry-leading media company with unparalleled brands, award-winning content, and exceptional team members. CMG provides valuable local and national journalism and entertainment content to the people and communities it serves. The company’s businesses encompass 14 high-quality, market-leading television brands in 9 markets; 52 top-performing radio stations delivering multiple genres of content in 11 markets; a Washington, DC news bureau; and numerous streaming and digital platforms. CMG’s TV portfolio includes multiple primary affiliates of ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, Telemundo and MyNetworkTV, as well as several valuable news and independent stations. For more information about CMG, visit www.coxmediagroup.com.