ABOUT
After working as a broadcast communicator for more than 50 years, I still have a desire to communicate. Not, however, in the same way that I did for all of those years. I was a broadcast journalist, starting out in radio in 1948 and retiring as a television news anchor at WTVM-TV, Columbus, Georgia in 2000. I did some special reports and documentaries after retiring, and I have appeared on Columbus, Georgia stations to give interviews about my book “The Newsman” and to comment on subjects in the news, and I was recently interviewed for a documentary on the history of television broadcasting in Georgia being produced for Georgia Public Television, but I don’t do any reporting.
Now, my basic form of mass communication is the Internet. I can go at my own pace and I am in total control of the medium that I am using, a blog. On this blog I will be doing some reporting, but with a big difference. I will, when so inspired, comment on what I am reporting. That’s the nature of the blog world, which is now a part of my world.
This is a variety site that will feature subjects and issues concerning the Columbus, Georgia, Phenix City, Alabama and Fort Benning, Georgia area, but the site is not limited to that. Naturally, since I am a retired journalist, I will be commenting on news media. But, I will also comment on personal matters from time to time. You just never know what I’ll be talking about.
I hope you will find the blog interesting and will feel free to comment on the posts.
My name is Dick McMichael. Welcome to “Dick’s World.”
Dick's World 
June 17, 2010 at 9:43 pm |
Stumbled onto your Website. I was born on Hilton Ave in Columbus across the street from the Bickerstaff mansion (now burned) 1924. Went to Wynnton Grammar School and grad Columbus High School. My sister says I am a walking history book about Columbus. Our father, Albert Marion Forbes, was president of Walton Forbes Printing Inc on First Ave. Plus many more…..What I am missing is a picture of the Bickerstaff Mansion, “Hilton” where I visited and played so often as a lad. I have compiled a family history and need a picture of “Hilton”. Any suggestions? Many Thanks, William A. Forbes, LTC US Army, Ret
June 18, 2010 at 2:53 pm |
I don’t have one, myself. Perhaps Billy Winn or John Lupold would be good sources to check. There is, of course, the one in the John Wyane movie “The Green Berets.” You probably remember that he used the mansion as a set for a mansion in the jungles of Vietnam.
April 8, 2013 at 7:25 pm |
What a joy to come upon your site, as we worked together a bit back in 1978-1982 during my days as the Director for the local Muscular Dystrophy Assoc. office in Columbus Ga. We had a few late nights during those longer 24 hour telethon days, planning our 15 minute cut-a-ways from the national broadcast. Thanks for all they help you gave me and the support for our events. Hope you are doing well.
April 9, 2013 at 1:43 pm |
Good hearing from you, Alan. I remember those broadcasts very well. They wee emotionally grueling, but got results. Contributions climbed each year, if I remember correctly.
May 31, 2013 at 7:31 am |
Mr. McMichael,
I knew you had retired years back from WTVM, but I just wanted to say I grew up watching you on television and you were one of my favorite newscasters. I lived in Seale, Alabama and was once on the station when the kids at Oliver Elementary helped with the Hurricane Andrew effort as one of the children interviewed. Now 32 and a mother myself, I always wanted to say thank you for all your hard work. And I know you may have not had a hand in it, but either way, thank you for letting me have that opprotunity to even be on the news. I just recently stumbled across your blog and I wish you many more good years to come since I will be looking out on here when I can.
April 1, 2018 at 1:45 am |
Dear Dick,
I would like to take a moment to say thank you for an article you wrote in Reader’s Digest back in 1991 about Mr. Bob Barr. I have keep that article all these years because the man meant that much to me 50 years ago, and still does. After Mr. Barr left Jordan High School he went to Glynn Academy High School in Brunswick, and I was very fortunate to have been one of his students. I was rereading the article as I prepare to write about him as part of our 50th reunion which is about to happen. The challenge is write about who was your most memorable person from high school, and there can no other for me. After rereading the article I thought I would see if I could find you and just say thanks to another ” band brother.”
Bless you,
Jim Gilchrist