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The true test
of a broadcast operation is an emergency. In the case of floods,
fires, earthquakes, and other disasters, a broadcaster’s performance
can save lives. Everyone, from the folks answering phones to the
station manager, must make sure the operation is functioning at
its optimal level.
Then there are
the truly huge news stories that also consume a lot of time and
energy and devotion. This is beyond the ubiquitous “breaking
news” that is everywhere these days. These are the events
that capture national and international attention. These, too, bring
massive pressure onto an operation’s resources and demand
a station-wide response.
Our August program
recounts such an event. It was September 5, 1975, when President
Gerard R. Ford came to Sacramento and was the subject of
an attempt on his life. It was—and remains—one of the
biggest stories in Sacramento’s history. Fifty years later,
we get the inside scoop, peppered with reflection from two of our
members who covered it. Steve Swatt, long time
Capitol correspondent for KCRA-TV, and photographer George
Nyberg, a KOVR-TV photographer, were both at the Capitol,
but in different areas, when Lynette “Squeaky”
Fromme tried to kill Ford.
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In historic
terms, 50 years is not even the blink of an eye. But in broadcasting,
it’s an entire epoch. The technology that transformed our industry
was just starting to take hold, and it presented enormous challenges
and opportunities for the journalists, engineers, and editors involved.
How they dealt with those challenges makes a fascinating story. We
hope to see you there! That’s Tuesday, August 12, at the Old
Spaghetti Factory in Rancho Cordova. Note
the new time: doors open at 12 noon; luncheon service
at approximately 12:30 p.m. RSVPs must be made by August 7. Be sure
to let Allen know your entrée choice (pasta with red meat sauce,
mizithra, cheese ravioli) when making your reservation. |
