Tower ice
I just purchased my first new car – a brown Ford Escort from the dealer in Rochester – and drove it to work at KSTP. A huge three-legged antenna straddles a secured parking area behind the studios – which is where the news crew parks on weekend evenings. During pre-production somebody came in and asked whose brown car was under the tower that was all smashed up. I thought they were just giving me a hard time for finally getting a new car. Nope. Turns out that the temperature was just right for ice to accumulate on the tower and then fall off in huge chunks. In this case landing on top of my car smashing in the hood, windshield, and roof.
Hockey
In a memorable chapter of my career, I found myself swept up in an adventure that combined my professional skills with an unexpected dash of luxury, thanks to Stanley Hubbard, a prominent figure in the broadcasting industry and a fervent hockey enthusiast. It was during a time when Mr. Hubbard decided to shine a spotlight on an obscure hockey league, a venture that required televising one of their games. To this end, he dispatched his mobile production semi-truck ahead of time and arranged for the crew to fly on the day of the event in his private King Air turbo prop plane. Among the ten-person team, I was tasked with managing the electronic graphics—a role that placed me at the heart of this unique broadcasting endeavor.
Mr. Hubbard’s passion for the project meant we were treated to what could only be described as red-carpet service. His private pilot whisked us away from St. Paul Holman Field to Iowa, encapsulating a sense of excitement and privilege. The flight down was business-like, with discussions revolving around the broadcast’s intricate details, ensuring we were all aligned and prepared for the task at hand.
However, the return journey unfolded in a manner none of us anticipated, revealing a delightful surprise Mr. Hubbard had in store. The plane, much to our amazement, was stocked with an extravagant spread of snacks and an ample selection of top-shelf liquors. This generous provision transformed our trip back into a celebratory affair, allowing us to unwind and revel in the success of our broadcast. As we took a leisurely scenic route home, the atmosphere was one of camaraderie and indulgence, a stark contrast to the focused intensity of our outbound flight.
Interestingly, Mr. Hubbard traveled separately in his Learjet, a detail that underscored the meticulous planning and consideration he had invested in ensuring his crew’s comfort and satisfaction. This experience, flying back from Iowa aboard Stanley Hubbard’s private plane, wasn’t just a testament to his dedication to promoting lesser-known sports. It also highlighted his appreciation for his team, offering us a memorable journey that celebrated our collective effort in bringing his vision to life.
Frank Magid
In my days working for KSTP Television, I had the unique opportunity to occasionally work alongside Frank Magid, a name that, while not universally recognized, left an indelible mark on the television news industry through his innovative company, Magid Associates, nestled in the heart of Iowa. This consumer technology media research firm was at the forefront of revolutionizing TV news, with Frank himself spearheading the movement. His method was groundbreaking, focusing on evidence-based changes to news programming that were nothing short of scientific. Frank had a knack for determining what characteristics made news anchors appealing to audiences, including their age, hairstyle, and even the minutiae of their on-air presence, all in pursuit of boosting ratings.
I recall when Stanley Hubbard became one of Magid’s major clients. It was during this time that Frank introduced what would come to be known as the ‘happy news’ format. This innovative approach featured two anchors exchanging friendly banter, a style that not only captivated viewers but also set a new standard for news broadcasting across the United States. Frank’s suggestions, which could range from a simple alteration in an anchor’s hairstyle to adjustments in seating and lighting, often led to a noticeable uptick in viewership.
My role in this transformative period was, admittedly, quite peripheral. Frank would often use our station for conducting mock newscasts. These sessions, typically held on Saturday nights, were essentially rehearsals, utilizing our regular set but experimenting with different delivery styles and scripts. Despite the additional work—usually extending our days by an extra half hour to an hour—these mock newscasts were crucial. They allowed us to record various news segments in assorted formats, which Frank then presented to consumer panels to gauge their effectiveness. A few months following these trials, it wasn’t uncommon to see one of the tested formats adopted into our regular newscasts.
At the time, the importance of these experiments was somewhat lost on me. However, looking back, I now realize the profound impact of Frank Magid’s work. His innovative approach not only reshaped our station but also set a new standard for news broadcasting nationwide. Interestingly, as a token of appreciation for our participation in these groundbreaking experiments, we would often receive a bottle of Amaretto or some other fancy liqueur—a small but memorable perk that, in a way, symbolized the sweet success of Frank’s endeavors.