Broadcasters leaders from the state of North Carolina have announced plans for a North Carolina Broadcast History Museum.
In a press conference at the Governor’s Mansion, leaders from around the state announced the museum will begin as a digital entity with future plans for a brick-and-mortar facility yet to take shape.
A distinguished group will serve on the Board of Trustees for the organization.
The group includes Beasley Media Group CEO Caroline Beasley, Curtis Media Group CEO Don Curtis, Capitol Broadcasting CEO Jim Goodmon, and North Carolina Public Media CEO David Crabtree. Additionally, broadcast executives Carl Venters Jr., Mike Weeks, Jim Heavner, Dave Lingafelt, Jim Babby, Cullie Tarleton, and Dr. James Carson will serve on the board. Media lawyer Wade Gargrove and Harold Ballard will also be on the Board.
The state features a robust broadcast history, tracing its roots back to 1902 when radio pioneer Reginald Fessenden transmitted a 127-word voice message from Cape Hatteras to a tower on Roanoke Island. The state was also home to the first digital television transmission by WRAL-TV in 1996.
The Museum is seeking the help of the general public in collecting artifacts — including documents, photos, and recordings — that relate to prominent broadcasting moments in North Carolina history.
The group’s website is now open and available to the public at NCBMuseum.com.
