Bobby Thomas Collection


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Collection Details

Collection Dates: 1953 – 1990
Scope and Content Note: Episodes of television programs and television segments produced by Bobby Thomas and two audio recordings, all with a Georgia focus. Programs represented in the Collection include Today in Georgia, Good Morning Atlanta, and the 1968 Fourth of July Parade.
Biographical Note:

Following four years of military service in the Air Force, including being stationed in Iceland during the Korean War, Bobby Thomas began his lifelong passion for the television industry. He began his career as a Props Manager for WSB-TV. This particular position fit well with Bobby's ability to keep everything in perfect order! Because of his fun-loving personality and his love for children, he became a part of the well-known children's program from the 60's called "The Popeye Club" with Don Kennedy, aka "Officer Don." "Uncle Bobby" was well-known for playing the game "Ooey Gooey" with the children attending the show that day.   Bobby worked his way up to Projectionist, and was then promoted to Producer/Director of the 6:00 and 11:00 news. He also directed the well-known 4th of July parade live from Downtown Atlanta, which included many celebrities from that time. The broadcasts were a first-rate production. Bobby also directed "Good Morning Atlanta" for many years.  

After retiring from WSB-TV, Bobby went on to work for The Weather Channel and later on with CAMA, which today is known as Comcast Spotlight. Even after retiring a second time, Bobby still continued working at WATL, Channel 57, directing a gospel program called "Just Keep Singing" with Mel Klaudt, as host. During his career, Bobby received two Emmys-1979-80 Outstanding Achievement for "Live Events" and later on for "Best Local Program." Bobby also received an ACE Cable award. He and others helped launch TV33.  

Bobby's life-long love of directing never stopped him from always critiquing TV programs from home because Bobby always wanted to make things better. His mentor, Rusty Bruton, gave Bobby great advice passed down from Rusty's mentor, Jack Shay, who said, "Care! Do your very best and don't try to be as good as I am, be better!" Bobby carried this philosophy of life with him throughout his career. Bobby not only cared about the professional side of the industry, he cared about the people he worked with and mentored many along the way. Bobby also contributed to the Media Ministry at his beloved church, North Metro Baptist.

Extent: 3 betacamSP 1 audio disc 1 one-inch video 1 ¼ inch audio tape 3 two-inch video 44 ¾ inch U-matic tapes 2 VHS 1 set of slides  5 artifacts ( Popeye Club show transcripts, letters, station memos, 1 photograph, mic flag, CableACE Award)
Provenance: Donated by Darren Thomas and Brenda Thomas Cofer.

Objects in the collection


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