Today I found out about a show that used to air in Detroit that was called The Scene.
The Scene was a daily dance show that featured many National and Local Guests artists as well as many youngsters from the Detroit, Michigan community. The show ran for a record 12 consecutive years from 1975 to 1987 and retired as one the most popular and successful shows in the history of WGPR-TV channel 62.
Even more interesting was to learn that WGPR-TV channel 62 was not only a black-owned television station, it was the first commercially licensed black-owned television station in the United States. WGPR started broadcasting on September 29th, 1975.
WGPR was founded by The Free and Accepted Modern Masons, headquartered in Detroit MI. Dr. William V. Banks, mansonic leader along with Jim Panagos and George White, Sales and Programming managers respectively of WGPR-FM radio, were responsible for putting the station on the air. It was then, for the first time in American history, that blacks were afforded the real opportunity to be a part of every aspect of television, from all that goes on behind the scenes to on-air talent. Many African-Americans got their start in television at WGPR-TV. THE SCENE was one of the most popular shows produced by WGPR-TV. It aired from October 13, 1975 to Decermber 31,1987.
The Scene had a strong loyal following of viewers that grew to include city and suburb, white and Black, the young and the young at heart. Nat Morris, Executive producer and host, provided opportunities for unknown artists, launching many careers that went to national and international fame. The Scene paved the way for all the Detroit local entertainment TV shows that followed and had the impact on Detroit Black Television in much the same way that Soul Train and Don Cornelius had on a national level.
No comments :
Post a Comment