Broadcasters mourn loss of Jack Bell

posted on 10.19.2011

Pioneer Texas broadcaster Jack Bell died today. He was 89.

Bell was the longtime owner and manager at KDET-AM Center.

Bell started his broadcast career as program director for KGRI Henderson in 1947.

After leaving Henderson, he moved to Center to open KDET on Feb. 22, 1949.

Although Bell started at KDET as program director, by 1950 he was station manager and eventually became owner of Center Broadcasting Company.

He retired in 2001 after more than 55 years in the industry.

He served as Chairman of the TAB Board of Directors in 1990 and received TAB?s highest honor ? the Pioneer Broadcaster of the Year award ? in 1988.