Gordon Hastings is president of ghhMANAGEMENT. He is the founder of the Broadcasters Foundation of America and the former president of Katz Radio and Katz Television. He is a founder of the Radio Mercury Awards and the Broadcasters Foundation of America Celebrity Golf Tournament.
WARD L. QUAAL
When he entered a room even if you had never met him, you would know he was important. Ward Quaal was crisp, impeccable, confidant, purposeful, statesmanlike and presidential. Ward, always resplendent in his trademark blue suit and unobtrusive tie. Nevertheless, the measure of the man was the antithesis of cosmetics.
Ward Quaal believed from the depth of his soul in the genuineness and importance of free over-the-air radio and television broadcasting. From his first professional position just out of the University of Michigan at the Tribune Company’s WGN-Radio in Chicago to his rise to the presidency of Tribune Broadcasting he never waivered in his commitment to that proposition. He saw broadcasting as a profession of the highest calling and believed deeply that broadcast management was stewardship of a public trust.
Spanning a sixty-six year career Ward counted among his friends the founders of the broadcasting industry. Frank Stanton, Bill Paley, General Sarnoff, Leonard Goldenson, Colonel Robert R. McCormick, Stanley Hubbard, Powel Crosley, Jr. and Sol Taishoff, respected his wisdom and counsel. He was a mentor to hundreds of others less celebrated.
His approach to resolving complex issues was uniquely simple. He ascertained the facts, sought the opinions of others and never overreached. Ward was steadfast on principle placing substance above style.
Ward Quaal was an optimist who gave no quarter to the doomsayers. He did not fear change and understood that challenge was an opportunity. He was a man of great humor with a robust laugh. He was kind, gentle and a loving husband and father. He placed great value upon friendship and loyalty. He loved language and the importance of the written word. His letters remain closely guarded treasurers among those fortunate recipients.
Ward loved America and was confident in its future. He had great faith that a new generation would carry the broadcasting torch with great care and add new vision and innovation.
His daily labor is complete but his legacy is a treasure that will inspire others. The sobriquet “Dean of American Broadcasting” will be evoked in perpetuity in his honor.
Gordon Hastings
September 27, 2010
