Local TV news

Published: December 6, 2007

"Oklahoma World War II Stories,” a documentary premiering at 8 p.m. today on OETA-13, features the personal, compelling and emotional stories of courage and sacrifice from Oklahoma's World War II veterans.

Veterans profiled include glider pilot Harry Furr; military chaplain Dr. Charles Richmond; fighter pilot Stanley F.H. Newman; 45th Infantry Division platoon sergeant Emmett Steeds; and combat cameraman Ned Hockman.

The film is an extension of OETA's ongoing story collection project, a statewide effort to collect, share and preserve the stories of Oklahoma, its veterans and citizens during World War II. Story collection will continue through May 31, and Oklahomans can submit stories via e-mail to warstories@oeta.tv or mail submissions to OETA/Oklahoma WWII Stories, 7403 N Kelley Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 74303. For more information, call (800) 846-7665 or e-mail warstories@ oeta.tv.

Former Oklahoma City radio personality Dale Wehba, former KOCO-5 sports director Jerry Park, Lawton news director and anchor Jan Stratton and Weatherford sports director Chuck Edwards have been elected to the Oklahoma Association of Broadcasters' Hall of Fame. They will be inducted March 27 at the group's annual convention.

Starting in the late 1950s, Wehba was a major innovator in radio's rock 'n' roll era. He was music director and a top-rated personality at three Oklahoma City stations: KOCY-AM 1340, KOMA-FM 92.5 and WKY-AM 930. Wehba, whose signature phrase was "Viva la Wehba,” later worked at No. 1 radio stations in Detroit and Boston.

A sportscaster for more than 40 years, Park was sports director at KOCO from 1974-99.

Since Stratton joined KSWO-7 in 1981 as news director and principal anchor, the station has won numerous journalistic awards.

Since 1977, Edwards has been the sports voice of Weatherford's KWEY-FM 95.5 and AM 1590. He has broadcast more than 3,500 football, basketball and baseball games besides providing daily sports reports.

Source: Staff Reports and Wire Services

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