Channel 3 signed on the air on May 6, 1956 (as WRGP), and since that time, hundreds of dedicated employees have worked to bring you the best possible entertainment and information.
Wayne Abercrombie (far left) in 1956 in Channel 3 control room
Thursday, we lost employee number 1. Wayne Abercrombie was Channel 3’s first employee, and although he was long retired, he will always be part of our family.
Wayne was at the controls when Channel 3 signed on for the very first time. The Alabama native had experience in the relatively new field of local TV, having worked in Indianapolis at WISH-TV.
During Channel 3’s first two decades, Wayne was behind the scenes, producing variety shows, directing newscasts, and setting up live remotes from events like the annual 20 hour, star-studded March of Dimes Telerama fundraiser shows from Memorial Auditorium. As producer, Wayne recruited NBC stars like Michael Landon and Leonard Nimoy to headline the event, still fondly remembered by Chattanooga viewers today.
It was Wayne who was in the director’s chair in 1963, when the news broke of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. Channel 3 (which by then had taken the call letters WRCB) was broadcasting a live talk show. Wayne rushed into the studio, handed the AP wire copy to “Bulletin” host Roy Morris, and nodded his head affirmatively when Morris asked on live TV, “Is this real?”
He had also worked with Morris on a daily variety show in the mid-1960s, featuring a live band, and vocalists like Barbara Molloy. He helped WRCB usher in the color broadcasting era when the station moved into its current studios on Whitehall Road in 1968. He often went to great lengths to broadcast live, local events from remote locations, like the Tennessee Jr. Miss pageants from the Tivoli Theater.
Wayne Abercrombie in 1966 at the Tennesee Junior Miss pageant
After leaving Channel 3 in the 1970s, Wayne operated the successful Crest Video Production company, and later created Dayton, Tennessee’s first and only cable TV station HRMC-TV.
In 2006, on Channel 3’s 50th anniversary, he visited the station’s original studio on McCallie Avenue, where the old film projector was still in place.
Wayne was proud of his role in putting Channel 3 on the air, and establishing its tradition of emphasizing live programming, and helping charitable causes. Throughout his long, full life, he remained loyal to his old employer, and encouraged us to do good work in the community. In a 2006 interview, he told me, “Channel 3 is still embedded in my heart, and I still watch each day.” His most recent appearance on the station was in 2016, on a 60th anniversary newscast.
It’s hard to lose your number one fan, he can never be replaced. In recent years, Wayne established the media ministry of Red Bank Baptist Church, producing the church’s TV weekly TV broadcasts. Funeral arrangements are pending.
Sadden by the loss of this, and every special person who made great memories in my life, growing up in Chattanooga. Condolences to his family, his WRCB family, and his closest friends
During my 34 years at WRCB (beginning in 1973) I heard many references to Wayne Abercrombie, as there were several employees who had worked with Wayne. All of the comments were respectful.
I’m sorry I never had the chance to meet Wayne. My sincerest condolences to his family.
Is your book on the history of broadcasting in Chattanooga still available? I’m very interested because I worked as a producer/director at WDEF and Operations Manager at WRCB.