The Modern Era

Tom Howe, UNC-TV's director and general manager

highest priority in his replacement would be finding someone with expertise in, and a commitment to programming excellence. Spangler and Robertson agreed that it was time to refine the vision for UNC-TVwith greater focus on producing original programs that would serve the needs and interests of NorthCarolinians

'North Carolina Now' hosts shannon Vickery and Mitch Lewis

To execute this mandate they hired Tom Howe as UNC-TV’s Director and General Manager in 1992. Howe brought vast experience to the position with a background as a station manager, production executive, programmer, producer, and director. With the support of the University, Howe set about increasing the quality and quantity of original programming and local services.

A major milestone occurred on January 17, 1994 when North Carolina Now made its debut. The ambitious goal for the weeknightly series was to become the most important source of information about the state for North Carolinians. More than a decade later, the program is still going strong.

To bring more depth to UNC-TV’s coverage of the state legislature, Legislative Week in Review was introduced in June 1994. A new emphasis on original programming about North Carolina was taking shape.
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