Before we post more classic video from television's halcyon days, we 'll pause for these messages from our ... well... from two respected Philadelphia companies that have long histories sponsoring television and radio programs ,here, in the City of Brotherly Love.
These commercials appear to be from the the mid-to-late 1950's and were produced as LIVE elements of local programs on what was then WRCV-TV.For a decade WRCV-TV was Philadelphia's, NBC Owned and Operated Television station.NBC ran the television station, and it's AM radio outlet (which is now the mighty KYW NEWSRADIO 1060), from June of 1955 until a federally-mandated, station trade brought Group W's ownership and KYW-TV to Channel 3 in June of 1965.
Channel 3 has always been a kinetic place and an incubator of stellar talent. Video visionary ,Erine Kovacs, first stepped before a camera at what was then WPTZ-TV, for one of the mediums first wake-up shows, THREE TO GET READY. The hip, but wholesome MIKE DOUGLAS SHOW came to town with Group W. Jessica Savitch, David Brenner and Tom Snyder all honed their considerable skills at the station.
The featured announcer is a kind and talented man with whom I had the good fortune to work at KYW, Gary Geers. He was one of those multi-faceted gems of early local broadcasting, who hosted and produced newscasts, comedy shows, children's programs.
Gary also served as host and producer for one of this market's longest running shows, FARM ,HOME & GARDEN, which focused on regional agriculture. We worked together, last, in the 1990's , when he was the station's morning weathercaster and only remaining, in-house, staff announcer.
For decades Gary was the voice of KYW-TV, which, today, is a CBS O & O. He, sadly , passed away at age 84, just over a year ago. Gary and his kind of talent are sorely missed in local television, today.
Posted below from the TINNKAT YOU TUBE site, is a gauzy, monochromatic, video reminder of the contributions that staff announcers made to local television stations. The sponsors showcased here are a defunct, regional, financial institution, PNB Bank, and Philly's enduring, favorite, hometown snack, Tastykake.Enjoy!!!
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