NANCY GOODSPEED

     I worked at KBLL Radio and then TV in late 1972 and early 1973.  Initially I was hired to write all of the radio Christmas copy, and then had the chance to move to TV doing production work and, with Tim Babcock’s approval of my request, doing the weathercasts on the early and late news as well.

     One of my strongest memories involves covering the opening of the Legislature in 1973.  Because we didn’t have a 16 mm film camera let alone the means to develop or edit movie film, everything we did in those days – production, news and promotions – involved 35 mm slide film which, as one of my duties, I developed daily in the darkroom on the second floor of the TV station.  So, covering the opening of the Legislature meant driving to the Capitol and then shooting a roll of slide film of which 3-4 frames were used on the newscast.          

       Nancy at the Weather Board

      I also remember the Union Bank as a long-time sponsor of the weathercast with their famous Weather Ball mounted on a tower atop the bank building: “…Weather Ball red as fire, the temperature is going higher!  When the Weather Ball is green, no change in temperature is foreseen.  Weather Ball flashing night or day, rain or snow is on the way!’ was just part of the sponsors’ ad-libed ad in the commercial break in the weather forecast.

     You’ll note in the photos that the temperature was right around 30 degrees below zero – pretty chilly, but nothing out of the ordinary for winter in the 1970s.  Also, note that we gave pilots information as to whether flying was rated VFR or (I believe it was…) UFR.  This was a carryover from a previous owner or weathercaster who was a private pilot.

     By the way, the news anchor at KBLL-TV then was Bob Kerr, who also was general manager, and I believe, sales manager as well, during the time I worked there.  I wonder where he is these days?

     Thanks for the opportunity to provide these photos and quick thoughts about a great time in Montana television.

With kind regards,

Nancy Goodspeed

     After leaving Helena, Nancy worked at KXLF in Butte, and then became the first anchorwoman in Spokane at KHQ.  She became the Director of Marketing for the Montana Lottery in 1987.  She later held the same position for the Minnesota State Lottery and was Vice President of Marketing for the Kentucky Lottery Corporation.  She has also been Leadership Spokane Director, an area Manager for U.S. West Communications, and has held many other poistions.  In  her own words, “Over the years I have lived quite a few places and had some fantastic jobs.”  Nancy is currently the Marketing Director for the City of Spokane Parks and Recreation Department.

HERE ARE SOME SHOTS FROM NANCY'S PHOTO ALBUM...

Nancy with Roger Mudd and Tom Brokaw at NBC News-New Yoerk City - 1982

Nancy Goodspeed at a KHQ Billboard-Spokane - 1983

Nancy Goodspeed on the News Set of KHQ -1984