"Speak Out" is an expression of opinion from the Editorial Board of WBTV, and is presented by General Manager, Nick Simonette.
60 years ago this week, WBTV...the Carolinas' first TV station...broadcast a grainy, black and white picture.
It was a simpler time, but not care-free.
America was in the throes of a cold war, a gallon of gas had inched up to a quarter and most workers made less than $3,000.
On the local scene, Charlotte was a quiet southern city of 134,000.
Now we're a population of more than 600,000.
Much has changed over these six decades...
And yet, much hasn't.
We feared communism then; today it's terrorism.
In 1949, Charlotte students were segregated. The debate now is over the cost to teach those students.
Back then, Charlotte was a textile town...which came and went.
Its replacement -- banking -- could be on its way out. Will energy be next?
Sixty years ago, you might go to a minor league ball game between the Rock Hill Chiefs and the Charlotte Hornets.
We are still a sports town -- but it's now more NASCAR and Panther country.
Funny, when you think about the more things change, the more they really stay the same.
Taxes, schools, growth and regional entertainment....
They were issues we reported back then, and continue to lead our newscasts today.
And decades ago, WBTV took a stand and aired editorials.
Last year, we started "Speaking Out" again. And you've responded. Thank you.
We're proud to have been a part of this community for 60 years.
Because WBTV is "On Your Side," we encourage everyone to "Speak Out" - tell us what YOU think. SpeakOut@wbtv.com.
