Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: MONDAY, June 27, 1994 TAG: 9406270004
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: By Associated Press
DATELINE: VIRGINIA BEACH LENGTH: Medium
The award, which honors radio and television news directors who have made significant contributions to their profession and who are committed to community service, was announced at the VAB's annual meeting. Donaldson is only the fifth recipient of the Bowles award.
Other winners included Roanoke's WSLS-TV (Channel 10), which won the television station award for best news operation of the year. Lynchburg's WSET-TV (Channel 13) won the television station awards for best commercial and best event promotion, and WYVE-A,, Wytheville, won the non-metro radio award for best radio contest promotion.
In 1981, Donaldson joined the Virginia News Network. He served as the state Capitol correspondent, covering four governors and eight General Assembly sessions. His reports from the Capitol were widely recognized as fair and accurate.
Born in Washington, D.C., Donaldson graduated with honors from Virginia Tech with a degree in communications. After college, he worked as news director for WTON-AM in Staunton.
Donaldson died in April after being diagnosed with lung cancer last September.
Loving and fellow broadcasters John Trinder and Chuck McFadden own Max Television with three Fox affiliates.
Loving recently developed the Norfolk wireless cable system, which signs on in August. In 1993, he joined several partners in forming Max Radio, which operates FM duopolies in Norfolk and Greensboro, N.C.
Loving founded what would become known as TVX Broadcast Group in 1979 and served as chairman of that public company until its sale to Paramount Communications in 1991.
Pernell "Sweetpea" Whitaker received the VAB's 1994 Distinguished Virginian Award. The five-time professional world champion boxer grew up in Norfolk.
Whitaker's recent bout with Santos Cardona at the Norfolk Scope, televised by HBO Sports, brought national attention to the Hampton Roads area. Whitaker wanted to fight before his hometown friends and family.
by CNB