GOLD CIRCLE
The Gold Circle honors media professionals who began their careers in television at least 50 years ago, either in a performing, creative, technical or administrative role within the industry or in an area related to television such as TV journalism education, advertising, promotion, and public relations.
Over the course of their 50-year career, they must also have made a significant contribution to the Ohio Valley Chapter.
SILVER CIRCLE
The Silver Circle honors media professionals who began their careers in television at least 25 years ago, either in a performing, creative, technical or administrative role within the industry or in an area related to television such as TV journalism education, advertising, promotion, and public relations.
Over the course of their 25-year career, they must also have made a significant contribution to the Ohio Valley Chapter.
Silver Circle Honorees
2024
2024
2024
2024
2024
2024
2023
2023
2023
2023
2022
2022
2022
2021
2021
2021
2021
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2020
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2020
2020
2020
Gold Circle Honoree
2023
Bob Aaron
Reporter - WCHS TV
Charleston, WV
In 1950, as Louisville TV was finding its way into our homes, this singing cowboy was finding his way into the hearts of children and families. Watching TV was a new concept and Randy Atcher made it magical. On Saturday nights, he was the star of “Hayloft Hoedown” and after school each day was “T-Bar-V Ranch.” Kids of all ethnicities were welcomed to the show by Atcher and his sidekick Cactus Tom Brooks. In fact, an estimated 153,000 girls and boys celebrated their birthdays on this program.
While his tenure with WHAS 11 ended in 1970, his showmanship lives on through memories of his early radio days dating back to 1933, performing at WHAS, Louisville, KMOX, St. Louis and a variet of stations in Chicagoland with his brother Bob. Randy remained a favorite during the “WHAS Crusade for Children” through 2001 and at countless community events. Happy happy birthday. May all of your dreams come true. Happy happy birthday from all of us to you. Congratulations Cowboy, your earned it.
Gold Circle Honoree
2023
Mike Blake
Sports Director - WFIE TV
Charleston, WV
In 1950, as Louisville TV was finding its way into our homes, this singing cowboy was finding his way into the hearts of children and families. Watching TV was a new concept and Randy Atcher made it magical. On Saturday nights, he was the star of “Hayloft Hoedown” and after school each day was “T-Bar-V Ranch.” Kids of all ethnicities were welcomed to the show by Atcher and his sidekick Cactus Tom Brooks. In fact, an estimated 153,000 girls and boys celebrated their birthdays on this program.
While his tenure with WHAS 11 ended in 1970, his showmanship lives on through memories of his early radio days dating back to 1933, performing at WHAS, Louisville, KMOX, St. Louis and a variet of stations in Chicagoland with his brother Bob. Randy remained a favorite during the “WHAS Crusade for Children” through 2001 and at countless community events. Happy happy birthday. May all of your dreams come true. Happy happy birthday from all of us to you. Congratulations Cowboy, your earned it.
Gold Circle Honoree
2022
Brad Byrd
Anchor and Managing Editor - WEHT TV
Evansville, IN
His love of vintage automobiles could be testament to how Brad Byrd feels about broadcast news – that quality and integrity are timeless. A native of Muncie, Indiana, and a Ball State grad, Bradley spent the early years in Fort Wayne and Indianapolis. Lured to the Tri-state by WFIE TV as the weekend anchor, he moved to competitor WEHT TV 25 as full-time news anchor in 1978.
Over the decades, Brad has garnered three Regional Emmys® and the prestigious National Edward R. Murrow Award. Along the way, he hosted 42 telethons for the Evansville Easter Seals Rehabilitation Center and served his community as President of the American Heart Association. Mentor to many, Brad has served as an adjunct professor of Broadcast Journalism at the University of Evansville and the University of Southern Indiana. Inducted into the NATAS Silver Circle in 2005 and the Gold Circle in 2022, Brad continues to keep his foot on the gas to bring the best to Evansville every day.
Gold Circle Honoree
2019
Randy Atcher
In 1950, as Louisville TV was finding its way into our homes, this singing cowboy was finding his way into the hearts of children and families. Watching TV was a new concept and Randy Atcher made it magical. On Saturday nights, he was the star of “Hayloft Hoedown” and after school each day was “T-Bar-V Ranch.” Kids of all ethnicities were welcomed to the show by Atcher and his sidekick Cactus Tom Brooks. In fact, an estimated 153,000 girls and boys celebrated their birthdays on this program.
While his tenure with WHAS 11 ended in 1970, his showmanship lives on through memories of his early radio days dating back to 1933, performing at WHAS, Louisville, KMOX, St. Louis and a variet of stations in Chicagoland with his brother Bob. Randy remained a favorite during the “WHAS Crusade for Children” through 2001 and at countless community events. Happy happy birthday. May all of your dreams come true. Happy happy birthday from all of us to you. Congratulations Cowboy, your earned it.
Silver Circle Honoree
2024
Nancy Cox
NANCY COX served four years as the President of the NATAS Ohio Valley Chapter. Nancy guided the Chapter through COVID and virtual ceremonies.
The multi-EMMY® and Murrow Award winner worked over thirty years at WLEX in Lexington as a journalist and anchor. She is a former Miss Kentucky and continues to work with the organization. Nancy has served the communities of her beloved Kentucky throughout her professional life.
Silver Circle Honoree
2024
Bill Bryant
Bill Bryant has more than 40 years in the industry. Bryant has become one of the most respected
political journalists in the commonwealth. In addition to his role at Lexington’s CBS station, Byrant is also the host of KET’s longest running public affairs program Comment on Kentucky.
Along the way, Bill has been honored by the Associated Press for reporting and anchoring and is a proud member of the EKU Hall of Distinguished Alumni and the Williamsburg High School Hall of Fame. He’s also recently received the statewide media award from the Daughters of the American Revolution.
Silver Circle Honoree
2024
Mark Curtis
Mark Curtis is a journeyman storyteller whose four-decade long career has taken him all across the country. Since 2015 Curtis has called WOWK Charleston-Huntington market home where he become known for the kind of journalism that’s exposed wrongs, won awards and changed laws.
Silver Circle Honoree
2024
Patrece Dayton
Patrece Dayton is a journalist who spent her entire career championing journalism in the community where she got her start.
She is the multi-Emmy® award winning anchor and managing editor from WTHI. For 35 years Dayton she has worked to tell the stories that matter in Terre Haute, Indiana. As both anchor and managing editor she proudly helps mentor the emerging class of journalists as they start their careers.
Silver Circle Honoree
2024
Jim Timmerman
For decades Jim Timmerman was the glue that held our chapter together. Jim Timmerman is a former Chapter President and he chaired our Silver and Gold circle committee for many years.
Jim dedicated himself to making sure other qualified professionals received this very honor. Professionally, Timmerman is a production guru with 43 years of experience bringing media to life. This year he passed the baton on his service to our Emmy® chapter. Now he will take his rightful place in its Silver Circle.
Silver Circle Honoree
2024
Randy Moore
Randy Moore has worked more than five decades in broadcast journalism. Randy has been a fixture not only on television news, but in the very life of Evansville and the Tri-State area. Randy was born and raised in Evansville and has spent his entire career in his hometown.
Randy has won most every award recognizing excellence in TV news, including several regional Emmys® and Murrows as well as a national Murrow. He has also won numerous other awards, including those from the Indiana Broadcasters Association and the Associated Press. Randy was inducted into the Indiana AP Broadcasters Association Hall of Fame in 2018. In 2017, Randy entered the Evansville Ball Hall of Fame for his coverage of youth sports.
Randy has given back to the industry through memberships in NATAS Ohio Valley and NPPA and by occasionally teaching courses at the local universities and returning to Ball State to mentor aspiring journalists. He won Ball State’s TCOM alumnus of the year award in 2012.
Silver Circle Honoree
2023
Mike Taylor
Assignment Editor - WLEX TV
Lexington, KY
They say the assignment desk is the toughest job in the newsroom, but that’s only half of it. Add to it the internship program, political analysis, and a steady hand of leadership through ownership and news strategy changes and it adds up to the professional life of Mike Taylor. From 1980 through his retirement in 2020, Mike spent his entire career with WLEX TV 18 in Lexington. While a photojournalist at heart, his work was mainly behind the scenes helping reporters and anchors shine.
His instinct on which stories would most significantly impact communities enabled WLEX to propel its leadership in the market. On election night especially, Mike was the go-to expert for interpreting voter trends and calling races with near surgical accuracy. Co-workers past and present revere Mike as a mentor who groomed journalists for success.
The family man is a two-time regional Emmy® recipient, a noted supporter of the Academy, and enjoys giving back by building homes for the impoverished in Haiti and Peru. Another tough job, done well.
Silver Circle Honoree
2023
Renee Shaw
Director of Public Affairs
Kentucky Educational Television
To hear her co-workers describe it, they know it’s Renee by her joyous laughter as she walks down the halls. But behind the mic there is little room for levity. Beginning in 1997, this anchor and producer of KET’s Kentucky Edition, Kentucky Tonight and annual legislative coverage has demonstrated an ardent pursuit of the facts.
Elected officials and policymakers she interviews respect her tireless research knowing she will ask, unapologetically, tough questions. She holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Western Kentucky University and hales from just below the border in Portland, TN. To date, she holds three regional Emmys® and is a Kentucky Civil Rights hall of fame inductee. The joy in her voice, we believe, is because she’s happy to make Kentucky a brighter, and more informed, place.
Silver Circle Honoree
2023
Bill Hager
Managing Editor - WLWT TV
Cincinnati, OH
WLWT TV has enjoyed a storied history. A quarter century, 1997 – 2002, is credited to Bill Hager. Fans, family and staff only wish he were still with us to enjoy this honor. So, this is their time to speak for the managing editor who spoke so highly of them. “Bill embodied the highest standards of journalism.” “He stood for fairness, accuracy, objectivity and service to the public.” “When we lost Bill, our community lost an exceptional champion working on its behalf.” “Bill was the pulse of the newsroom.” “He had an impeccable writing style with uncanny wit.” “His management of election night coverage was unrivaled.” “He truly was at the center of News 5’s commitment to excellence.” “He made me a better journalist” “We have all learned so much from you, Bill.” He was there during a changing time in television, from the early days of First. Fast. Accurate and Nobody Brings You Closer, a grim reminder how quickly times do change. Bill Hager. Gone at 51, but always in our hearts at 5.
Silver Circle Honoree
2023
Duane Pohlman
Chief Investigative Reporter - WKRC TV
Cincinnati, OH
Investigative reporting is vital in news and Duane Pohlman is a master at his craft. Widely recognized as one of the foremost investigative reporters in the nation, his efforts have resulted in full-scale government investigations, indictments, prosecutions, the enacting of new laws, and for his stations – integrity. Relentless pursuit of the unanswered question has always been rule one. His resume includes WEWS-TV Cleveland, KING-TV Seattle, WTMJ-TV Milwaukee, WLKY Louisville, and WCMH-TV Columbus. In 2016, he joined WKRC-TV in Cincinnati as Chief Investigative Reporter.
Since 1987, Pohlman has been Reporter of the Year in several states; he has garnered countless regional Emmys®, the Edward R. Murrow award and honored by nearly every esteemed press association in the land. To complete the package, his reputation punctuates Eye on Ohio - The Ohio Center for Journalism, the non-profit news organization he co-founded. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in Broadcast Journalism from Bowling Green State University and enjoys his home state of Ohio with his wife Sharon.
Silver Circle Honoree
2022
Gail Hogan
Reporter, Anchor, Host - GMH Media
Columbus, OH
To say someone has a lot of heart often implies character, courage, determination, and fairness. Gail Hogan embodies all of these, plus one. She’s grateful. Her career could have stopped at the 10-year mark had colleagues not known how to perform CPR. Life doesn’t give us many second chances, but it’s clear that is what she has looked for in her news reporting and interview programs ever since. The bright spot, a redeeming moment, optimism. This Toledo native entered radio broadcasting in 1978, transitioning to TV in Columbus in 1981. WSYX-TV viewers knew her as a reporter and later as a respected anchor.
In the later ’80s, she moved to WCMH-NBC4 where she was a natural in a variety of roles: host of “PM Magazine,” reporter, news anchor, and later, executive producer and host of the popular “Daytime Columbus” program. Her effervescence has been ever-present at every stop. A survivor of cardiac arrest, Gail has readily lent her skills to champion heart health with the American Heart Association and the Ross Heart Hospital at Ohio State University. She hosts the annual special “Matters of the Heart,” helping others to do what matters most.
Silver Circle Honoree
2022
Betsy Ross
Television Anchor - GMH Media
Columbus, OH
She learned early to say, “Yes” to opportunity. With degrees from Ball State and Notre Dame, Betsy Ross flourished in the 1980s as news anchor at WCPO in Cincinnati, further honing her talent at WTHV in Indianapolis. In the ’90s, she advanced to anchor SportsChannel America, a new 24-hour sports network before returning to Cincinnati to anchor at WLWT. In 1997, she was one of six female anchors working on ESPN SportsCenter and ESPN News. Success, clearly, is an understatement. In 2002, Betsy launched her own Cincinnati-based company, Game Day Communications, a media and marketing agency specializing in sports and entertainment. This put her in perfect position to pen her 2010 book, “Playing Ball with the Boys: The Rise of Women in the World of Men’s Sports,” which is often referenced in college sports journalism classes. Ross continues her work as sports anchor at FOX 19 and as a college basketball analyst for ESPN and FOX Sports. Fans also recognize her as the voice of women’s athletics at the University of Cincinnati. A staple of Ohio sports and beyond, it’s “game on” for a woman who seems to never take a day off.
Silver Circle Honoree
2022
Dave Shuffett
Television Host, Producer
Lexington, KY
Four words would open his broadcasts: “Hi, I’m Dave Shuffett.” He could’ve said, “Hi. Pull up a chair. I’m going to tell you a story. A Kentucky story.” Since 1983, Dave has made an art of finding travel, adventure and uniqueness. Graduating Murray State in 1982, he spent the early years as a reporter with WYMT in Hazard and WLEX in Lexington. In 1989, he found his true calling as a host, which often included his golden retriever Sam as co-host. With Kentucky Educational Television’s “Kentucky Afield,” he introduced us to wildlife, woods and waters. In 1995, he went nationwide with “Outdoors with Dave Shuffett” on the Outdoor Channel exploring the hidden gems of America. Homesick, Dave returned in 1999 to begin a 15-year tenure as host of KET’s “Kentucky Life.” Throughout his career, his love of rural Kentucky led us to people and places often not found on a map; Dave describes it as “Kentucky’s last great places.” His friendly and curious demeanor helped us embrace history and heritage as we live our modern lives. Dave showed us that every town is a hometown. Today, he lives where he grew up - Greensburg, KY, with wife Beverly and a fishing pole nearby.
Silver Circle Honoree
2021
Susan Dinkel
News Director / Anchor - WTHI (CBS)
Terre Haute, IN
Western Indiana’s Wabash Valley is the top of the world for Susan Dinkel. Here her roots run deep, the pride of the people is in her heart and since 1995, her local WTHI TV 10 has been her career.
Oh sure, Susie had the talent and charisma to handpick any career path she wanted, so she did; she stayed in hometown Terre Haute. The earlier years saw her shine as an intern, general assignment reporter and one of the youngest weekend and morning show anchors in station history.
In 2003, she rose to Assistant News Director, progressing to News Director three years later garnering her team a Special Achievement Regional Emmy® Award. But to Susan, her voice is not just one of news but one of empowerment. She leads the next generation by example giving opportunity to students and promising employees who hold the keys to journalism’s future just as her beloved community had done for her.
Silver Circle Honoree
2021
Scott Eckhardt
Special Projects Photographer / Producer - WLKY (CBS)
Louisville, KY
A 1994 product of Indiana University, video producer Scott Eckhardt has raised standards at every stop along a stellar career. This has included dozens of humbled walks to the Emmy® Awards podium with some of the most decorated reporters in the business. Eckhardt is also as a 5-time Edward R. Murrow Regional Award recipient, an Eclipse Award winner as well as being named videographer and photographer of the year by prestigious organizations.
While Scott has enjoyed positions with WTVW Evansville, WCNC Charlotte and KDVR Denver, he has chosen to give his heart and soul to the people and stories of WLKY 32 in Louisville. There, he has been absorbed by the Kentucky Derby, the thoroughbred industry and the station’s vast community engagements. His special projects include the March of Dimes, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and the annual WLKY Bell Awards honoring the unsung heroes of outstanding community service. Colleagues perhaps say it best, “Through his work, he is the man that defines the moments.”
Silver Circle Honoree
2021
Courtis Fuller
Reporter / Anchor - WLWT (NBC)
Cincinnati, OH
Often, there is a second side to a person, but not in the case of anchor/reporter Courtis Fuller. He is Cincinnati - its news, its issues, its events, its people. While his roots are in Pittsburgh, he has been one with the Queen City and WLWT 5 since 1988. The three-time Emmy®-winning weekend news anchor lives to bring the trust of the anchor chair into his community. If there is a story to tell, you want Courtis to tell it. His connection with both news and neighborhoods is reflected in the community affairs program he hosts, “Let’s Talk Cincy.” Other examples include decades of emceeing the annual Martin Luther King, Jr celebration, serving the Greater Cincinnati Tall Stacks Commission, Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra Board of Trustees, the Cincinnati Scholarship Foundation among many others. He became further involved with a mayoral run in 2001 and an official proclamation of “Courtis Fuller Day” on February 12, 2021. He is the one who always wishes you a good night and a better tomorrow. While there is no second side to this honoree, it would be hard to imagine one the tri-state could like better.
Silver Circle Honoree
2021
Arnie Harrah
Newscast Director - WDRB (Fox)
Louisville, KY
Ten watts don’t sound like much, but they were all Arnie Harrah needed tolaunch a lifetime. In 1969, during a time when FM was largely unknown, Marshall University’s WMUL FM whet his appetite for live broadcasts. This continued by running camera, floor directing and sports anchoring at nearby WOWK TV 13. Behind the scenes was his true calling. He followed this cue to Lexington’s WTVQ 36 from 1975 to 1982 where he served as newscast director mixed with duties in master control and technical production.
The challenge of larger markets lured him to WHAS 11 in Louisville, Media General Cable near Washington, DC before returning to the Derby City in 1990 for an 18-year journey with WDRB 41. There, Arnie solidified a carefully crafted team to transform the once-independent station into a prominent news leader, beginning with “The News at 10.” Harrah was among the first to establish the late news an hour earlier concept which is now a fixture among Fox programming affiliates nationwide. With more than 15,000 newscasts to his credit, none were possible without his consistently calm demeanor ready to face surprises that news, events and producers could hurl his way. From 10 watts to 10pm and beyond, Arnie is forever remembered for his 100%.
Silver Circle Honoree
2021
Al Smith
30-year Host/Producer - Comment on Kentucky
Kentucky Educational Television (PBS)
While controversy is a constant in media, it began in Kentucky to debate the state’s issues and include something often overlooked – rural voices. The program was Comment on Kentucky airing live Friday nights on Kentucky Educational Television. Veteran newspaper journalist Albert P. Smith was the original host and producer of record 1974 - 2007. Each episode was renowned for lively discussion from both sides of the political spectrum and is the longest-running public affairs show in the commonwealth.
Born in Sarasota, FL in 1927, Smith served stateside in the US Army during World War II, afterwards attending Vanderbilt University. His career veered from metropolitan newspaper reporting in New Orleans to Russellville, Ky where he bought the News-Democrat, one of seven local papers he would own. From there, he caught the eye of KET and its statewide network.
Co-founder of the Institute for Rural Journalism and Community Issues, Smith was a master at interviews and analysis making concerns relevant to cities and smaller towns alike. Every major political reporter in the state wanted to be on Comment and was. His feisty spirit inspired legends in the business and was considered essential weekly viewing. In March of 2021, at age 94, he passed away remembered by his gold standard legacy. Divisiveness aside, colleagues and fans eagerly agree – thanks to Al Smith, Comment on Kentucky has made a lasting statement.
Silver Circle Honoree
2020
Roy Flynn
His friends all say, “His love for TV matches only his love for life. Roy Flynn’s road to the
Silver Circle began in 1982. While attending the University of Wisconsin, he learned to
juggle class life with life as a weekend sports anchor at WQOW TV.
He soon put down his
roots in Duluth, MN with WDSE where he hosted and produced programs on maritime life
of Lake Superior.
In 1994 he warmed to heading south to Ohio. In Dayton, Flynn excelled in
management at ThinkTV, followed by Director of Operations at the Miami Valley
Communications Council and ultimately teaching media production at the University of
Dayton while managing UD’s student-run TV and radio stations. Flynn has been awarded
six regional Emmy® Awards.
Silver Circle Honoree
2020
Rick Green
You look at stand-out professionals and wonder what could possibly be next in such a vivacious career. Some may reach a comfort level, but not Rick Green. In 1989 he joined WCMH TV in Columbus, Ohio. His flair for writing news teases, video productions and promotions quickly set the station apart. In 2000 he established his own agency, Greenhouse Media, where his specialty was award-winning videos, motion graphics and business development. Helping organizations find their sweet spot earned him multiple EMMY® awards along with a long list of other accolades. Rick is a Director of Business Development at Post House Creative a nationally renowned agency based in Columbus, Ohio.
Silver Circle Honoree
2020
Mike Latta
To be known by any of the job title Mike Latta has held since 1995 would be an honor. What makes him most proud is what Terre Haute and his Wabash Valley call him, “He’s one of us.” Mike began his career at his hometown station WTHI and with the exception of eight years with WTVW in Evansville, he has been there ever since. Behind the camera, with sta and community, he’s a natural. The three-time Emmy® award recipient may be best known for his feature “Fork in the Road” which offers viewers a flavor of the mid-west by showcasing hometown eateries across the area. In the newsroom he leads by example as the Chief of Photojournalism and Assignments Manager.
Silver Circle Honoree
2020
Mary Rathke
The magic of a great producer is that they can see the completed project before it even starts. Mary didn’t follow the traveled trail. She foresaw a new one, a better one. A graduate of The Ohio State University, her broadcast career began in 1986 at CNN, but WOSU public television in Columbus has been her home since 1987. She was the station’s first female videographer. Mary is most widely known for her work on the Columbus Neighborhoods series which features the people and places that give central Ohio its unique identity. Her innovative style of shooting and editing introduced a new style of storytelling at WOSU, still followed today. Mary garnered 11 Emmy® awards. Behind the scenes she champions student mentoring and pushes her peers to extraordinary heights. A true fit with WOSU’s mission, Mary continues to “engage, inform and inspire” her community and colleagues.
Silver Circle Honoree
2020
Mike Thomas
Long live longevity. Mike Thomas was a mainstay of trust and familiarity at WKEF in Dayton, Ohio, a light in the dark of a challenging industry. He began his career with the station in 1981 as a videographer. He progressed to Newscast Director, Commercial Producer and Production Manager. Along that technical road to Emmy® award-winning newscasts, Mike knew every step. One colleague said, “mike is the standard by which all other directors are measured. His knowledge is second to none.” In his 38 years with WKEF, and 41 in broadcasting overall, he taught, trained, crawled trenches and helped both the crew and on-air stars to fully shine. The admiration of his peers across the year is what makes Mike a real winner.