NBC4 celebrates 75 years of serving central Ohio with special program

COLUMBUS, Ohio ( WCMH ) — NBC4 will celebrate 75 years of serving central Ohio with a special program, “NBC4 at 75,” airing at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday.

Hosted by NBC4 anchor duo Colleen Marshall and Kerry Charles , the show will take viewers on a nostalgic journey, reflecting on key moments in the station’s history and its connection to the community.

The special will highlight NBC4’s evolution from its early days as WLWC in 1949 to its current status as an important local news source.

The show will feature a segment that looks back at what life was like in 1949, the same year NBC4 first went on-air. Viewers will see a report on issues of the time that still resonate today and provide historical context exploring national and local headlines from the station’s debut year.

The audience will also journey back in time to learn about the mid-century Lustron home, once considered the “new standard of living.”

In addition to historical news highlights, “NBC4 at 75” will reflect on local milestones, including the founding of central Ohio institutions like Massey’s Pizza, Whetstone Park, home to the Park of Roses and the Columbus Graduate Chapter of the historically Black fraternity Phi Beta Sigma.

The special will also touch on NBC4’s role in covering major events, including the creation of the “Red, White & BOOM!” fireworks show, which the station has supported since its inception in 1981.

NBC4’s legacy of service to the community is a key theme throughout the special. The station’s contributions beyond news coverage, from special programming to fundraising efforts that have impacted central Ohio will be explored.

The show will also include interviews with former anchors Cabot Rea, Gail Hogan, and Dave Maetzold, who share personal memories of their early days at NBC4.

As part of the celebration, viewers can look forward to a tribute to meteorologist Ben Gelber, NBC4’s longest-tenured on-air personality, along with a look back at some of the most iconic sports moments NBC4 has covered over the years.

Watch “NBC4 at 75,” at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 26, to join the celebration of 75 years of being “Local 4 You.”

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV.