Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, May 18, 1993 TAG: 9305180305
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: RICHMOND LENGTH: Medium
Murray, 69, was news director for WDBJ-TV in Roanoke for more than 20 years, from 1948 to 1969. He now writes for the weekly newspaper Powhatan Today.
The Virginia Associated Press Broadcasters presented him with the Gallimore award at its annual convention in Richmond. The VAPB is an organization of Virginia radio and television stations that are members of The Associated Press.
Murray helped start the group in the 1950s to advance the craft of journalism and foster competition to improve broadcasting in the state. He served as president in 1969.
"We felt there was a need for an organization that would promote professional excellence," Murray said. "This was in the days when the broadcast newsman was generally looked down upon by his print colleagues."
He described the era as "the period of rip and read."
He was at the forefront of the fight for freedom of information, serving as chairman of the Radio-Television News Directors Association's FOI Committee in the late 1960s. Murray became director of the association for one year in 1969.
He also was involved in politics and helped run several campaigns, including Chuck Robb's successful bid for lieutenant governor in 1977.
The Gallimore Award, named after the Virginia bureau chief for The Associated Press between 1967 and 1985, is given to a broadcaster who exemplifies a commitment to broadcast journalism and reflects credit and honor on the news profession.
by CNB