[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 134 (Wednesday, September 25, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Page S11316]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO MERRILL MOORE

 Mr. FRIST. Mr. President, I rise today to salute Merrill 
Moore, an experienced and devoted journalist who has become a living 
legend in upper east Tennessee and southwest Virginia. Merrill Moore is 
recognized by many in his community as the steadfast anchorman on WCYB-
TV in Bristol. For 30 years, he has been one of the most trusted and 
most watched journalists in the five State area.
  Moore began his career in radio broadcasting as a student at East 
Tennessee State University [ETSU]. He was a familiar radio personality 
on WETB, the college radio station, and remained active in broadcasting 
throughout his college career. After 2 years of military service, Moore 
returned home to the tri-cities area and to the radio booth.
  Mr. President, at the urging of his colleagues Moore moved to WCYB-TV 
in Bristol where he worked his way through the ranks. In 1962, Moore 
anchored his first newscast at 11 p.m. and by 1964, he was anchoring 
the 6 p.m. newscast. Thirty-four years later, Merrill Moore has reached 
the pinnacle of his broadcasting career. In those years, he has covered 
countless national and local events and has had the opportunity to 
interview Presidents Ford, Carter, Bush, and Clinton.
  Most importantly, Moore has had the opportunity to witness the growth 
of the tri-cities area. Many of his reports have spanned the beginning 
and completion of area projects, such as the construction of the East 
Tennessee State University Medical School and the highway connecting 
the tri-cities to Asheville, NC. He has been a main source of 
information to the community from the drawing board to the dedication 
of many area improvements. And he never fails to provide an up-to-date 
and informative newscast.
  Recently, Merrill Moore was awarded the prestigious George Bowles 
Broadcast Journalism Award for his many years of dedication to WCYB-TV 
and the tri-cities area. The award, presented by the Virginia 
Association of Broadcasters, is an annual honor given to successful 
broadcast journalists that are respected by their peers and the 
community. It also honors journalists for their devotion to their work 
and the amount of insight they bring to the stories they cover. Merrill 
Moore most certainly qualifies for this award and has maintained these 
high standards for many years.
  Mr. President, I would like to ask you to join me in applauding the 
efforts and continued service that Merrill Moore has provided upper 
east Tennessee and south west Virginia. His commitment to the tri-
cities is to be admired by many.

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