Fred Gault Returns to TV at Channel 3 in Chattanooga
Chattanooga has welcomed back a familiar face in local television news, Fred Gault. After years away, Gault has made his return to WRCB-TV, also known as Channel 3, bringing with him a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective on news broadcasting.
A Journey Through Time
Fred Gault’s history with Channel 3 dates back to the late 1960s and early 1970s, a time when television news was quite different from what we see today. He started his career at Channel 3 in 1969 when he was appointed as the news director. One of his first big stories was covering the famous Civil War locomotive, “The General”. The train made headlines when it passed through Chattanooga on its way to Georgia, and Gault’s team captured significant footage of the event.
During this earlier chapter, news stories were often filmed on 16 mm black and white film, which was processed by hand at the station. This labor-intensive process required a specific skill set and patience, especially when turning negatives into the final product. The introduction of color film later brought a significant shift in operations, enhancing the visual quality of news reports.
Notable Events During His Tenure
Over the years, Gault has seen Channel 3 cover numerous important events. One major story was the Jimmy Hoffa jury tampering trial, which Gault described as captivating and lengthy. During this trial, U.S. District Judge Frank Wilson was recognized for his honorable handling of the case.
Another event that Gault recalls vividly is the rash of violence following a concert by Wilson Pickett in May of 1971. The singer’s failure to perform led to several nights of unrest in Chattanooga, prompting Mayor Robert Kirk Walker to implement a curfew in an effort to restore order in the community.
Groundbreaking Innovations
In addition to covering major local happenings, Gault was responsible for launching innovative programs at Channel 3, including “Action Line”, the city’s first consumer affairs show. This program addressed viewers’ complaints and provided a platform for resolving their issues with local businesses. The initiative was seen as a bold step for television at the time, and although it ruffled some feathers in the sales department, it proved to be a valuable resource for the community.
Employment Practices and Changes
During Gault’s second tenure at Channel 3, he played a key role in diversifying the newsroom. The station was noted for being one of the first in the area to hire an African-American reporter, Stan Coleman. Coleman later moved on to have a successful career in Louisville, Kentucky. Gault’s leadership also saw the momentous rise in union activity among employees after they felt mistreated under the station’s previous owner, Rust Craft, leading to a contract that improved their working conditions.
A New Chapter Begins
After stepping away from television for several years, Gault has returned to Channel 3, where he plans to utilize his extensive background to address contemporary issues and bring fresh ideas to the news landscape. As he resumes his work, he is eager to engage with new types of storytelling while building on the strong foundation laid by previous years in local broadcasting.
Community Connection
Gault is not just a figure behind the camera; he’s also deeply connected to the Chattanooga community. He encourages residents to share their stories and concerns, allowing Channel 3 to continue serving as a trusted source of news in the area. With his passion for journalism and dedication to serving the public interest, Fred Gault’s return to Channel 3 marks an exciting new chapter for both him and the station.
