On January 15, 1991, Edwin Lee Edwards,
Sr. orchestrated a deal that attracted the attention of the entire nation,
giving him the distinction of becoming one of the first African Americans
to own a top 20-market television station.
With his career spanning more than 30 years, Mr.
Edwards is considered one of the most influential people in the broadcasting
industry. He began as a runner for a small local radio station (WABQ
1540 AM) in his hometown of Cleveland, Ohio.
By the time he finished high school, he had become
one of the most popular disc jockeys at the station and has never looked
back.
Over the years, Mr. Edwards carved out a reputation
for being one of the most talented and popular personalities in the business.
His talent and genuine love for the industry would assist him in gaining employment
opportunities with such notable companies as NBC, Westinghouse and the Sinclair
Broadcast Group, three of the giants in the industry.
"It is important
that young people surround themselves with successful people, because,
in most cases, success breeds success."
His burning desire to better understand the business behind
broadcasting lured him away from the microphone to accept an engineering position
with WKYC Television (an NBC-owned and operated station in Cleveland). From
there, Mr. Edwards moved to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he served as special
program development manager at WPTT Television (now WCWB) in Pittsburgh. He
then moved up the corporate ladder, advancing in rank to become the community
affairs manager, operations manager, station manager and, ultimately, general
manager – the top post.
When he set his sights on ownership, Mr. Edwards acquired
a top 20-market television station, WPTT – the same one where he developed and
polished his management skills. Today, he is one of only a handful of minorities
in ownership. Since the purchase of his first station, he has acquired seven
others.
Several organizations are the beneficiaries of Mr. Edwards’
time and talent, including the Association of Local Television Stations, Black
Broadcasters Alliance, Boy Scouts of America, Civic Light Opera, Major League
Baseball Players Alumni Association and Urban League of Pittsburgh.
The Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, resident believes “It is important
that young people surround themselves with successful people, because, in most
cases, success breeds success. It’s contagious.”
