When searching for words to describe the contributions Hugh Terry has made to Denver as a citizen and broadcaster, one need only reflect on comments from the community and his industry peers: “concerned,” “first,” “responsible,” “a pioneer.” No doubt Terry has had an impact on Colorado and the broadcast industry.
Hugh Terry began his Colorado broadcasting career in 1936. During that time, and to his retirement as Vice President and General Manager of KMGH-TV (formerly KLZ) in 1973, he compiled an enviable record of service, both to the community and the broadcasting industry.
It was in 1949 that Variety magazine named him their first “Showmanager of the Year” for the “consistent, sincere efforts of Hugh Terry’s that reflect credit on the entire industry.” Two years later the Junior League’s “League Life” called him “… one of Denver’s First Citizens.”
On November 1, 1952 Terry put Channel 7 on the air, and under his stewardship it ruled as the dominant television station in Denver for more than two decades. Throughout his career he collected nearly every award the broadcast industry had to offer, from the George Foster Peabody Award to the first National EMMY every presented to a local television station. He was the first winner of the RTNDA’s Paul White Memorial Awards for his editorial series which resulted in Colorado becoming the nation’s first state to allow cameras and microphones into the courtroom.
He holds honorary life membership in the RTNDA and in the Colorado Broadcaster’s Association.
It is indeed fitting that the Colorado Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences recognize Hugh B. Terry with our chapter’s first Governor’s Award for his outstanding contribution to our industry, and community.