[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 13]
[Senate]
[Page 17112]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




      DICK KNIPFING's 40TH ANNIVERSARY IN NEW MEXICO BROADCASTING

 Mr. DOMENICI. Mr. President, I rise to pay tribute to a friend 
and public servant of New Mexico, Dick Knipfing of Albuquerque.
  A few years ago, a New Mexico research company conducted a statewide 
poll on the popularity of certain well-known people. My name was one of 
the most recognized, but I wasn't No. 1. The person best known and best 
liked by New Mexicans was Dick Knipfing.
  He is not a politician. He has never been Governor, Senator, mayor, 
or on any city council. Dick is something more special to everyday 
citizens--he has been a nightly guest in their living rooms for 40 
years.
  In July 1963, Dick started as a reporter for the CBS affiliate in 
Albuquerque. He did it all. He shot and edited his own film, wrote his 
own scripts, and got to know some of the most influential people in New 
Mexico. Eventually, Dick became an anchor. Over the course of his 
career, he moved to the ABC affiliate, then to the NBC station, and 
back to ABC. This month, he celebrates his 40th anniversary in 
broadcast journalism at channel 13, the CBS station where it all 
started.
  Since Dick returned to Channel 13, a station whose news had been in 
the ratings cellar, the station rapidly shot into head-to-head 
competition with other New Mexico news channels. There is one big 
reason--Dick Knipfing.
  New Mexicans trust Dick as a veteran newsman. He is respected by his 
colleagues. He has been inducted into the Silver Circle Society by the 
National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, one of the 
organization's highest honors for a television journalist.
  Dick Knipfing is revered by viewers because they easily discern that 
he is devoted to bringing them a comprehensive and accurate look at the 
day's major news events. Viewers have welcomed him into their homes, 
either as a reporter or anchor, because he has shown them that he cares 
very deeply for New Mexico and its people. Dick, and his wonderful 
wife, Charlene, have made Albuquerque and New Mexico their home, and 
integrated themselves into activities to make it a better place to 
live.
  Like tens of thousands of New Mexicans, my wife Nancy and I have 
grown accustomed to Dick's face and his voice. As he marks his 40th 
anniversary in broadcast journalism, we hope there will be 40 more 
years of Dick Knipfing to represent the best in broadcasting.

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