Clair McCollough

Inducted 1996

Deceased 

Clair McCollough was an advertising salesman for Lancaster Newspapers, owned by the Steinman brothers, when he agreed to head their radio stations in 1931.  In 1949, he added television to his responsibilities when he helped establish WGAL-TV, the 37th television station in the United States.

Until he retired in 1974, McCollough served as president and general manager of WGAL radio and television stations, president of the thirteen-unit Steinman Stations chain, and president of Cable TV Associates, all based in Lancaster.   During his 44-year career in broadcasting, McCollough built a reputation as a guiding force in virtually every industry organization evolving from the development of radio and television broadcasting.  From the 1930s to the 1970s his efforts helped build the foundation of the local and national broadcasting industries.

Clair McCollough was the founder (1932) and first president/joint board chairman of the Pennsylvania Association of Broadcasters. He helped establish Broadcast Music Inc.  He was active in the National Association of Broadcasters, chairing NAB conventions in 1953 and 1955 and serving as chairman of the Board of Directors from 1961-63.  He chaired the committee that built the NAB headquarters building in Washington, D.C.  He served as chairman of the Television Information Office, chairman of the Television Bureau of Advertising, which he helped launch, and president of the Broadcasters Pioneers.

He chaired NBC's Television Affiliates Association and served on the U.S. Broadcast Mission to Europe and U.S. Broadcasters Committee for the United Nations.  He was instrumental in forging a broadcasting agreement among the United States, Canada, Cuba, and Mexico and was named  "Showmanager" and "Ambassador of U.S. Radio" by Variety for this and for other achievements in resolving industry problems. He was a key player in industry efforts to promote self-regulation and enjoyed a national reputation as an innovator and troubleshooter. He was one of a select group of executives to meet with President Kennedy to discuss the state of the broadcasting industry.

McCollough's national awards include NAB's Distinguished Service Award (1960), the U.S. Radio Silver Mike Award (1960), the George Foster Peabody Television Award for Distinguished Achievement and Meritorious Achievement (1963 and 1965), and the Alfred I. duPont Award for Television (1963).

An advocate of education McCollough helped establish the Clair R. and Velma Dilworth McCollough Broadcasting Center at Millersville University, his alma mater.