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WMAR - Honored by BMI for 60 Years in Broadcasting

The Baltimore Museum of Industry is hosting an exhibit of artifacts, vintage television cameras and TV sets, film and tape to celebrate WMAR's 60th year. (First a little background from the official WMAR website: In 1997 WMAR-TV celebrated 50 years of broadcast excellence. It is Maryland's first commercial television station and the 11th in the nation. The station was the site of many technological breakthroughs: first with a color film processor for television news and production, and first Zoom camera lens for film and tape cameras. It has also had a noteworthy staff, including Janet Covington, the first woman director [1948].)

The exhibit, Charm City TV: Sixty Years of WMAR, opens to the public tomorrow, October 26th. While at first glance it seems to appeal to old-time radio and TV buffs, it could actually be a great deal of fun by way of this example of a WMAR original production -- The Collegians. Collegians was a local talent show that aired in the 1960s. Note: You must have your audio turned on to truly enjoy these clips. And check out the curmudgeon MCing this program.

There are two more clips from this show.... If you want more visit YouTube.Com and search for WMAR.

I'm thinking that anyone who has ever wondered how John Waters was inspired, should visit this exhibit. And, check out this camera man standing on a chair. You've gotta love it.

MPT - Television Worth Watching - Presents an Auction Worth Visiting

Maryland Public Television is off to a great start in promoting their 2007 Spring into Summer Online Auction. The bidding begins May 3rd.

Visit their auction website an take a look at the wide variety of great lots and items. Unlike many of the PBS affiliates around the country, MPT has items in price points for everyone, for every budget. Here are just a couple of examples:

Dinner for two at John Shield's restaurant, Gertrude's at the Baltimore Museum of Art and a copy of his Coastal Cooking cookbook - Bidding begins at $44.

A Weekend Escapade at St.Gregory Luxury Hotel & Suites - Bidding begins at $250.

While you are looking at all the goodies visit MPT's Membership page and, if you're not a member, JOIN. If you are a member, try to up your membership level. Remember, IT'S TELEVISION WORTH WATCHING.