Chief Broadcast Engineer at EDS & The Voice Of BIG TEX
- Current
-
- Chief Broadcast Engineer at EDS
- The Voice of BIG TEX at The State Fair Of Texas
- Television & Satellite Broadcast Engineer at Trinity Workplace Learning
- Founder / Executive Director at The Yesterday USA Radio Networks
- Past
-
- Broadcast Engineer / On-Camera and Voice-over Talent at KRLD / KDFW Channel 4 Television ( CBS / FOX Affiliate ) Dallas, TX.
- Contract Broadcast Engineer at KDAF-TV, Channel 33/WB Television, Dallas, Texas.
- Freelance Camera Operator, Video Engineer, and Audio Engineer. at CBS TELEVISION / News / Sports, New York City.
- Founder / Executive Curator at The National Museum Of Communications, Inc.
- Freelance Contractor at KSKY RADIO, Dallas, Texas.
- Broadcast Engineer / On-Camera and Voice-over Talent at KTVT-TV, Channel 11/CBS Television Fort Worth, Texas.
- On-air Talent / Broadcast Engineer at KPCN RADIO (Now KKDA), Grand Prairie, Texas.
- Industry
-
Public Relations and Communications
- Websites
- Public Profile
- http://www.linkedin.com/in/billbraggakabigtex
Summary
Bill Bragg joined the EDS Global Broadcast Network in May of 2005; as Chief Broadcast Engineer. His responsibilities include maintaining the video and audio quality standards for the many worldwide broadcasts and teleconferences that originate from the two ( 2 ) Television Studios located on the EDS Plano, Texas campus. Mr. Bragg brings over 38 years of television, radio and motion picture experience to the GBN Broadcast Team, and has enjoyed numerous successes in many local and national markets! He is considered a pioneer in the industry, after being involved in television from: “Black & White to Satellite”. He has also evolved with technology too, being one of the first broadcasters to stream audio on the Internet. Whether it’s a screw driver in his shirt pocket or a script in his right hand; Bill is comfortable both in front of and behind the camera or microphone.
Specialties:
Bill presented a class in the “Set-up & Proper Adjustment of Color Television Cameras”; teaching EDS Team Members how to recognize & correct poor quality video images. Participated in The Jason Project by writing, producing and providing all voice characterizations for a 15 minute Radio Show that was distributed to school students in N. Texas. Traveled to NASA Headquarters in Houston, TX; and secured the loan of a Moon Rock; which was placed on view at EDS during The 2006 Jason Project Exhibit.
Experience
Chief Broadcast Engineer
(Public Company ; 10,001 or more employees ; EDS; Information Technology and Services industry)
2005 – Present (3 years)
Bill Bragg is the Chief Broadcast Engineer for The EDS Global Broadcast Television Network and maintains the 8 EDS color television cameras. He manages the live studio area during all broadcasts and video taping sessions; working closely with the office of the CEO and the many other Department Managers who are featured on the Global Secure Television Network. Bill performs the "on-camera Test" before each live broadcast and provides voice talent for many of the instructional broadcasts as well.
The Voice of BIG TEX
(Non-Profit ; 501-1000 employees ; Entertainment industry)
May 2002 – Present (6 years 3 months)
In 2002, Bill Bragg was selected from a group of over 500 local and national announcers by The State Fair of Texas in Dallas to perform the voice of "Big Tex". The 52 foot tall statue towers over millions of annual fair visitors each October; and he has been the official mascot of the world's largest State Fair for over 50 years. All of Tex's announcements are preformed "live" and Bragg's booming voice echos over the entire 277 acre Dallas Fair Park for nine hours each day; during the entire 24 day annual event!
Television & Satellite Broadcast Engineer
Trinity Workplace Learning
(Public Company ; 201-500 employees ; E-Learning industry)
March 1990 – Present (18 years 5 months)
On camera spokesperson for the Interactive Distance Training Network (IDTN). Installed two (2) satellite network control centers. Installed and constructed "Studio C" Control Room & Studio. Installed the "One-Touch" interactive communications system. Repaired and restored 300 B-Mack satellite receiver units. Re-wired main telephone and computer system. Voice Over Announcer and Studio Camera & Audio Production Operator. Satellite Encryption Authorization Technician for eight (8) television networks, using the Scientific Atlanta PowerVu Digital Satellite Receiver Systems. Satellite Uplink Engineer.
Founder / Executive Director
(Non-Profit ; 11-50 employees ; Entertainment industry)
April 1983 – Present (25 years 4 months)
Bill Bragg founded The Yesterday USA Radio Networks in 1983, which has been broadcasting public domain Old Time Radio Shows across the nation and around the world for a quarter of a century! The Network is on the air 24 hours a day and can be heard on two powerful KU Band Satellites, many Cable Television Outlets, in 2,000 Hospitals & Nursing Homes and on many on Low-Power AM/FM Radio Stations. Bragg was the first to introduce Internet Listeners to Old Time Radio & the service is also available on Cell Telephones. Live shows are presented 7 nights a week. Bragg has assembled a staff of over 50 on-air professionals that include the likes of: Frank Bresee (the voice of "Little Beaver" on old time radio's Red Ryder program), 2 time Oscar winning song writer Richard Sherman, Milt Larsen (Founder of the Magic Castle in Hollywood, CA.) and country music super star Ronnie Milsap. Bill Bragg holds the world's record for the most number of hours of Satellite Broadcast Time.
Broadcast Engineer / On-Camera and Voice-over Talent
KRLD / KDFW Channel 4 Television ( CBS / FOX Affiliate ) Dallas, TX.
January 1968 – December 1997 (30 years)
Movies:
A Bullet For Pretty
Boy - 1970 w/Fabian
Semi Tough - 1977
w/Burt Reynolds &
Kris Kristofferson
TEXAS: The Big
Picture - 2003
w/Bill Bragg as the
voice of BIG TEX
Television:
The Funeral Of
President Dwight D.
Eisenhower - CBS
The Dedication of
The LBJ Library -
CBS
Sixty Minutes - CBS
NFL Football - CBS
Apollo 8 (Lunar
Orbit Mission) - CBS
Presidential Visits
(Richard Nixon thru
George W. Bush) -
CBS
The Visit of Her
Majesty The Queen Of
England - CBS
The visit of the
Holy Father Pope
John Paul II - KDFW-TV
4 Country Reporter,
KDFW-TV
8 Country Reporter,
WFAA-TV
The Eyes Of Texas,
KPRC-TV
and on over 20 other
Television Stations
Radio:
KRLD
KSKY
KPCN
KCWM
KYAL.
THE YESTERDAY USA
RADIO NETWORKS
Print:
The Dallas Morning
News
The Dallas Times
Herald
Broadcast
Engineering
Radio World
Texas Highways
Southern Living
Satellite Orbit
Magazine
Satellite Times
Magazine
Delta Airlines In
Flight Magazine
100's of National &
International
Publications
Contract Broadcast Engineer
KDAF-TV, Channel 33/WB Television, Dallas, Texas.
(Public Company ; 11-50 employees ; Media Production industry)
February 1994 – September 1994 ( 8 months)
Installed, wired & constructed News Operations Center.
Freelance Camera Operator, Video Engineer, and Audio Engineer.
(Public Company ; 1001-5000 employees ; Media Production industry)
February 1968 – December 1993 (25 years 11 months)
Worked on the
following projects:
The Funeral Of
President Dwight D.
Eisenhower - CBS
The Dedication of
The LBJ Library -
CBS
Sixty Minutes - CBS
NFL Football - CBS
Apollo 8 (Lunar
Orbit Mission) - CBS
Presidential Visits
(Richard Nixon thru
George W. Bush) -
CBS
Founder / Executive Curator
The National Museum Of Communications, Inc.
(Non-Profit ; 1-10 employees ; Museums and Institutions industry)
January 1979 – September 1990 (11 years 9 months)
In 1979, Bill founded The National Museum Of Communications, Inc., which became the world's largest broadcast and communications Museum. He personally designed the building and exhibits, secured 21 moving vans of artifacts; which included the TV camera that broadcast-ed the assassination of Lee Harvey Oswald, Thomas Edison's microscope, the audio consol from the Voice Of America Studios, Charlie Chaplain's movie camera, Walter Cronkite's microphone from his last CBS Evening News Broadcast, the Gold Record for "Rock Around The Clock" and the guitar that Bill Haley used when he recorded the song, Elvis Presley's silver clad belt and gold plated sunglasses and Buddy Holly's improvising guitar. Bragg went on to established a Board of Trustees that included actor Donald O'Connor, actress Patty Duke, Jack Valenti (Special Assistant to President Lyndon Johnson) and Trammell S. Crow. This group raised over 12 million dollars in funding for the 501 (c) 3 tax-exempt / non-profit Museum.
Freelance Contractor
KSKY RADIO, Dallas, Texas.
(Public Company ; 1-10 employees ; Media Production industry)
April 1967 – November 1975 (8 years 8 months)
Announcer, Disc Jockey, News Broadcaster, Studio Engineer and Transmitter Engineer.
Broadcast Engineer / On-Camera and Voice-over Talent
KTVT-TV, Channel 11/CBS Television Fort Worth, Texas.
(Public Company ; 51-200 employees ; Media Production industry)
March 1966 – December 1968 (2 years 10 months)
Camera Operator, Lighting Director, Set Designer, On-camera & Voice-over talent and Floor Director.
On-air Talent / Broadcast Engineer
KPCN RADIO (Now KKDA), Grand Prairie, Texas.
(Public Company ; 1-10 employees ; Media Production industry)
February 1966 – December 1967 (1 year 11 months)
Announcer, Disc Jockey, News Broadcaster, Studio Engineer and Transmitter Engineer .
Education
Hillcrest High
School, Dallas,
Texas
El Centro Community
College, Dallas,
Texas
Abilene Christian University
License -
Certifications -
Awards
Society of Broadcast
Engineers (SBE):
Certified
Professional
Broadcast Engineer
Lifetime Membership
(Highest
Classification)
Federal
Communications
Commission (FCC):
General
Radiotelephone
Operator License
(formerly 1st Phone)
Amateur Radio
Operator (HAM)
KA5PIP (technician
with code)
Microwave Radio
Station License
WNEE391
State of
Louisiana: Louisiana
State Senator 1993
(Honorary)
State of Texas:
Notary Public
Texas Historical
Commission:
Certificate of
Commendation 1981
National Association
Of Broadcasters:
1982 Order of the
Iron Test Pattern
Iron Mike Award
(1982 NAB
Convention)
Friends of Old
Time Radio: Allen
Rockford Award 1994
(Highest Award)
Recommendations For Bill
Chief Broadcast Engineer - EDS
“Its been my pleasure to have worked with Bill on quite a few projects since around 2000. Bill's extensive background has made him a perfect candidate to fill multiple roles on different occasions. From being an excellent camera operator to doing superb installation work as a broadcast engineer, Bill brings a dedication to quality and leadership that is infrequently matched in others. I have no doubt that he brings his "A-Game" every day to the job, so its my pleasure to recommend Bill's work and his amazing work ethic.” May 22, 2008
- Will Raymond
hired Bill as a
Broadcast Engineer
in 2000, and hired
Bill more than once
The Voice of BIG TEX - The State Fair of Texas
“Bill has taken ownership of the Big Tex position and done an excellent job. Great ambassador for the State Fair of Texas.” May 22, 2008
- Richard Ray,
Anchor/Reporter, Fox
Broadcasting
worked with Bill at
The State Fair Of
Texas
Television & Satellite Broadcast Engineer - Trinity Workplace Learning
“I worked with Bill way back when Trinity Workplace/Primedia/Westcott was Westcott. Bill is a genius who can figure out any sort of electronic equipment, and has a love for our industry that can only be explained as fervent. Bill is always a delight to work with, friendly, personable, and with suggestions for making things work better! (Plus, it's a huge kick to hear him as Big Tex at the State Fair!) I can highly recommend Bill to anyone needing engineering work in audio/video/broadcast!!!” July 1, 2008
- Scott Finley,
producer/manager,
PRIMEDIA Workplace
Learning/westcott
communications
worked with Bill at
Trinity Workplace
Learning
“I have had the pleasure of knowing and working with Bill Bragg for over 15 years. Not only is he a hard working and dedicated individual, but he is also one of the friendliest and most easy-going people I know. Bill brings a wealth of audio and video production knowledge to any situation. His professional attitude and work ethic make him an asset to any team.” June 16, 2008
- Greg Stephens,
Production Manager,
Primedia Workplace
Learning
managed Bill at
Trinity Workplace
Learning
“Bill is a hard
working, wonderful
man. Always a joy to
be around and work
with. I look forward
to more
opportunities in the
future.”
May 27, 2008
- Brian Shelton,
Director/Editor,
Primedia Productions
worked directly with
Bill at Trinity
Workplace Learning
“Bill always exemplified a professional attitude combined with exceptional knowledge in his chosen area. It was a pleasure to be associated with Bill Bragg.” May 19, 2008
- Bill Dunn,
Senior VP Production
and Programming,
Primedia Inc.
managed Bill
indirectly at
Trinity Workplace
Learning
“Only one word to fully capture the essence of Bill (Big Tex) Bragg - - - Amazing. To flesh that out - Bill always uses his professionalism, intelligence and attention to detail when achieving the goals of the client or company. He practices what he preaches and consistently works hard to improve his own skills. Having a clear understanding of time management and the true meaning of commitment, Bill succeeds where others fall short. He brings a very personal and empathetic touch to his approach with his fellow employees and clients. People are naturally drawn to his down-to-Earth approach to management and relationship building. He always maintained a high cognizance of what it takes to fulfill the company mission. In his quest to achieve higher professional standards, Bill demonstrates a clear understanding of what it takes to deliver the targeted end result. Bill is a wonderful person, hard worker, committed employee, dependable and just simply a pleasure to know – and obviously comes to you highly recommended.” May 19, 2008
- Lonny Wilder,
Vice President, TWL
Knowledge Group
managed Bill
indirectly at
Trinity Workplace
Learning
Additional Information
Websites:
Interests:
Model railroading, collecting old time radio memorabilia and antiques.
I have recently refurbished my home to include: two (2) full size 1930's General Stores, a 1940's two-window Post Office, a 1950's Mobil Gas Station and a 50's Dinner & Malt Shop. A fully functional Amusement Park Train Ride meanders it's way through the house, allowing riders the opportunity to ring the bell & blow the whistle; while they inspect the celebrity wardrobe exhibit and the 5,000 die cast miniature model car collection. The indoor showroom includes a full size 1929 Model A Ford and a vintage 1974 Rolls Royce. Other items of interest include a collection of full size and miniature juke boxes, a slot machine, a pinball machine, a player piano and some 50 plus Edison and Victor antique phonographs, radios and television sets. There are several model train layouts, and the climate controlled Archive contains over 60 thousand sound recordings, films and videos. The backyard was once home to a 1902 outside braced wooden caboose, that rested on 39 feet of 90 pound rail. When the neighbors complained, the caboose was sold to the City Of Irving, Texas; and it is now on exhibit in Irving's historic Heritage Park.
Groups and Associations:
International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 1257
The Society of Broadcast Engineers (SBE) Dallas, TX.
The Society of Broadcast Engineers (SBE) Tulsa, OK.
The Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE)
Audio Engineering Society of America
The Radio Club of America, Inc.
The Technical Club of Dallas
International Television Association (ITVA)
North American Radio Archives (NARA)
Dallas Communications Council (DCC)
Dallas Amateur Radio Club (DARC)
Irving Amateur Radio Club (IARC)
Vintage Radio & Phonograph Society (VRPS)
American Association of Museums
Museum of Television & Radio of New York
Texas Association of Museums
N. Texas Museum Association
National Trust for Historic Preservation
Dallas Historical Society
Big Band Society of the Metroplex
National Lum & Abner Society
S.P.E.R.D.V.A.C.
New England Country Music Historical Society
Houston Vintage Radio & Phonograph Society
Radio Historical Association of Colorado
The Northwest Vintage Radio Society
Radio Enthusiasts of Puget Sound
The Rolls Royce Club of Texas
Honors and Awards:
Selected by The State
Fair of Texas to perform
the voice of "BIG TEX",
a 52 foot tall statue,
who has become the
official mascot of the
Fair.
Founded The Yesterday
USA Radio Networks.
Broadcasting Old Time
Radio Shows 24/7, it can
be heard on 2
satellites, many Cable
Television Outlets, in
2,000 Hospitals &
Nursing Homes, on
Low-Power AM/FM Radio,
the Internet & Cell
Phones
.
Founded The National
Museum Of
Communications, Inc.;
the world's largest
broadcast and
communications Museum.
Personally designed the
building and exhibits,
secured 21 moving vans
of artifacts; including
the television camera
that broadcasted the
assassination of Lee
Harvey Oswald, the
control console from the
Voice Of America,
Charlie Chaplain's movie
camera, Walter
Cronkite's microphone
from his last newscast &
the first printed copies
of Webster's Dictionary
and The King James
Bible. Established a
Board of Trustees that
included Trammell Crow,
& raised 12 million
dollars in funding.
Personal Information:
Born: 12/02/46
Health:
Excellent
Build: 6ft
5in, 250 pounds
Family:
Married, no children
Church:
First United Methodist Church, Dallas,
Texas
Civic:
Tannehill Masonic Lodge, Dallas,
Texas
Scottish Rite Lodge Of
Perfection, Dallas, Texas
Hella Shrine Temple,
Garland, Texas
Scottish Rite Club,
Richardson, Texas