May 18, 2000
Around here we fondly refer to them as Dick, Bob and Paul. But in the world of broadcasting they are legends.
Because of their contributions to the business, the Utah Broadcasters' Association honored all three as inductees in the Hall of Fame.
Carole Mikita has the story.
These three gentlemen are close to our hearts. They also happen to be the longest running news, weather and sports team in American television.
Their award reads: "For 26 years, Nourse, Welti and James led the market in local news ratings... audiences embraced their on- air camaraderie, credibility and professionalism."
T.V. Commercial: "DICK NOURSE, BOB WELTI AND PAUL JAMES-- OUTSTANDING IN THEIR FIELD."
By the time this promotional spot ran, Nourse, Welti and James were the most watched team on American television.
It began July 13th, 1965, when a 24-year-old recent college graduate and former disc jockey was paired with the market's leading weather and sports anchors. The Utah Broadcasters Association writes "Then something magical happened." Audiences loved their combination of credibility and humor. The guys who could be soft-hearted and hilarious in the same newscast.
Dick, as always, credits his colleagues.
Dick Nourse: "LET ME SAY, I APPRECIATE THOSE I WORK ALONG SIDE WITH, THOSE BEHIND THE SCENES, THOSE IN THE MANAGERIAL LEVELS, THOSE WHO HAVE COME AND GONE, THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN VERY DEAR FRIENDS AS WELL AS CO-WORKERS. I LOVE THEM ALL, I LEARN FROM THEM ALL, I RESPECT WHAT THEY DID AND WHAT THEY DO AND I HOPE OUR RELATIONSHIP CONTINUES FOR MANY, MANY MORE YEARS."
And Dick says Bob and Paul are like brothers to him. He loves them and misses them. The feeling is mutual, so, naturally the afternoon was not without its wisecracks.
Paul James: "AND WHAT A THRILL IT HAS BEEN FOR ME TO WORK WITH BOB AND WHAT'S HIS NAME... ELVIS."
Bob Welti: "I THINK IT'S SO GREAT OF THE UTAH BROADCASTERS ASSOCIATION TO GIVE US THIS AWARD WHILE DICK AND PAUL ARE STILL ALIVE."
Three guys who were so natural in front of the microphone, who naturally found themselves in the Hall of Fame.
Dick, Bob and Paul now join 22 other individuals or groups in that Hall of Fame.
