Des Moines's KCCI marks seven decades in broadcasting, spotlighting four significant milestones in its history
In the heart of Iowa, KCCI stands as one of the state's major television stations, renowned for its quality local news coverage. Established on July 31, 1955, as KRNT-TV, the station has a rich 70-year history marked by significant milestones.
One of the most notable milestones came in 1991 when Heidi Soliday became the first female sports director in US history at KCCI. Soliday served in this role until 2007, breaking barriers and paving the way for future female broadcasters.
Another significant milestone was the hiring of Dolph Pulliam, an Iowa native and Drake University basketball star, who became the state's first African American broadcaster at KCCI. Pulliam's groundbreaking work helped diversify the station's programming and reflect the community it serves.
KCCI's commitment to innovation is evident in its development of the Doppler Radar system. Meteorologist John McLaughlin played a crucial role in this achievement, writing and assisting in its installation in the 1990s. This technology has been instrumental in providing accurate and timely weather updates, particularly during severe weather events such as the Greenfield tornado in 2024.
Eric Hanson, a current anchor at KCCI, has been a part of the station for 25 years. His passion for broadcast journalism was inspired by the mystery of TV magic he observed as a child. Hanson has also researched and planned the station's 70-year look back at past historic events.
KCCI's expansion has not been limited to its programming. The station has expanded its presence through social media and added a 4 p.m. newscast. A KCCI crew even visited Eric Hanson's middle school with the station's brand-new satellite truck, offering a unique educational experience.
The station's call sign changed in 1974 due to the Cowles family selling KRNT radio stations. KCCI captured the more than 350,000 people who visited Living History Farms in Urbandale during Pope John Paul II's visit to Iowa in 1979.
As KCCI continues to evolve, it remains committed to its mission of providing quality local news and fostering a sense of community. For more information, you can reach out to Kate Kealey, a general assignment reporter for the Register, at [email protected] or on Twitter at @Kkealey17.
References:
- KCCI celebrates 70 years, highlighting four historic moments for the station. (n.d.). Des Moines Register. Retrieved from https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/entertainment/television/2021/07/31/kcci-des-moines-70-years-anniversary-history-timeline-milestones/5408698001/
- KCCI. (n.d.). In Wikipedia. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/KCCI
- Despite its focus on local news, KCCI has made strides in diversifying its programming, as seen in the hiring of Dolph Pulliam, the state's first African American broadcaster, and Heidi Soliday, the country's first female sports director.
- The station's innovative spirit is not confined to news coverage alone; it has expanded its presence through modern technologies like social media and a 4 p.m. newscast, as well as leveraging technology for educational outreach, such as bringing its satellite truck to schools.
