2015 Inductee
From his first job in Hastings, Nebraska, back in 1973 to the last 25 years here in Denver, Pat Woodard’s career in broadcasting is extensive.
Pat tells stories, lots of them, and he’s really, really good at it. From his many years as a reporter, first at KOMO in Seattle and then at KMGH in Denver, he perfected what was then a new way of filing reports: logging every bit of audio and video and writing a script which allowed natural sound and pictures to convey more information – and more eloquently – than the standard interview had ever done. He earned a reputation in the newsroom with the photography staff, who would jockey with the assignment desk to work with Pat; he made them look good, too. He brings that style to his documentary production as well; his scripts are an exercise in minimalism, with less speaking and more of the other stuff – the people that have stories to tell, and the places and history that are their backdrops.
His career has taken him all over the world, as a local news reporter, with HDNet, the National Geographic Channel, and now in his freelance efforts. In over 40 years in broadcasting, he’s seen and done it all and worked with photographers and crew who respect and admire his passion. Pat’s gift for storytelling, combined with this passion, has never known the boundaries of a job description. Many of his projects over the years have been completed on his own time, pro bono: commemorating the 29th anniversary of the end of the VietNam War; highlighting the work of Colorado orthopedic surgeons in Ukraine; humanitarian work in Chile, Haiti, and with the Susan G. Komen foundation. Recently he contributed his talents for other not-for-profit ventures: V-Day 11.11.11 to honor military veterans, and Droughtland, which spotlights the struggle of farmers and ranchers in Southeastern Colorado.
Where, then, does he also find the time to teach and mentor? Pat’s well-known at the NPPA for his work with the Advanced Team Storytelling Workshop, and for his seminars in conjunction with the RTNDA, individual television stations, international news networks and university journalism students. He’s been honored with over 100 awards over the years, including Edward R. Murrow and Emmy® recognition. In the words of his peers, Pat is a Master Storyteller.