The latest news.            

January 22, 1968-May 14, 1973. Inspired by Ernie Kovacs' approach to comedy, Dan Rowan and Dick Martin hosted this series of fast-moving sight gags, one-liners, short skits, and blackouts. The shows was an immediate hit and reflected the pace of TV comedy shows to follow. Among the many regulars on the show were Dennis Allen, Chelsea Brown, Ruth Buzzi, Judy Carne, Byron Gilliam, Arte Johnson, Ann Elder, Johnny Brown, Henry Gibson, Teresa Graves, Richard Dawson, Larry Hovis, Goldie Hawn, Gary Owens, Jeremy Lloyd, Dave Madden, Lily Tomlin, Nancie Phillips, Pamela Rodgers, Alan Sues, Barbara Sharma, and Jo Anne Worley.


Guests are Barbara Feldon and Flip Wilson.


                                 

First radio and television news accounts (different stations) from approximately 9:45pm EST to 10:18pm EST related to the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr, in Memphis, Tennessee.

These reports include first radio and television reports.

Tom Jarriel reports to ABC's Bob Young...reaction of the assassination which took place around 7:10pm...rioting in Tennessee...death of King around 8pm...President Johnson's response to the public...VP Hubert  Humphrey comments, Steve Young reports from Carnegie Hall...Duke Ellington turns concert into a memorial, Ed Bradley Man on the Street reactions in Harlem  to the assassination,  comments from Dr. Sterling Brown, Senator Charles Percy comments...Don Hickman reports from Memphis Tennessee. Other reports from Jeff Green and James Robinson. A Biography is heard on the life and accomplishments of Dr. Martin Luther King. 

NOTE: All of the above air checks audio taped  were recorded off the air (television and radio) in real time, switching from  one station to another...radio to TV to radio to TV, back and forth from approximately 9:45pm EST to !0:18pm EST. 
                                                                 

First radio and television news accounts (different stations) from approximately 9:45pm EST related to the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr, in Memphis, Tennessee.

These reports include first radio bulletins and reports.

Beginning News Bulletin Radio report related to Martin Luther King assassination.
According to Jesse Jackson a shot fired at King from a building across the street  as he stood on his hotel balcony. As he was getting ready with a group of friends and associates to eat  dinner when the shot was fired. 

Dr. King's death comes only one night after he told associates he was not disturbed by reports that he would be subjected to physical harm while in Memphis.  The civil rights leader was in the city to take charge of demonstrations in support of the city's 1300 striking garbage workers. Most of these garbage workers are negro. Las week the march led by King erupted into rioting. ONe person was killed in that rioting. There had been legal attempts in a court order to revent Dr. King from leading another demonstration in a few days. Dr. Martin Luther King and his attorneys have gone into court in an attempt to have that ban lifted. A decision was expected tomorrow. Dr. King was proclaiming the fact that the could indeed lead. 


Tom Jarriel reports to ABC's Bob Young...reaction of the assassination which took place around 7:10pm...rioting in Tennessee...death of King around 8pm...President Johnson's response to the public...VP Hubert  Humphrey comments, Steve Young reports from Carnegie Hall...Duke Ellington turns concert into a memorial, Ed Bradley Man on the Street reactions in Harlem  to the assassination,  comments from Dr. Sterling Brown, Senator Charles Percy comments...Don Hickman reports from Memphis Tennessee.

Other stations are archived at this time including the following reports:

PBS reaction of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King. 
Rioting in Tennessee...WNBC radio Charles Percy states that we must bring negroes into the mainstream of labor and business...Dick Reeves and Frank Gardner  reports from WCBS News. Report that King died at 8pm EST. President Lyndon Johnson responds to the American people. Vice President Hubert Humphrey responds. King shot in the neck. One bullet . Steve Young at Carnegie Hall. Duke Ellington  turns concert into a memorial. At 7:10 King was shot. Ed Bradley reports with man on the street interviews in Harlem, NY. Dr. Sterling Brown comments. Senator Charles P:ercy interviewed at the Plaza Hotel. Don Hickman reports from Memphis Tennessee. Dr. Martin Luther King, third youngest person to win the Nobel Prize. Short biography of King. Effects of Civil Rights during the Viet Nam War, view on congress and their focus on non violence. 

WOR radio report. Jean Sheppard. Bill Mazer. WABC report. Lee Leonard quotes King who said "I am a dead man. The only question is when?" Discussion. Extra police are sent to Harlem. Atmosphere there is electric. James Farmer statement read by nesman. City College closed tomorrow. WVATS speech by Senator Wayne Morris. Riot ing in Memphis Tennessee. WLOK'S Tom Wat son reports. WVAI additional comments. WnBC Lee Leonard studio interview. Dick Reeves. Looting Harlem. 
SP EICAL BROADCAST then NBC re orts from Memphis TN. Jesse Jackson is interviewed ...reaction when bullet hit Dr. King. Again here President Johnson speech to the nation. Late reports from Danie Schorrand King speech, "...mine eyes have seen the glory.". Hubert Humphrey quote that King "An apostle of non-violence has been the victim of violence." CBS TV Russell long interviewed by Marvin Agronsky. WINS reports. King's first filmed interview on Bus Boycott in 1961 in Montgomery Alabama. Charles Kuralt reports retrospective...King at convention during the summer of 1956...prayer pilgrimage, King on advantages of sit-ins. 

NOTE: All of the above air checks audio taped  were recorded off the air (television and radio) in real time, switching from  one station to another...radio to TV to radio to TV, back and forth from approximately 9:45pm EST.


                                                                 

January 22, 1968-May 14, 1973. Inspired by Ernie Kovacs' approach to comedy, Dan Rowan and Dick Martin hosted this series of fast-moving sight gags, one-liners, short skits, and blackouts. The shows was an immediate hit and reflected the pace of TV comedy shows to follow. Among the many regulars on the show were Dennis Allen, Chelsea Brown, Ruth Buzzi, Judy Carne, Byron Gilliam, Arte Johnson, Ann Elder, Johnny Brown, Henry Gibson, Teresa Graves, Richard Dawson, Larry Hovis, Goldie Hawn, Gary Owens, Jeremy Lloyd, Dave Madden, Lily Tomlin, Nancie Phillips, Pamela Rodgers, Alan Sues, Barbara Sharma, and Jo Anne Worley.


Guests are George Jessel a nd Flip Wilson. First ten minutes.


                                              

January 22, 1968-May 14, 1973. Inspired by Ernie Kovacs' approach to comedy, Dan Rowan and Dick Martin hosted this series of fast-moving sight gags, one-liners, short skits, and blackouts. The shows was an immediate hit and reflected the pace of TV comedy shows to follow. Among the many regulars on the show were Dennis Allen, Chelsea Brown, Ruth Buzzi, Judy Carne, Byron Gilliam, Arte Johnson, Ann Elder, Johnny Brown, Henry Gibson, Teresa Graves, Richard Dawson, Larry Hovis, Goldie Hawn, Gary Owens, Jeremy Lloyd, Dave Madden, Lily Tomlin, Nancie Phillips, Pamela Rodgers, Alan Sues, Barbara Sharma, and Jo Anne Worley.


Guest: Barbara Feldon. Johnny Carson cameo appearance. 


                                 

January 22, 1968-May 14, 1973. Inspired by Ernie Kovacs' approach to comedy, Dan Rowan and Dick Martin hosted this series of fast-moving sight gags, one-liners, short skits, and blackouts. The shows was an immediate hit and reflected the pace of TV comedy shows to follow. Among the many regulars on the show were Dennis Allen, Chelsea Brown, Ruth Buzzi, Judy Carne, Byron Gilliam, Arte Johnson, Ann Elder, Johnny Brown, Henry Gibson, Teresa Graves, Richard Dawson, Larry Hovis, Goldie Hawn, Gary Owens, Jeremy Lloyd, Dave Madden, Lily Tomlin, Nancie Phillips, Pamela Rodgers, Alan Sues, Barbara Sharma, and Jo Anne Worley.


Guest: Tiny Tim. Cameos by Milton Berle, Joey Bishop, and Flip Wilson.  


                                              

September 25, 1962-June 23, 1970. One of television's most inventive and popular comedians, Red Skelton hosted his own series for twenty years, seven of them in a one-hour format, "The Red Skelton Hour" on CBS. Skelton began his television career on NBC September 30, 1951 with a half-hour filmed variety series lasting until June 21, 1953. He then began his CBS affiliation, and began hosting "The Red Skelton Show," a half-hour variety show broadcast live until October 18, 1960, and subsequently on videotape. This series aired from October 13, 1953, continuing until June 26, 1962. From July 21, 1954 through September 8, 1954, "The Red Skelton Revue" was broadcast live on CBS in a one-hour format. Red Skelton returned to NBC in a half-hour taped format for his final series. "Red" as the show was known, premiered September 14, 1970. The first four broadcasts included introductions by Vice President Spiro T. Agnew (September 14, 1970), Dean Martin (September 21, 1970), Jack Benny (September 28, 1970), and Johnny Carson (October 5, 1970) who got his big break writing for Skelton in the early 1950's. Red Skelton's last first-run regularly scheduled television program aired on March 15, 1971.             

September 25, 1962-June 23, 1970. 

Red Skelton presents an hour of specially revised fairy tales for viewers on the far side of the generation gap. Cyril Ritchard and Jane Powell join him for take-offs on:

 Aladdin, Peter, Peter, Pumpkin Eater, Rip Van Winkle, Beauty and the Beast, and Sleeping Beauty. 

A re-run originally telecast January 30, 1968

One of television's most inventive and popular comedians, Red Skelton hosted his own series for twenty years, seven of them in a one-hour format, "The Red Skelton Hour" on CBS. Skelton began his television career on NBC September 30, 1951 with a half-hour filmed variety series lasting until June 21, 1953. He then began his CBS affiliation, and began hosting "The Red Skelton Show," a half-hour variety show broadcast live until October 18, 1960, and subsequently on videotape. This series aired from October 13, 1953, continuing until June 26, 1962. From July 21, 1954 through September 8, 1954, "The Red Skelton Revue" was broadcast live on CBS in a one-hour format. Red Skelton returned to NBC in a half-hour taped format for his final series. "Red" as the show was known, premiered September 14, 1970. The first four broadcasts included introductions by Vice President Spiro T. Agnew (September 14, 1970), Dean Martin (September 21, 1970), Jack Benny (September 28, 1970), and Johnny Carson (October 5, 1970) who got his big break writing for Skelton in the early 1950's. Red Skelton's last first-run regularly scheduled television program aired on March 15, 1971.                          

Live coverage of Senator Robert F. Kennedy's victory in the California Democratic Primary. Minutes after his victory speech, Senator Kennedy would be assassinated by Sirhan Sirhan. 

NOTE: NBC STOPPED RECORDING TAPE (2" QUAD) AFTER SENATOR ROBERT F. KENNEDY CONCLUDED HIS ACCEPTANCE SPEECH AT THE AMBASSADOR HOTEL IN LOS ANGELES. NBC TV CONTINUED TO BROADCAST WITH ANCHORS FRANK MC GEE, DAVID BRINKLEY AND CHET HUNTLEY. HOWEVER, NBC TV STOPPED ROLLING TAPE OF THE BROADCAST EXPECTING ALL SALIENT REPORTING WAS OVER AND THAT THE STATION WOULD LEAVE THE AIR MOMENTARILY. FROM 3:16 AM EASTERN STANDARD TIME TO 3:26 AM HUNTLEY, MC GEE AND BRINKLEY WERE TOLD IN THEIR EAR PIECES THAT KENNEDY WAS SHOT AND TO STALL FOR TIME UNTIL FURTHER DETAILS COULD BE CONFIRMED. WHEN NBC TV RESUMED RECORDING TAPE AT 3:26 AM COVERAGE OF THE ASSASSINATION WAS DISSEMINTAED, AND FOLLOW UP COVERAGE CONTINUED. 

THE TEN MISSING MINUTES OF NBC TV BROADCAST WAS RECORDED ON AUDIO TAPE AND RESIDES ONLY IN THE COLLECTION OF ARCHIVAL TELEVISION AUDIO, INC. 

ONLY FOUR AND HALF YEARS EARLIER A SIMILAR SCENARIO OCCURRED WHEN DEVELOPER AND OWNER OF THE ATA COLLECTION, PHIL GRIES, RECORDED OFF THE AIR THE "LOST" BROADCAST MOMENTS OF DON PARDO ANNOUNCING THE FIRST TWO BULLETINS AND SUBSEQUENT NEVER RECORDED BY NBC TV 11 MINUTES OF STUDIO COVERAGE RELATED TO THE ASSASSINATION OF PRESIDENT JOHN F. KENNEDY.  

Richard Lamparski interviews actor Leo Gorcey. 

Rare interview with "Dead End Kid" actor Leo Gorcey who died less than a year later at age 54.

WBAI-FM RADIO 

Live coverage of the 1968 Republican National Convention from the Miami Beach Convention Center in Miami, Florida. The coverage includes August 5th, August 6th, and August 7th, 1968.            

A morning press conference by Richard Nixon.            

Republican Presidential candidate Richard M. Nixon gives his acceptance speech as the Republican candidate for President of the United States. Chet Huntley and David Brinkley report.           

Russ Hodges, longtime announcer for the New York and San Francisco Giants, reminisces with Bob Murphy between games at Shea Stadium, the home of the N.Y. Mets. Hodges talks about his early Yankee experiences with Mel Allen, Willie Mays, the 1951 Bobby Thomson home run, past and current Dodger and Giant rivalries and memories of Jackie Robinson.             

January 22, 1968-May 14, 1973. Inspired by Ernie Kovacs' approach to comedy, Dan Rowan and Dick Martin hosted this series of fast-moving sight gags, one-liners, short skits, and blackouts. The shows was an immediate hit and reflected the pace of TV comedy shows to follow. Among the many regulars on the show were Dennis Allen, Chelsea Brown, Ruth Buzzi, Judy Carne, Byron Gilliam, Arte Johnson, Ann Elder, Johnny Brown, Henry Gibson, Teresa Graves, Richard Dawson, Larry Hovis, Goldie Hawn, Gary Owens, Jeremy Lloyd, Dave Madden, Lily Tomlin, Nancie Phillips, Pamela Rodgers, Alan Sues, Barbara Sharma, and Jo Anne Worley.


Hosts: Dan Rowan and Dick Martin.

Guests: Richard Nixon, John Wayne, Hugh Hefner, Goldie Hawn, Zsa Zsa Gabor.
                                                                        

September 25, 1962-June 23, 1970. One of television's most inventive and popular comedians, Red Skelton hosted his own series for twenty years, seven of them in a one-hour format, "The Red Skelton Hour" on CBS. Skelton began his television career on NBC September 30, 1951 with a half-hour filmed variety series lasting until June 21, 1953. He then began his CBS affiliation, and began hosting "The Red Skelton Show," a half-hour variety show broadcast live until October 18, 1960, and subsequently on videotape. This series aired from October 13, 1953, continuing until June 26, 1962. From July 21, 1954 through September 8, 1954, "The Red Skelton Revue" was broadcast live on CBS in a one-hour format. Red Skelton returned to NBC in a half-hour taped format for his final series. "Red" as the show was known, premiered September 14, 1970. The first four broadcasts included introductions by Vice President Spiro T. Agnew (September 14, 1970), Dean Martin (September 21, 1970), Jack Benny (September 28, 1970), and Johnny Carson (October 5, 1970) who got his big break writing for Skelton in the early 1950's. Red Skelton's last first-run regularly scheduled television program aired on March 15, 1971.     

Duplicate of #4284.       

January 22, 1968-May 14, 1973. Inspired by Ernie Kovacs' approach to comedy, Dan Rowan and Dick Martin hosted this series of fast-moving sight gags, one-liners, short skits, and blackouts. The shows was an immediate hit and reflected the pace of TV comedy shows to follow. Among the many regulars on the show were Dennis Allen, Chelsea Brown, Ruth Buzzi, Judy Carne, Byron Gilliam, Arte Johnson, Ann Elder, Johnny Brown, Henry Gibson, Teresa Graves, Richard Dawson, Larry Hovis, Goldie Hawn, Gary Owens, Jeremy Lloyd, Dave Madden, Lily Tomlin, Nancie Phillips, Pamela Rodgers, Alan Sues, Barbara Sharma, and Jo Anne Worley.


Guests: Zsa Zsa Gabor, Greer Garson, Bob Hope, Abbe Lane, Greg Morris, Otto Preminger, Michael Wayne. 

Hosts: Dan Rowan and Dick Martin.
                                                                        

Republicans and supporters hold a rally for Richard Nixon in New York City's Madison Square Garden.         

Rally for Richard Nixon several days prior to 1968 Presidential election.            

Live radio coverage of President-Elect Richard M. Nixon's press conference introducing members of his cabinet and their wives to the nation.              

President-Elect Richard M. Nixon announces his cabinet appointments for his first Presidential term.                         

September 30, 1951-August 29, 1971

Red Skelton's network television program began at the start of the 1951 fall season on NBC (for sponsor Procter & Gamble). After two seasons on Sunday nights, the program was picked up by CBS in the fall of 1953 and moved to Tuesday night, the time slot with which it would become primarily associated during most of its run. After his first CBS season the program was moved to Wednesday night and expanded to an hour for the summer of 1954 only; it was then reduced back to a half-hour for a time, later expanded again, returning to Tuesday night where it would remain for the next sixteen years (co-sponsored by Johnson's Wax and Pet Milk between 1955 and 1962).

On September 25, 1962, the program was again expanded to a full hour (becoming The Red Skelton Hour) and remained in this longer format for the balance of its CBS run.

CBS ended its association with the program in early 1970. This apparently marked the beginning of one of several attempts by CBS to downplay programming whose primary appeal was to "Middle America", an audience more rural and also somewhat older than that generally desired by network television advertisers. Marketers were moving towards a younger, "hipper", and more urban audience.

At least in part due to Skelton's iconic status, the program was picked up by NBC, premiering on September 14, 1970. Vice President Spiro Agnew introduced Red's 20th season opener, returning back to NBC where he began his first TV season. Guest on Shelton's premiere program was Jerry Lewis. After the taping of the show Lewis told the audience: "My ambition has always been to be a clown...tonight I've had the honor of working with a great clown."

The program that aired was quite different from the one that Skelton's CBS audience was used to seeing. The new set was dark, devoid of the backdrops that viewers had seen on CBS. The show was cut back to its original half-hour length and it was moved from Tuesday to Monday nights.

The new format never really worked. The program ended in March 1971, although selected programs from this final season were rerun on NBC on Sunday nights in prime time during June-August, 1971. 

Red's guest is Dale Robertson.                                                                               

January 22, 1968-May 14, 1973. Inspired by Ernie Kovacs' approach to comedy, Dan Rowan and Dick Martin hosted this series of fast-moving sight gags, one-liners, short skits, and blackouts. The shows was an immediate hit and reflected the pace of TV comedy shows to follow. Among the many regulars on the show were Dennis Allen, Chelsea Brown, Ruth Buzzi, Judy Carne, Byron Gilliam, Arte Johnson, Ann Elder, Johnny Brown, Henry Gibson, Teresa Graves, Richard Dawson, Larry Hovis, Goldie Hawn, Gary Owens, Jeremy Lloyd, Dave Madden, Lily Tomlin, Nancie Phillips, Pamela Rodgers, Alan Sues, Barbara Sharma, and Jo Anne Worley.


Hosts: Dan Rowan and Dick Martin.
                                                           

Live coverage of the 1969 Rose Bowl game between the Ohio State Buckeyes and the USC Trojans in Pasadena, California. Ohio State defeated USC 27-16 to win the 1968 National College Football Championship. Curt Gowdy and Kyle Rote are the commentators.                                               

September 25, 1962-June 23, 1970. One of television's most inventive and popular comedians, Red Skelton hosted his own series for twenty years, seven of them in a one-hour format, "The Red Skelton Hour" on CBS. Skelton began his television career on NBC September 30, 1951 with a half-hour filmed variety series lasting until June 21, 1953. He then began his CBS affiliation, and began hosting "The Red Skelton Show," a half-hour variety show broadcast live until October 18, 1960, and subsequently on videotape. This series aired from October 13, 1953, continuing until June 26, 1962. From July 21, 1954 through September 8, 1954, "The Red Skelton Revue" was broadcast live on CBS in a one-hour format. Red Skelton returned to NBC in a half-hour taped format for his final series. "Red" as the show was known, premiered September 14, 1970. The first four broadcasts included introductions by Vice President Spiro T. Agnew (September 14, 1970), Dean Martin (September 21, 1970), Jack Benny (September 28, 1970), and Johnny Carson (October 5, 1970) who got his big break writing for Skelton in the early 1950's. Red Skelton's last first-run regularly scheduled television program aired on March 15, 1971.    

Dupe of #4305.          

The first inauguration of President-Elect Richard M. Nixon.            

Live coverage of the inauguration of President-Elect Richard M. Nixon as he is sworn in as the 37th President of the United States.                                                    

Continuing live coverage of the Richard Nixon presidential inauguration.                           

September 25, 1962-June 23, 1970. One of television's most inventive and popular comedians, Red Skelton hosted his own series for twenty years, seven of them in a one-hour format, "The Red Skelton Hour" on CBS. Skelton began his television career on NBC September 30, 1951 with a half-hour filmed variety series lasting until June 21, 1953. He then began his CBS affiliation, and began hosting "The Red Skelton Show," a half-hour variety show broadcast live until October 18, 1960, and subsequently on videotape. This series aired from October 13, 1953, continuing until June 26, 1962. From July 21, 1954 through September 8, 1954, "The Red Skelton Revue" was broadcast live on CBS in a one-hour format. Red Skelton returned to NBC in a half-hour taped format for his final series. "Red" as the show was known, premiered September 14, 1970. The first four broadcasts included introductions by Vice President Spiro T. Agnew (September 14, 1970), Dean Martin (September 21, 1970), Jack Benny (September 28, 1970), and Johnny Carson (October 5, 1970) who got his big break writing for Skelton in the early 1950's. Red Skelton's last first-run regularly scheduled television program aired on March 15, 1971.      

Dupe of 4304.        

Live radio coverage of President Richard Nixon's press conference to announce his forthcoming European tour at the end of February.             

A report on President Richard M. Nixon's Western European tour and his visit to Rome to meet Pope Paul VI. 
Coverage of February 24th-27th and March 2nd, 1969.