The South Carolina Broadcaster’s Association established the Broadcaster’s Association Archives in 1976 as a repository of photographs, papers, video, film and materials to chronicle the history and development of the industry in the state. The collection includes personal papers of industry leaders, original broadcasts and scripts, equipment, a music library, and station materials. The Archives also collects materials that document the activities of the South Carolina Broadcaster’s Association. The SCBA Archives invites researchers interested in broadcasting history to make use of the collection and welcomes donations of relevant materials. For more information, contact the Archives at 803.777.7251.

 

SCBA 60th Anniversary History Project 1948-2008

In recognition of its anniversary, the SCBA engaged in a very special project to honor its rich history and tradition. In 2006, SCBA launched a history project and over the next two and a half years, collected historical broadcast material from around the state. The collection includes recordings of classic programs, audio histories of stations, vintage photos, interviews with dozens of industry pioneers, and more. All material is available for reference at the Archives. Haney Howell, Associate Professor of Mass Communication at Winthrop University, managed the project and prepared an overview of South Carolina broadcast history, which is available on the SCBA website.

Collecting material for the Broadcaster’s Archives and updating the state’s broadcast history overview is an ongoing project. SCBA welcomes contributions from its members and others with an interest in broadcast history in South Carolina. If you have material to contribute, please contact Professor Howell at howellh@winthrop.edu or contact the SCBA office at 803-732-1186 or scba@scba.net.

Another important initiative of the SCBA Historical Development Committee is the digital conversion project. Graduate students at McKissick Museum have completed the transfer of all historic audio material to digital format, to assure that none of the priceless vintage audio is lost. These students are now working on the digital transfer of all historic photographs.

The Broadcaster’s Archives serves the following purposes:

1. Serve as a repository of the state's broadcasting industry to preserve the record of its people and its development and to conduct an active collection program.
2. Provide visibility for the Association and promote public awareness of the contributions of broadcasting and broadcasters in South Carolina.
3. Collect and preserve items of historical and continuing interest such as program recordings, oral histories, information about notable individuals in the industry in South Carolina.