History

WOLO (Columbia) Control Room in the mid-70s

In 2008, SCBA celebrated its 60th annivesary and in recognition of that milestone, the Association engaged in two very special projects. In 2006, the Association launched a special history project, and over two and a half years collected vintage audio and video material, station histories and interviews with dozens of broadcast pioneers.  In 2008, SCBA looked to the future of the industry and pledged support to the next great generation of broadcasters by dedicating a campaign to fully fund the Educational Foundation endowment at the million-dollar mark.  The Association made a contribution of $120,000 to the endowment at the end of 2008 to reach that goal. The SCBA Educational Foundation funds $35,000 annually in scholarships for broadcast students at colleges, technical schools and universities in South Carolina.  The scholarship program will be now be able to continue in perpetuity. 

Below is the in-depth article that Professor Haney Howell of Winthrop University wrote for the 60th anniversary.  Howell managed the history portion of the anniversary project for SCBA. 

Historical Overview of SC Broadcasting

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Historical Overview of SC Broadcasting With Photos

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SCBA Archives – Historical material from South Carolina radio and television stations has been preserved in archives established by SCBA in 1976 at the McKissick Museum on the University of South Carolina Campus in Columbia. Students, professionals, researchers and members of the public can learn about the state’s history through film, records, audio and video tapes and the personal records of South Carolina’s veteran broadcasters.

SC State Museum Broadcast Exhibit – SCBA collaborated with the State Museum to feature memorabilia from the state’s radio and television stations.

Donation of Broadcast Artifacts –  Collecting materials for the SCBA Archives is an ongoing project and SCBA welcomes contributions from its members and others who have an interest in preserving broadcast history in South Carolina.  If you have items to donate, contact Professor Haney Howell with Winthrop University at howellh@winthrop.edu or call the SCBA office at (803) 732-1186.

TALL TALES, HIGH TOWERS, SIMPLE IDEAS - A History of Greenville’s First All Country Music Radio Station, By: Wally Mullinax, copyright 2003

“ Those were the good-ole-days…You‘ll love every minute you spend with it.”
Bob Hooper – The Man on the Billboard

“ It’s the way it was…every town had a nut or loose screw…and many of them were on the radio”. Jay Bender – Communications Attorney

“ If you grew up in the 50’s with Rhythm and Blues…attended the country shindigs at the auditorium in the 60’s and 70’s or listened to WESC…you’ll relive fun days in this book.” Former Member of SC House of Representatives

To purchase a copy of Tall Tales, High Towers, Simple Ideas, contact SCBA at 803-732-1186 or scba@scba.net. A portion of the proceeds will go to support the SCBA Educational Foundation.

Past Presidents – Like any professional organization, SCBA depends on volunteers to lead the Association and its many active committees.  Since our inception in 1948, SCBA has been fortunate to have had so many broadcast pioneers, legends and leaders at the helm of our ever-expanding association.

*Deceased