Thursday, October 29, 2009

FCC Attorney (and great guy) Wade Hargrove honored at UNC-Chapel Hill


Last night, I attended a gathering of some 150+ of Wade Hargrove’s friends, family, clients and colleagues who came together for a surprise dinner at the Carolina Inn in Chapel Hill. Wade walked into the room to a standing ovation and glaring TV camera lights, only to then learn that he was the namesake for “The Wade H. Hargrove Communications Law and Policy Colloquium.” The Hargrove Colloquium will attract prominent figures from the media industry, law and government to deliver high-profile public lectures and interact with students and faculty.

Wade, a graduate of Chapel Hill and now a university Trustee, is the driving force behind the UNC Center for Media Law and Policy. It is a national forum where media industry leaders and legal scholars and practitioners meet to discuss emerging issues at the intersection of media and law.

The evening was sponsored by the North Carolina Association of Broadcasters, the North Carolina Cable Telecommunications Association, the Hearst Corporation, the University of North Carolina School of Journalism and Mass Communications, and the UNC School of Law. Wade, a partner at Raleigh based Brooks Pierce (http://www.brookspierce.com/lawyers-wade-hargrove.html), has been NCAB’s executive director and counsel for more than 39 years, NCCTA’s general counsel for 30 years, and Hearst’s regulatory counsel for 20 years.

Dean Jean Folkerts of the School of Journalism and Mass Communications emceed the event which featured some great Wade Hargrove stories, courtesy of Carl Venters, Jack Stanley, Mark Prak, and David Barrett. A shocked and emotional Wade Hargrove graciously accepted the honor (Wade’s a great speaker even when it is impromptu).

The $200,000+ seed money for the Colloquium came from the ABC Television Affiliates Association, Capitol Broadcasting, the FOX Television Affiliates Association and a host of Wade’s fans. A “Who’s Who” list of TV operators was on hand for the occasion.

I want to add a personal note. I’ve known Wade for a long time and have witnessed first-hand his dedication to broadcasters, large and small. While he enjoys a fabulous reputation nationally, with an impressive client list, he works tirelessly for broadcasters in his beloved North Carolina. He deserves the many accolades he received last night. And fitting Wade’s other passion of music, the evening culminated with the performance of a red hot bluegrass band.

Congratulations Wade!

George

2 comments:

  1. Well done, George. Thanks for sharing your account on Wade's special evening. I regret that I couldn't be there to honor him in person, but was happy to support the effort.
    Hope you and yours are well and happy.

    ReplyDelete
  2. George--

    Your assessment of the event was well-reported.

    What a fun time was had by all in attendance.

    All the best to you and Lori.

    Mark Prak

    ReplyDelete