Friesenhahn succumbs to cancer

Harold Friesenhahn, chief engineer for Clear Channel's NBC affiliate WOAI-TV San Antonio, died Dec. 5, after a long battle with cancer.

Friesenhahn spent his entire broadcasting career at WOAI-TV, beginning in the station's production department in 1961. He moved into engineering and station operations, and was promoted to chief engineer in 1983.

During the 1990s, he served also as director of corporate engineering for the station's former owner Chris-Craft Television, where he oversaw technical operations and strategic planning for stations in New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco and several other large television markets.

Never one to settle for the status-quo, Friesenhahn was known by his peers and coworkers as a leader who readily embraced new technologies and opportunities that would better serve a station's viewers.

He was a passionate advocate for public safety, and was a member of the Bexar County emergency planning committee.

?Harold was a tireless worker, the consummate professional and always exhibited enormous passion for this business and this television station,? said Donita Todd, WOAI-TV vice president and general manager.

?We will miss his vision, his soft-spoken leadership, his easy smile, and his kind and gentle heart.?

He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Pat, and four grown children.