Three named to Broadcast Hall of Fame

(Oklahoma City-AP) -- Three broadcast pioneers have been named to the Oklahoma Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame. <br><br>The association announced today that Helen Alvarez-Smith, a founder of KOTV

Thursday, January 16th 2003, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Oklahoma City-AP) -- Three broadcast pioneers have been named to the Oklahoma Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame.

The association announced today that Helen Alvarez-Smith, a founder of KOTV in Tulsa, Bob Brewer, a 47-year radio veteran, and John Shannon, an original staff member of WKY-TV in Oklahoma City.

Alvarez-Smith, former radio writer, producer and newsperson helped found the first Tulsa TV station. She was 27 and the station's first general manager and the first female television station manager in the world.

Bob Brewer has owned stations in Claremore, Frederick, Chickasha, Elk City and Okmulgee during his 47-year career. Brewer currently owns and operates KOKL-AM in Okmulgee.

John Shannon was the only photographer on the staff of WKY-TV when it began operations in 1949. For 37 years he served as the station's chief photographer. Shannon filmed the first television news story and documentary in the state.