The LuLac Edition #4,336, June 27th, 2020

INTERVIEW

DeCOSMO RETIRES FROM ECTV

David DeCosmo on ECTV set and the familiar face and voice news consumers have seen and heard for 61 years. (Photo: DeCosmo archives)

Broadcast legend (yes he's blushing as he reads this) has hung up his microphone and camera again. This time it might be for keeps. David DeCosmo, a fixture in broadcasting, has never rested on his laurels. An award winner many times over, DeCosmo was the host of ECTV's recently rebranded "Preview" program. We asked him about his decision but first wanted to know how the show originated.

 1. David, how did this Public Affairs show come about?

After leaving WYOU/WBRE in 2009 I teamed with former colleague Mark Monahan to shoot a series I called "People, Places, and Things" highlighting area people and, in a few cases, local industry. I was delivering one of those programs to the ECTV studio when I noticed the large window overlooking Wyoming Avenue and watching the people walking by. I told the station Director, Mark Migilore, it looked like the set of the "Today" show on NBC and suggested it would be great to do a show with that background. Mark said "Come up with a show and we'll do it." I enlisted the aid of Judge Tom Munley to do a weekly Live program about upcoming public events. Tom hosted it while I co-hosted and produced it. Our one Live show was also recorded and aired three times daily on ECTV. Eventually Judge Munley left and I took over the main host chair with help from a number of co-hosts. They included Paula Deignan, Barry Finn, Derry Bird, Frank Andrews, and Rusty Fender. Since most broadcasts were shown as recordings I changed the name of the program from ECTV Live to Preview earlier this year.

2. What was your most memorable show?

One of my most recent guests. George Horwatt, presented a strong case for the actual location of Camelot, supported by extensive documentation and some photographs. His story suggests that modern day politics is not limited to the United States and is the reason the amazing story is not being told to the world!


3. You top 5 favorite guests and exclude my appearance please.

Given that we've done some 3600 plus programs since 2010 that's a real tough one. Two that made a very big impression were historian Robert Wolensky and producer Albert Brocca who,along with Brocca's cousin David, produced a wonderful documentary on the Knox Mine Disaster. George Horwatt's research on the real King Authur and Camelot, if even half accurate, amounted to a breaking news story with international interest. But "regulars" such as Jamie Hailstone on Scranton's Saint Patrick's Day Parade, Chris DiMattio on the Italian Festival,Tom Fritz on the Santa Parade, and Joann Arduino on the annual free Nut Cracker Ballet were welcome guests who provided the audience with current information on those events which brought thousands to the Electric City! But to paraphrase Will Rogers, I never met a guest I didn't like.

4. After having a broadcast audience with network affiliates, and doing this very local show, was that any easier or just as challenging at times?

The interview part of the program was usually easier because I had a half hour to work with. Additionally, the program was not usually "hard news" in nature but, rather, an "informational " presentation about the event or service we were featuring. The production aspect was often harder because I had to handle everything myself and try to keep it very current. There was also, generally, no hard and fast time considerations such as those faces by local news outlets so that aspect was easier. If is ironic, as I look back, to realize the half hour program, aired three times a day every week day, had me "on the air" more than ever!


5. Tell me the difference in staffing and production?

Other that the co-hosts I've identified, the staff has consisted of Mark Migilore who photographed most of the editions and Chris Bolton who is operating the new ECTV studios in Scranton. I have produced all of the programs. That involves selecting a subject, a guest, and arranging a time when all of those can get together ahead, of course of the event or service we're promoting.

6. Why the decision now to say goodbye?

There are several factors. The most pressing has been the production of weekly programs during the virus pandemic.
Remember, the show was designed to promote upcoming events and services. Most events have been cancelled since March. And the stay at home advisory found me producing, shooting, and editing the show myself from home. That generally tied up the better part of a day and I've been a volunteer at this effort from the beginning. I've also recently converted my daily blog (posted on Facebook) to a video format much like the old Paul Harvey offerings on radio or those of the late Andy Rooney on television. The response has been great with one recent blog receiving over 1500 views in a day. I still write a bimonthly Grandparents column for a Scranton Times insert, watch a pre school grandchild part of two days each week and serve as an escort with my wife for Travelworld once touring resumes. Chris Fetchko is giving me my second movie role for his new production with filming to begin asap, and lastly, I'll be 78 in September, am now in my 61st year in broadcasting and doing a weekly show just isn't fun anymore. You know the old baseball quote "When the game isn't fun anymore it's time to quit." Which reminds me, I haven't pitched for about 8 years now!


7. What do you say to the people who tell you "you'll be back?

Well I'm told Chris Bolton is already working on a "Man on the street" idea, and I've already told a couple of my regular guests I'll make myself available for any special that might help their cause. So I suspect I'd have to say they're probably right. But NOT on a weekly basis!