WFIL-TV 6 Action News theme 1970

Yes, here it is: the forgotten theme used by Channel 6 before the current legendary "Move Closer To Your World" Action News theme that we all know (previously uploaded by TechnerVideo). Thanks to my friend Tom Parker for sharing this. This theme ran from April 6, 1970, when Action News debuted, until mid-1972 when Mel Kampmann brought the Move Closer theme with him from WNAC-TV in Boston.

Viewers noted that It ran on many stations owned by Triangle Publications and Gateway Communications, including WSTM-3 Syracuse, NY; KTSP-5 Minneapolis-St. Paul; WNBF-12 Binghamton, NY; WLYH-15 Lebanon, PA; WWL-4 New Orleans; KTLA-5 Los Angeles; WTNH-8 New Haven, CT; WOWK-13 Charleston, WV; and WFBG-10 Altoona, PA.

This theme was written by Temple University student Tom Sellers. Triangle Communications paid Sellers $75 for the work. Triangle sold the station to Capital Cities and the call letters became WPVI on April 27, 1971.

Sellers was a member of the Gulliver band from the Philadelphia area. This band included Hall & Oates. The band was formed by Hall, Tim Moore and Jim Helmer. They formed at Temple University and released one self-titled LP in 1969 for Elektra Records, before being joined by Oates, although they broke up before Oakes could cut any songs with them. (The Great Rock Discography, by Martin Charles Strong, pg. 920).

Tragically, Sellers died in a fire at Exton, Pa. "Died in a fire in March 1988 when a TV blew up (it was OFF) in his parents guest bedroom where he was staying the night." Tom produced 2 Arista albums for Eric Andersen. He also arranged the Tavares "Heaven Must Be Missing An Angel" for Freddie Perrin (this information about Sellers is from musican David Kearney's website).

Side B of this 45 record has a blank white label and nothing recorded on it. The deadwax has "WFIL ACTION 1" and also the initials "Lw" in cursive.

TechnerVideo subscriber William Brown informs us that "Lw" were initials for the Longwear Stamper Co. and the label copy typesetting was by Keystone Printed Specialties Co., Inc., in Scranton, PA. Keystone handled these duties for the Specialty Records Corp. plant in Olyphant, PA through 1971, and for Capitol Records' Scranton, PA plant from the 1940's (before Capitol bought the plant) until 1971.

Category:

Entertainment

Tags:

• WFIL-TV
• WPVI
• Philadelphia
• Action News
• Capital Cities Communications
• Channel 6
• Tom Parker
• Triangle Publications
• Walter Annenberg
• Mel Kampmann
• WNAC
• Temple University
• Tom Sellers

[n3rzy]

This is Tom Parker. The deadwax has "WFIL ACTION 1" and also the initials "Lw" in cursive. I hope everybody enjoy's this recording.

[TechnerVideo]

Thanks Tom!

[wmbrown6]

"Lw" - Ah, I see that the Longwear Stamper Co. made the stampers that produced this record. And believe me, I see a degree of funkiness in this track . . .

[TechnerVideo]

Hmm. I just found your 2004 post stating they made metal parts for the industry. Can you tell us please any more about the Longwear Stamping Co. (funkiness?)

[wmbrown6]

The label copy typesetting was by Keystone Printed Specialties Co., Inc., in Scranton, PA, which handled these duties for the Specialty Records Corp. plant in Olyphant, PA through 1971, and for Capitol Records' Scranton, PA plant from the 1940's (before Capitol bought the plant) until 1971.

What insignia were on the deadwax? Looks more like a Specialty pressing than a Capitol.

[TechnerVideo]

Tom Parker has replied with info. about the deadwax.

[TR1968]

There was also an orchestral version of this music...the Southern Media news theme site recently added a audio clip from WTAJ Altoona with that track.

[genuineuni]

You could obtain this (one sided) record, maybe the the Philadelphia Inquirer for about $.25. I very much enjoyed it! Thanks!

[Aestros909]

Wow that is Epic!!! I think I might love this more than the "move closer to your world" intro.

[UNCJerry77]

As good as "MCTYW" is,this theme is better IMO.

[Bloodybunny]

At least one cut of this theme had a crazy all-percussion open. You can hear it (barely) in a WOWK open from 1984; search YouTube for "WOWK-TV Huntington, W. Va., reports on a fire at its transmitter site (1984)".

WOWK used this theme for a very long time, from the mid-70s through at least 1985, and maybe a couple of years longer.

[jv41653]

This theme was also used by WOWK TV 13 in Huntington, WV back in the 70's as well when it was Channel 13 Action News with Bob Smith. Brings back memories.

[altfactor]

This news theme, although originated at WFIL/WPVI, would be used at quite a few stations in the early and middle 1970's.

I thought WNAC also used this theme around 1970 or 1971.

[BobWXXI]

IIRC they used this on WSTM-TV (NBC, Channel 3) in Syracuse, NY as well,

[TheHarber2010]

When I hear this song, I want to party like its 1970!!!

[ateball1]

@wmbrown6 funky it is !