Broadcasters to honor industry leaders

posted on 6.12.2012

The Texas Association of Broadcasters will honor three broadcast leaders at TAB’s Annual Awards Gala.

The gala, part of the association’s 59th Annual Convention & Trade Show, is set for Thursday, Aug. 9 from 7-10 pm at the Renaissance Austin Hotel (9721 Arboretum Blvd., Austin, 78759).

Pioneer of the Year – William G. Moll, KLRN-TV San Antonio

For nearly 50 years, Bill Moll’s exemplary broadcast career has demonstrated a commitment to localism and community service.

Moll began his career at KLRN-TV San Antonio and now, 43 years later, he has returned to the PBS station as President and CEO. In between, he served as President/GM of KENS-TV San Antonio, President/CEO of The Television Bureau of Advertising, President/GM of WNBC-TV New York and Chairman of Clear Channel Television. 

Moll served as Chairman of the TAB Board of Directors in 1984 and was instrumental in fighting off two significant attempts at taxing advertising.

He always has believed broadcasters should serve not only the needs of viewers and listeners, but also contribute to the success of local non-profit organizations.

He serves on the boards of directors of the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce, United Way of San Antonio & Bexar County Board and Executive Committee, the USO Foundation, the University of the Incarnate Word and many others.

Broadcaster of the Year – John Barger, Victoria RadioWorks, LLC

John Barger served as TAB Chairman in 1987 and created TAB’s Broadcaster of the Year Award.

His commitment and dedication to the association and the broadcast industry continues going strong.

Co-founder of Clear Channel Communications and developer of the news-talk radio format in Texas, Barger’s 50-plus years of radio operations in Texas began in 1975, including management and ownership at differing times of WOAI-AM, KAJA-FM, KONO-AM/FM, KAHL-AM, KRIO-FM, KMFR-FM, plus stations in Victoria and Pearsall.

This year, as VP of the Radio Music License Committee, Barger chaired the organization's Negotiating and Litigation Committees. 

As a result of the RMLC's satisfactory court actions and negotiations with ASCAP and BMI, Texas radio stations will pay $85 million less in combined music licensing fees to these two performance rights organizations over the next five years.

Barger’s industry activities included serving as founder of the Class A Broadcasters Association (1986), chairman of the Texas Association of Broadcasters (1986-87) and director of the National Association of Broadcasters (1994-2006).

TAB honored Barger as Pioneer of the Year in 1997.

Educator of the Year – Dennis Harp, Texas Tech University (retired)

TAB presents the Educator of the Year award to individuals who have significantly contributed to the success of the broadcast industry in Texas and whose personal and professional conduct sets a standard of excellence to be emulated.

Dr. Dennis Harp began his academic career as a college instructor of film and photography in 1966 and retired in 2008 as professor of electronic media & communications. 

During his 35 years at Texas Tech University, Harp served as director of telecommunications, Department of Mass Communications (1973-1992), associate director, School of Mass Communications (1993-2003) and associate dean of faculty, College of Mass Communications (2004-2008).

Friends and colleagues still remember his patience, sincere love for the industry and genuine concern for his students.

In 2007, he led a project to preserve the history of Texas broadcasting through the stories and memories of the members of the Texas Pioneer Club. The videos are archived online.

Today Harp serves as member on the advisory board for KTTZ-TV Lubbock, The Lubbock Chorale board of directors and National Cowboy Symposium & Celebration advisory board.

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