Harold B. Lee Library

Brigham Young University Broadcasting

Introduction

Brigham Young University is a private university that seeks to develop students of faith, intellect and character who have the skills and the desire to continuing learning and to serve others throughout their lives. Tracing its roots to Utah’s rich pioneer heritage and to Brigham Young Academy, the original school established in 1875, the university continues to provide an outstanding education in an atmosphere consistent with the ideals and principles of its sponsor, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Owen S. Rich pioneered the broadcasting programs at Brigham Young University. He came to BYU in 1946 at the request of T. Earl Pardoe, who was looking for someone to introduce radio broadcasting at the university. Rich came to BYU as an undergraduate student in 1946 and immediately set to work establishing KBYU radio. He graduated from BYU in 1950 and was appointed the first full-time broadcasting instructor at the university. In the early 1950s Rich was asked by President Ernest L. Wilkinson to go to California to learn more about broadcast television. After receiving his MA degree from USC, he returned to BYU and began planning for KBYU-television in 1958. From his foundation developed the broadcasting network that has served Utahans for more than 60 years, and still enjoys success and popularity today. The remarkable history of the broadcasting network can be uncovered through many of the collections held in the University Archives.  The following source materials can get you started on your exploration of Brigham Young University Broadcasting.

Secondary Sources and General information

Collections held by the University Archives will be more useful to your specific research topic after you understand more about the general history of the university. The following resources are available to help you develop that understanding.

• Histories of Brigham Young University
  • Wilkinson, Ernest L. Brigham Young University: The First One Hundred Years (4 volumes). Provo, UT: Brigham Young University Press, 1975
  • Wilkinson, Ernest L. and W. Cleon Skousen. Brigham Young University: A School of Destiny.  Provo, UT: Brigham Young University Press, 1976
• Secondary Sources regarding BYU Broadcasting
  • BX 8670.1 .R375 2010 KBYU: BYU Broadcasting: the beginning: an autobiographical sketch Written by Owen Rich. Includes several chapters regarding the creation and service of KBYU radio and television in its early years, as well as chapters relating to its later history and success.

Primary Sources

• Sample materials dealing with Brigham Young University Broadcasting: A sample of the materials that contain information about the BYU Broadcasting. To map out a research strategy, please schedule an appointment with the University Archivist at 422-5821 or gordon_daines@byu.edu for additional help in discovering what other collections we may have that pertain to your research topic.
  • MSS 5784 Personal histories of Owen S. and Ora Rich, 1922-2006 Owen S. Rich was a pioneer of radio and television programming at Brigham Young University. He taught in the Department of Communications and was the founder of KBYU-FM and KBYU television. This collection includes information relating to the communications courses that Rich taught at BYU. It also includes an autobiography of his career in broadcast education.
  • UA 1311 Audiotapes and related records, 1934-1983 KBYU Reel-to-Reel Tapes, Program Logs, Photos, Negatives and Slides.
  • UA 1142 KBYU-related photographs and material, 1940-1960 This collection contains photographs and other materials related to the history of KBYU television and radio.
  • MSS 2127 Owen S. Rich papers, 1949-1998 This collection includes information relating to the communications courses that Rich taught at BYU. It also includes an autobiography of his career in broadcast education.
  • UA 1017 Department records, 1962-1987 Records of the Broadcast Services Department. The records were organized into six series: I. Correspondence, 1969-1985; II. Meeting Minutes, 1976-1987; III. Committees and Councils, 1976-1979; IV. KBYU, 1962-1987; V. Organizations, 1972-1985; and VI. Broadcast Services General Files, 1962-1985.
  • UA 282 Records, 1964-1967 Records of the Learning Resource Division (since the 1970′s, the Resources Division has been known as Broadcast Services). Collection includes files of the director, assistant directors and departments, and a brief history of the division.
  • UA 1209 Records, 1975-1989 Records of the Broadcast Services Department.  This collection consists of correspondence for KBYU, agendas and schedules for radio and television broadcasts, and minutes of meetings. Restricted for 25 years after the creation of the records and thereafter open to the public after consultation with the University Archivist and in accordance with the General Restriction Statement of the L. Tom Perry Special Collections.
  • UA 933 William Rolfe Kerr files, 1976-1983 Administrative files of W. Rolfe Kerr, executive vice president at BYU, 1980-1984. Includes files relating to KBYU (radio and television and other topics. Includes correspondence, reports, and other information, some predating Kerr’s appointment.
  • UA 989 Speech and videos on KBYU, 1987-1990 This collection contains a speech given by Rich on the establishment of KBYU. It also includes a video documenting Rich’s career at KBYU.

This Popular Search Topics page offers only samplings of materials included in the University Archives that document the history of Brigham Young University Broadcasting. Be sure to visit Special Collections to discover other material.