Curtis Downey

Born and raised in Narrows, Virginia, Curtis Downey started his broadcast duties at WDBJ in 1946 working on Saturday mornings. In 1953, he became the audio engineer for Irving Sharp. Curtis remained with WDBJ and WDBJ-TV for his entire broadcasting career. John Harkrader, Times World Corporation vice president, appointed him Producer-Director in March 1966. He directed "Top O' the Morning", "Light of Life" and "Cartoon Theatre" - three regular "live" programs on Channel 7. The first week that channel 7 was on the air, Curtis had worked every night. In a note he sent to Ruby L. & Joe - he wrote. " Thought that you would like to know we got on the air and although we are making a few mistakes - nothing quite as bad as WSLS was after two years of operation. Tonight, (Wednesday, October 5th) we put on a local show called "Floor Show" with a dance band and boy and girl vocals. Real Great. Only one mistake during the show. I have worked every night since we went on the air so am glad to be off tomorrow night so I can watch what we look like to everyone else. Must go to bed so goodnight. Curtis".