A TV Programmer's Life: 37 Years & Counting

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This week in 1978, a 24 year old kid (and I do mean kid) left his childhood home and moved 1300 miles away to a place where he knew no one. But he knew that he had to in order to start his broadcast career. Several years later, that career blossomed into something he never dreamed of. That person is yours truly.

For the past 37 years, I have been enjoying a career of love, something not always enjoyed by some people. While it has certainly has had its ups and downs, it has been very fulfilling for me. From Greensboro NC, Tampa FL, Phoenix AZ, and back to Dallas, I have had the honor and privilege to have been the Director of Programming for five TV stations in the Dallas/Fort Worth area since 1984 (with a short stint in newspaper and as a consultant). This is a profession of nomads: people moving all over the country every so often. I was fortunate that the moving stopped before I married and had kids. This profession is not always kind to the families of those loved one who chose to work in it but for the most part it has treated me and my family well.

I have witnessed tremendous technological changes in TV since 1978, the main one being digital, high-definition broadcasting and "over the top" services to computers and mobile devices. And the ability to add digital sub-channels such as Decades and MeTV, something that was not possible with analog television. I reflect back to some of the people I had the pleasure of meeting, both media/entertainment executives and personalities. I am grateful for many of the individuals that I worked for and with over these past 37 years and how much I learned from them, both the good and the bad! And finally, the changes in TV viewing habits today versus 37 years ago. So I learned over the years that we cannot stop change bur rather should find a way to embrace it. I am very proud of working with my colleagues at CBS11/TXA21 and the accomplishments we have made over the years. I'm honored to call them my friends.

Thank you for watching CBS11, TXA21, Decades 11.2, and MeTV 21.2. See you next time.