In all honesty, I, the Kornerman, am not a frequent viewer of channel five, WOI-TV, aka weareiowa, television AND that's a d.... shame. It deserves better.
Late comedian Rodney Dangerfield lived his very successful life bemoaning the fact he "didn't get any respect." In many ways, channel five could demand the same. In the first years of its 75-year history, WOI-TV was a real, local television frontrunner but as time has passed, its become more of an afterthought. Sometimes, life just isn't fair.
However, through the years, channel five has dealt with innumerable changes in varied ownerships plus constant changes in personnel and branding, much to the chagrin of potential viewers.
Just this year, the Nexstar Broadcasting group merged with Tegna to secure ownership of a station threesome, WOI, WHO and KCWI. What started at birth as an Iowa State College asset (yes) was eventually obtained by Citadel, then by Nexstar and now by Tegna. Not exactly a road to stability.
I hope this edition of the Korner provides some heartfelt but gleeful emotion from older readers and for the younger crowd, an opening to some State of Iowa television history they are very much unaware of.
I'm sure, by now, that younger group is, at least, aware of the fact television, in general, was a complete no-no prior to the 1950's.
But on February 21, 1950, this crazy dream of watching a live event, locally, or from a distance, appearing on a screen in a nearby store, or even a living room, began this delightful existence in Iowa. Anybody else remember crowding the street in front of Reedholm's Hardware on Story to witness this history, despite its various inconsistent frailties?
On that date, WOI-television, snowy picture and all, appeared on those screens but on channel four, not five.
AND, that was actually Iowa's second ever television offering, following WOC-TV, now KWQC-TV of Davenport. However, WOI-TV was the first television station owned and operated by an educational institution, Iowa State College in Ames, and just the 100th in the entire of U.S.A.. WHO-TV followed in 1954 and KRNT, now KCCI, of Des Moines, in 1955.
Unlike those other central Iowa newcomers, WHO and KCCI, WOI was, from the get-go, noted for its educational programming, even including courses for college credit and a daily educational program for elementary students.
When exploring the programming history of WOI-TV, oftentimes, a "the house with the Magic Window" program immediately draws the most attention. This children's program featured hand crafting activities and all things children. It was considered a safe place for central Iowa kids and boasts a history few can match.
From 1951-1994.....THAT'S 43 YEARS.......that program aired........the longest running children's television program in American history and for all but the first three years, it was hosted by Betty Lou Varnum. Another of the more well known shows featured early on WOI-TV was American Bandstand hosted by Dick Clark. Remember?
Believe it or not, I, the Kornerman, am an alum of WOI-TV. Here's the story.
I was discharged from service with the U.S. Army in 1956 and started classes at Iowa State College/University. I can't remember exactly how it developed but, somehow, I landed, at least a part-time job, at WOI-TV. I imagine the fact I had previous KWBG radio announcing experience might have had a bearing on that hiring decision.
My job was extremely vital and important to the station........not. Very late at night, along with a microphone, I was "stuffed" into a sound proof booth.....which boasted a seating capacity of one and, in those magic moments between television shows, I uttered those famous words......"This is WOI-TV, channel five, Ames."
THAT WAS IT. My entire WOI-TV experience. No Emmy nomination was forthcoming.
Channel five has been a valuable "starting point" for too many to mention personalities who have become successful at other central Iowa stations. I quickly think of Erin Kiernan, Andy Fales and Samantha Mesa, all who started at WOI-TV but then moved to other area stations.
K-----K
Worldwide Korner headquarters are located at 928 South Marshall street, Boone, Iowa 50036-4932. Phone number is 515-432-1530. Leave a message. To email your stories/memories/comments/death notices...........https://kelleyskorner1@blogspot.com.
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