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Saturday, July 19, 2008

History

Broadcast Excellence, Community Contribution
WBRZ: "To Be The Best", the 1990s

The '90s see WBRZ living its "legacy of excellence" at every level.

Its mission statement is "To make a meaningful contribution to our community, customers and employees and to provide the highest quality news, entertainment and information. We strive to be the best."

The Louisiana Association of Broadcasters names WBRZ "Television Station of the Year" in 1990, 1991, 1994 and 1997, and "Community Station of the Year" in 1996. Richard Manship becomes president of WBRZ in 1991.

The station begins a five-year community service project with Baton Rouge Green to plant the I-10/I-12 split with several hundred crape myrtles and thousands of annual flowers. WBRZ celebrates a 40th anniversary in 1995.

Richard Manship notes:
"When my father, Douglas Manship, and my uncle, Charles Manship, started this station in 1955, they were deeply committed to the well-being of the Baton Rouge area community. I believe that sense of commitment still defines and distinguishes WBRZ and all the great people who work here…more than all the innovations in technology, news and programming we will ever offer."

The station establishes "WeatherNET 2," a fully automated weather observation system designed specifically for classroom instruction and education. WBRZ and its private business partners in education donate the systems and computer software to schools in the Channel 2 viewing area.

"WasteBusters," an investigative news segment, is launched. It focuses on financial waste and mismanagement in government agencies and other public offices and institutions. In 1996, mergers, acquisitions and sales bring new owners and management to television stations throughout the city. By 1997, WBRZ stands alone as the only major network affiliate with Baton Rouge owners.

In 1997 WBRZ/Channel 2 announces that it will offer TCI customers in surrounding parishes better weather coverage plus new information sources on cable channel 2, formerly NOAA.

The station purchases and updates equipment to provide TCI's cable subscribers with traffic and weather conditions utilizing SkyEye 2 and Doppler Storm TrackRadar. In making the announcement, President of WBRZ, Richard F. Manship said, "In this day and age, it is not enough to continue doing the same old things. At Channel 2 we are constantly trying to change or upgrade our product. Not only does the viewer deserve better, they expect it."

The Louisiana Association of Broadcasters awards its highest honor to WBRZ. Channel 2 is named "Television Station of the Year". The award recognizes WBRZ's leadership in news, sales, production, programming, marketing, public service and commitment to its community. Judges noted that Channel 2's major projects including the Children's Miracle Network Telethon, Feed a Family, Pat's Coats for Kids and WeatherNet 2, an advanced weather system that allows students from local schools to take an active role in weather forecasting and data analysis. The Television Station of the Year Award is presented annually to a television station in Louisiana which, as a member of the Louisiana Association of Broadcasters, best exemplifies the very highest standards and practices of the LAB and of the broadcast industry. WBRZ also received the award in 1990, 1991, and 1994.

General Manager Pat Cheramie is inducted into the LSU Manship School of Fame.

The Louisiana Association of Broadcasters recognizes WBRZ Channel 2 as the recipient of its "Community Service Award" (Year-Long Project), noting campaigns such as: The Children's Miracle Network Telethon, Feed-A-Family, Pat's Coats for Kids, 2 On Your Side, Party Smart, WeatherNet 2, Alcohol and Accountability, Channel 2 News Talks to Schools, and more.

The Louisiana Association of Broadcasters names Richard F.Manship, President of WBRZ "Broadcaster of the Year".

The Louisiana Association of Broadcasters recognizes WBRZ Channel 2 as the recipient of its "Television Station of the Year" Prestige Award in 1999. This is the fifth time in this decade WBRZ has received this honor.

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