WDAF-TV to reunite its dream team for 60th anniversary

Wow, has it been 10 years since I marked WDAF-TV's half century of service? It has.

As we approach the 60th anniversary of the night that the Kansas City Star switched on the area's first — and for nearly four years its only — television station, management there has plans to reunite its most memorable anchor team. Take it away, multiple Emmy winner Damon Bryant:

First, on Thursday, October 15 at 9:30PM we are planning to run a 30-minute special, “60 Years of News.” This will be the fourth in a series of half-hour specials that have run over the past year. This special will include the biggest news stories from the past 60 years, with interviews and reflections from WDAF-TV alumni.

On Friday, October 16, our morning show will kick off the day with a special anniversary edition that will feature highlights and clips from the past, remembrances and a few special treats and other viewer giveaways. That evening at 6pm and possibly at 10pm, we are reuniting the dream team of Cynthia Smith and Phil Witt (click the videos). Cynthia will co-anchor both shows and help provide a special look back to our NBC glory days.

We are also producing a limited edition DVD that will include the four 60-year specials, plus our 50th and 20th anniversary specials. Also included will be rare still photographs from the decades and bonus interview material from WDAF alumni that has not been seen or previously aired. This DVD will be available for purchase after Thanksgiving at any area Rod’s Hallmark Gold Crown store.

(Make sure you check out WDAF's 60th anniversary website, loaded with archival photos and video like the ones featuring Phil and Cynthia below. Also, there's details about the time capsule burial happening on the 16th; kids are invited to submit entries.--AB)